Hardwood floors are one of the most coveted flooring options all over the world, mostly thanks to their aesthetic appeal. However, they do have a reputation for being somewhat more sensitive and harder to maintain than laminate floors. Since hardwood tends to cost more than other options, it's perfectly normal to invest more time and money in maintenance. If you use high quality cleansing products, you can extend the lifespan of the floor and keep it looking as good as new for many years. Here is some basic information on how you should maintain hardwood floors in Ottawa without spending a lot of money.

 

First of all, you shouldn't let your floor get old and scratched before you take actions. For best results, apply preventive maintenance solutions. Hardwood Ottawa contractors recommend always using a carpet to cover the floor and prevent damage. Also, if it's very rainy or muddy, you should have a special place for shoes and boots. Dirt tends to settle in the fine lines of the floor and it's very difficult to remove, so make sure you keep it at bay. Scratches can also damage the floor, so place carpets underneath heavy furniture of in the areas where kids play. For basic cleaning, you won't be needing anything more than a cloth and some gentle cleansing solution. If you want to remove dust, make sure you don't use  a regular vacuum head, because it can scratch the surface of the floor. Instead, opt for a special, softer vacuum head, which is suitable for delicate surfaces.

 

Weekly basic cleaning is very beneficial, but you still need to do thorough, deep cleaning at least twice a year. This means that you have to remove all furniture and carpets and make sure that every speck of dust that managed to settle between the floor tiles is gone. Do use a mop, but make sure it's not drenching wet and that you don't get small puddles of water all over the floor. Refrain from cleansing the floor with soap and harsh detergents and invest in a more expensive bottle of cleansing agent that was made especially for sensitive hardwood surfaces. The process shouldn't take long if the floor is in good condition, but if it has marks, you will need to make extra efforts. Depending on the finish, you will have to use different cleaning products. Use a soft cloth and special wax or oil based solutions and rub the mark gently, avoiding harsh friction. Last, but not least, you should plan deep cleaning in advance. Choose a day when the weather is warm, but not humid. Humidity is one of the biggest enemies of hardwood, not only because it makes it increase in volume and damages its quality, but also because it slows down the drying process. These are the basic tips for hardwood maintenance and they are usually enough to keep it looking healthy and shiny. However, if it floor has a particularly difficult stain or sustains heavy damage, it's better if you contact a professional company that can clean or replace the hardwood.