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If you are lucky enough to have lovely hardwood floors in your home, whether it's just in one room or all of them, you will want to make sure that you are taking the time to learn about how to best care for them. Improperly cared for hardwood floors can look dingy and dirty and begin to splinter. This is something that you will want to avoid if at all possible. To do just that, you will want to take a little time to read through the following helpful advice:  

Determine Whether The Hardwood Is Sealed

Firstly, understanding the type of hardwood floor you have is crucial. Is it sealed or unsealed? Knowing this will guide you on what products to use and what to avoid. Remember, using the wrong product can lead to irreversible damage, which is a scenario you'd rather not find yourself in. 

Light Cleaning Should Be Done Daily

Next, regular cleaning is key. Everyday dust and dirt can scratch your hardwood floors. So, you might want to consider dry mopping or vacuuming on a daily basis. However, be gentle and avoid using a vacuum with a beater bar as it can cause scratches. When it comes to deep cleaning, be cautious. Too much water can damage your hardwood floors. Use a damp mop instead of a wet one and immediately dry any excess water. Also, it's advisable to use a cleaner specifically designed for hardwood floors. They're formulated to safely clean without damaging your precious floors.

Be Protective Over Your Floors

Lastly, protect your hardwood floors from direct sunlight and heavy furniture. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause discoloration. You can prevent this by using blinds or curtains. If you like being able to always see what's going on outside, you might want to consider having a tint added to your home windows. This will keep the damaging sun rays from ruining your floors, you will get some added privacy, and you will still be able to easily look outside whenever you want without curtains or blinds in the way. As for heavy furniture, consider using protective pads under the legs to prevent dents and scratches. Also, never slide the furniture. Have someone help you lift and carry any furniture that needs repositioning.

In the end, maintaining the beauty of your hardwood floors isn't too complex, it just requires a bit of knowledge and consistent care. Contact a local hardwood floor cleaning service to learn more.