17 Aug The Ultimate Guide to Hardwood Floor Maintenance

Hardwood floors are one of the best investments you can make in your home. They add style, beauty, and elegance to any space, and last decades with proper care. That said, what’s the best way to care for hardwood floors? How much attention do they really need?

Don’t worry! We’ve created this guide to show you the step by step process for wood flooring maintenance. We’ll show you how to care for your flooring on both a weekly and annual basis to preserve its health and luster.

Your regular maintenance guide for hardwood floors

Hardwood floors don’t need to be babied, but they do need your attention at least once a week to stay in pristine condition. Weekly cleaning and maintenance reduce the chance you’ll need to refinish your floors every year.

Step 1: Sweep and dust daily

Hardwood needs to be swept or dusted on a daily basis. This prevents the daily accumulation of grime and gunk from dulling your floors. To sweep your floors quickly, use a push broom or a wide-angled microfiber broom.

Step 2: Vacuum weekly

Vacuuming gives your floors a much deeper clean in little time. While you should be sweeping at least daily, a vigorous weekly vacuum will remove much more dirt and dust from your floors. Don’t forget those hard-to-reach baseboards and corners!

Step 3: Use wood floor cleaner weekly

Hardwood floors are sensitive to moisture and you can’t mop them like tile or laminate. Don’t skimp on finding the right cleaner! It could prove disastrous for your beautiful hardwood floors.

Not sure which floor cleaner to use? Check out our hardwood floor cleaner guide to find the best fit.

Step 4: Wax monthly

You’ll need to wax your floors once a month to maintain their classic sheen. To wax your floors, choose either a solid paste wax or a liquid wax. A solid paste lasts longer, but many homeowners opt for liquid because it’s faster to apply.

Always apply wax to a clean floor. To apply, dab either your paste or liquid onto a cloth and spread it evenly on the floor. Let the first layer dry, then apply a second layer. You can use a floor polisher tool to buff the wax for an amazing shine.

Yearly flooring maintenance

If you stay on top of regularly maintaining your hardwood floors, you’ll notice that you need to do less annual upkeep. Still, it’s in your best interest to do annual maintenance to keep your hardwood floors sparkling.

Step 1: Deep clean

If you’ve been neglecting that daily sweep or weekly vacuum, now’s the time to catch up. Repeat the steps in the above checklist to give your floors a proper spring cleaning.

Step 2: If needed, refinish your floors

Hardwood floors need to be refinished every 3 – 5 years. This fixes deep scratches and signs of wear and tear on your floors, making them look as good as new. To refinish your floors, first sand your floors with an electric sander (remember to wear a mask). Work in rows, ensuring the floor is sanded evenly. If you want to remove deep blemishes in the wood, you might need to switch to a more aggressive sandpaper.

Next, use a vacuum to remove the dust from the floor. Once the floor is clean, it’s time to reseal it. Apply sealant using a bristle brush. Remember to wear gloves, and work your way out of a room starting in the far corners and ending in the entryway. Allow the sealant to dry for 24 hours after application. If needed, buff and apply a second coat of sealant.

The bottom line

Hardwood floor care doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Make it a regular part of your routine to protect this beautiful investment in your home’s value. Need help maintaining your flooring? Give West Chester Hardwood Flooring a ring to chat with an expert about your floors.