Hardwood Floor Messes Don’t Need To Be a Nightmare
Hardwood floor messes need dealing with immediately, and they often show up unexpectedly, no matter how much we try to avoid them. Extending the life and luster of our wood flooring simply requires we deal with these accidents as they happen in our Reno/Tahoe homes. I’ve made a list of common messes, and some great solutions for dealing with them.
Everyday Dust
Regular dusting or damp-mopping helps to maintain the beauty of your hardwood floors. Several products and floor cleaning systems are available at your local grocery store for just such a purpose. Leaving everyday dust to accumulate on your hardwood floors can result in micro-scratches which dull the luster, especially in high traffic areas.
Liquid Spills
Liquid spills should be wiped up soonest with a dry or slightly damp cloth, particularly puddles. Wet rugs and mats should be removed, then cleaned and dried according to their manufacturer’s guidelines. Several cleaners designed for hardwood floors can be used to restore planks stained by liquid hardwood floor messes, if you don’t catch them soon enough. Always remember to wipe your floors dry after cleaning.
Dry Spills
A soft-headed broom or vacuum with felt-tipped wands and attachments is the best way to remove dry spills. Hardwood flooring comes with a durable finish which protects the wood from the effects of most dry spills.
Animal Messes
Hardwood floor messes caused by animals can contain chemicals which are really bad for your hardwood floor surfaces. Clean them up immediately to save yourself more work and expense in the future. A soft, clean cloth and your favorite hardwood flooring cleaner should do the trick. Just remember that dealing with those messes fast is critical.
Crayon and Chalk Marks
Gently and thoroughly remove spots left by crayons or chalk with mineral spirits. Use a clean cloth and carefully try to lift the marks. You may also find it necessary to use a wood flooring cleaner afterward. As always, dry the area thoroughly when done cleaning. Enlisting the help of the little person responsible for drawing on your hardwood floors with crayons and chalk might also be advised.
Heel Marks
If you’ve tried to wipe the mark away with a clean cloth without success, a small amount of mineral spirits added to the cloth should do the trick. It is perfectly acceptable to ask folks to remove their shoes at your entryway.
If you have trouble dealing with any other hardwood floor messes you might find on your Reno/Tahoe hardwood floors, do please contact us here at Artisan Hardwood Floors, immediately. Not only are we experts at installing and repairing hardwood flooring, we know all the best tricks for keeping them beautiful for a lifetime.
Sorin Giurca
775-830-4243