deal with children’s spills on wood floors
Wood floors are a beautiful and durable addition to any home. However, wood requires special care when kids are involved. Even the most well-trained children can cause a lot of damage to wood floors if not properly cared for. Here are some tips from our Philadelphia wood floor experts to keep in mind when dealing with children and your hardwood floors.
Sweeping is the best way to maintain wood floors and prevent scuff marks from developing. It is recommended to sweep on a regular basis, especially in high traffic areas like the foyer and hallways. Use a soft, microfiber mop or broom to avoid scratching the surface.
Keeping up with vacuuming will also help How to clean Wood Floors in good condition. A good vacuum with a rotating brush or straight suction can help remove any abrasive dirt that can scratch the wood. If your home has area rugs place them in high traffic areas and at the entrances to the house to further protect your flooring.
How to deal with children’s spills on wood floors?
The first thing you should do if there is a spill on your wood floors is to blot it. This will prevent the spill from soaking into the surface of your flooring and becoming permanently stained. Red wine is one of the most common culprits for staining wood, so be sure to wipe it up immediately if you have a red wine spill.
While dogs and cats are generally gentle on floors, a scratch or gouge in a wood surface can have long term effects. It can weaken the grain of the floorboards and cause them to warp or become splintered. Placing protective pads on the bottom of your furniture legs will help to reduce scratches and gouges caused by furniture moving around. It will also make it easier to move your furniture around and clean under it.
If your wood floors are unfinished, we recommend a light sanding and refinish to repair any scuffs or deep scratches. A refinishing company that specializes in hardwood is the best choice to ensure the job is done correctly and your floors are safe for your children.
Keeping your hardwood floors adequately humidified will also improve their durability and longevity. Wood that is too dry will shrink, swell, and crack. This can be a major headache to repair and can cause permanent damage. To counteract this problem you can add moisture to the air with a humidifier or by running a pan of water on the floor. The water will absorb into the wood, raise the humidity, and help to prevent the cracking and splitting that can occur in dry conditions. This is a simple and inexpensive solution that can help you avoid the costly repairs and replacements that can result from damaged or improperly maintained hardwood floors. This can save you thousands of dollars in the long run and ensure your beautiful wood floors last for generations.