Hardwood flooring adds warmth and a classic design to any space but also requires some maintenance. Protect your investment by maintaining your floors properly so they last for years to come. Read below to learn answers to your questions about care, repair and when it may be time for hardwood floor replacement in your Marietta home.
How to Clean Hardwood Floors
Everyday tasks like cleaning hardwood floors are important for keeping your floors looking great and preventing any damage, below are some tips on the best way to go about cleaning.
- Vacuum, dust, or sweep dry floor first – Start by getting the dry mess off your floors. Sweep up any crumbs, hair, or other daily debris so you don’t accidentally scratch your floors when cleaning. Sweeping or dusting first also helps minimize mess later on after wet products are introduced.
- Choose your wet cleaning tool – A mop and bucket is a simple and popular choice, but other mop styles with integrated cleaning solution or wet-vacuums have also become popular. For smaller areas, a spray bottle with water and cleaning solution and a clean towel is sufficient in place of a mop if preferred. Just keep in mind that the goal is to avoid water sitting on the floor for too long. More on that next.
- Do not over-wet your floors – Water and wood have a complicated relationship, and water can damage your hardwood floors if left sitting for too long. Make sure when cleaning your floors you use only the necessary amount of water or cleaning solution, no more.
- Coat desired area and move quickly – Once you’ve dry-cleaned and have your tools, its time to get cleaning. Think about where you want to start and end (don’t clean yourself into a corner!) and coat the area. As you mop, be sure to move quickly and remove as much moisture as possible from the area you’re cleaning. Your floors should be slightly wet when you’re done, but there shouldn’t be any pools or puddles of water remaining, if there are, use your mop or towel to absorb.
- Let it dry – Since you removed most of the moisture as you went, it should only take 10-15 minutes for your floors to completely dry. Try not to walk on the floors until they are completely dry. If floors are taking longer to dry, you can use a dry towel to wipe up remaining moisture.
Can You Steam Clean Hardwood Floors?
It is not recommended that you steam your floors, as it may cause water damage to the wood. We’ve talked about water and wood having a complicated relationship, and using a steam cleaner or mop on your wood floors can deposit moisture deep through the cracks of your floor and in worst case scenarios cause the wood boards to warp.
If water damage is a concern with your wood floors, give us a call at (404) 609-0639 to speak with our pros about hardwood floor restoration for your Marietta, GA floors.
How to Remove Scratches from Hardwood Floors
Scratches are a common issue with hardwood floors and can be caused by anything from furniture to pets. Some popular fixes include:
- Flooring repair products for minor scratches – There are a variety of products on the market that can help lessen the appearance of scratches, these include products like wax sticks, putty, or markers made specifically to mimic the look and texture of floors.
- Hardwood floor refinishing - Your Marietta, GA floor scratches may be too deep for superficial repair. In that case refinishing is a great option. Our team of flooring experts will sand down your floors, buffing out the scratches, and stain them with the tone of your choosing before sealing them.
Interested in learning more about refinishing your hardwood floors? Schedule a consultation with one of our pros to discuss what’s possible!
Other Hardwood Repair Issues in Marietta, GA Homes
Are you noticing other issues with your hardwood floors and are at a loss for what to do? Let us help! Other common issues we can consult with you on include:
- Gaps between floorboards
- Cupping or warping
- Finish peeling or dullness
- Buckling from subfloor
- And more!
What If Your Floors Can’t Be Saved?
If after careful consideration we believe that your floors are beyond repair, your next question might be where to find hardwood floors in Marietta. We can help with that too! Our hardwood flooring installers in Marietta, GA are standing by to provide you with a seamless experience. With our large catalogue of materials, Mobile Flooring Showroom®, and down-to-the-penny quotes, we’ll make your experience of hardwood floor installation in Marietta, GA stress-free and smooth.
Trust our Flooring Pros
We understand that hardwood floors are a big investment, whether you’re looking for help with care, repair, refinishing, or replacement, Floor Coverings International® of Lost Mountain, GA ® is there to give you their expert opinion on the best options for your home. Schedule a consultation today!
