Your Villa Magazine - Riverside -February-April 2023

Want your hardwood floors to last for generations? Solid hardwood floors are beautiful and timeless, adding value to any property. However, there’s a misconception that real hardwood floors are difficult to maintain. The truth is that they can last for decades, as long you follow a few simple steps . In fact, the time that goes into maintaining hardwood Áoors isn·t much more extensive than any other Áooring material. 7he key is to practice regular care and cleaning for your hardwood to keep grit and dirt from scratching the wood. 7o keep day to day dirt and grit oͿ your Áoors, aim to sweep or vacuum weekly. :hen using a vacuum for regular cleanings, opt for a soft Áoor attachment or hardwood setting that disengages the beater bar this is the bar that rotates when cleaning carpet. %y disengaging it on hardwood and avoiding a vacuum or attachment with hard bristles, you can avoid any scuffing or scratching of your Áoors. If you have heavy furniture placed directly on your hardwood, be sure to use felt pads on the feet to avoid scratches, and replace them regularly. 7his also includes furniture that is moved freTuently, such as dining room chairs. 6trive to do a deep clean monthly to ensure you D E S I G N + B U I L D pick up the dirt and grime that inevitably forms over time. What to avoid 5elative to most other Áooring materials, solid hardwood is sensitive to moisture, whether that be due to wet shoes or just changes in humidity. 7herefore, it·s important to keep any amount of standing water oͿ the planks. 7hat means ditch the traditional mop and bucket, which can leave behind water that could cause your Áoors to swell, crack or splinter. Another critical thing to avoid is harsh cleaning solutions which include ingredients like chlorine bleach, ammonia, pine oil or undiluted vinegar. 7hese can dull your Áoors by aͿecting the protective finish, causing lasting damage. %y following these simple steps, your hardwood Áoor should stay in good shape for many years to come. BrandPointContent.com edited by YourVilla Sta Photo: LL Flooring 26 | YourVilla Magazine RESIDENTIAL SPECIALIST • • •