The biggest challenge of having hardwood floors is not the installation process but the maintenance. The owner’s responsibility does not end after the installation process is complete. If you have decided to install hardwood floors, you should also be ready with the repair of the floor, as well as the various cleaning processes that come with it.

The first thing you should know is that water is the biggest enemy of wooden floors. From hardwood flooring like Brazilian cherry and oak, to softwood types like pine and bamboo flooring; wood species swell when exposed to water. We learned from our elementary school science classes that water exists in three phases: solid, liquid, and vapor. Of these three, the liquid and vapor phases are the ones that cause problems for this type of material. Between the two, the liquid phase is easier to control because we see it, therefore we attend to it immediately. However, in the case of water vapor, the damage can be widespread because it is not noticeable.

This knowledge has an impact on how we clean our hardwood floors. We should never use water to clean them because sooner or later we could be faced with expensive repainting jobs or general repairs. In addition, the use of soap-soaked mops and wax removers easily damages this type of flooring material. Even self-polishing waxes sometimes contain water. So if you really want to wax your floor, consider waxing only the traffic areas. If your kitchen has hardwood floors, it’s best to place rags near sinks and dishwashers. This is a cheap and simple system that we can use to collect leaks and drips. Also, remember that you should not wax the floors with varnish. Vacuuming frequently keeps dust and sand off them, so do it at least once a week. They are simple and inexpensive preventive measures to maintain them and avoid unexpected repair costs.

As part of maintenance and repair, consider doing a thorough check on the condition of the floor. This should be done every year so you’ll know if it’s time to refinish or refinish your hardwood floors. To determine if you need to refinish, pour a tablespoon or two of water in high-traffic areas of the home. If the water soaks in immediately and leaves a dark stain, the finish is worn and the water can damage the wood. If the water soaks in after a few minutes and slightly darkens the wood, the finish is partially worn. If the water drips on top, the surface is properly sealed.

If the floor finish is damaged, other problems such as stains, burns, cuts, punctures, holes, cracks, and warped boards may occur in the future. If you feel like the wood has been completely ruined, it may need to be repaired or replaced.

Hardwood prices are relatively high compared to other housing projects. It is an investment that we must protect. Proper maintenance, knowledge and attitude are important in the life of our valuable hardwood floors.