{"id":145,"date":"2016-10-25T21:43:43","date_gmt":"2016-10-25T21:43:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dev.letsremodel.net\/?page_id=145"},"modified":"2022-03-09T15:06:09","modified_gmt":"2022-03-09T23:06:09","slug":"ultimate-guide-to-hardwood-floor-cleaning-maintenance","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/letsremodel.net\/resources\/ultimate-guide-to-hardwood-floor-cleaning-maintenance\/","title":{"rendered":"Ultimate Guide to Hardwood Floor Cleaning &#038; Maintenance"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"145\" class=\"elementor elementor-145\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-7h3cz5n elementor-section-height-min-height elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-items-middle\" data-id=\"7h3cz5n\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\" data-e-bg-lazyload=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-background-overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-zf89lug\" data-id=\"zf89lug\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-v8p06dt elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"v8p06dt\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.20.0 - 26-03-2024 *\/\n.elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}<\/style><h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-xxl\">The Ultimate Guide to\nHardwood Floor Cleaning &amp; Maintenance<\/h1>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-jhytrbo elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"jhytrbo\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-gjkgpth\" data-id=\"gjkgpth\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7n6lc3x elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"7n6lc3x\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.20.0 - 26-03-2024 *\/\n.elementor-column .elementor-spacer-inner{height:var(--spacer-size)}.e-con{--container-widget-width:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer{width:var(--container-widget-width,var(--spacer-size));--align-self:var(--container-widget-align-self,initial);--flex-shrink:0}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container{height:100%;width:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer{height:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer>.elementor-spacer-inner,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer>.elementor-spacer-inner{height:var(--container-widget-height,var(--spacer-size))}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty{position:relative;min-height:22px;min-width:22px}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty .elementor-widget-empty-icon,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty .elementor-widget-empty-icon{position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;left:0;right:0;margin:auto;padding:0;width:22px;height:22px}<\/style>\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ufpdfax elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ufpdfax\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.20.0 - 26-03-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<p>The ultimate guide for hardwood floor cleaning &amp; maintenance is built for the two most common hardwood finishing types: <strong>Polyurethane<\/strong> and <strong>Oil<\/strong>. \u00a0While we have done our best to sort through manufacturer&#8217;s guides so you wouldn&#8217;t have to, it is always a good idea to double check with the manufacturer guide for recommendations and warranty information.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-ulmsimz elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"ulmsimz\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-rryvlqu\" data-id=\"rryvlqu\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-su5fcrg elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"su5fcrg\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">1. Maintenance<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-14w35go elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"14w35go\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-large\">Daily Spot Cleaning:<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d859f07 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d859f07\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Keep your floors clean from dirt and dust.<\/p><p>Sweep up dry spills with a soft-bristled or even rubber broom. Tiny rocks and bits of dirt are abrasive and can leave scratches on your hardwood, so be sure to clean your floors often.<\/p><p>Use a dry microfiber mop to dust your hardwood flooring. Microfiber is gentle and won\u2019t damage the hardwood. As an added bonus, static from the cloth will pick up the fine dirt particles that would otherwise scratch the floor. Be sure to launder your mops often!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ry7fkwh elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ry7fkwh\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Stay Away From Swiffer!<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-r2z5813 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"r2z5813\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>It is very important not to use any <strong>treated<\/strong> dust mops (such as Swiffer) because these contain chemicals that will leave a murky haze over your hardwood. It won\u2019t happen all at once, but it is only a matter of time.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fo1ie2h elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"fo1ie2h\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Removing Scuffs<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fcziqqm elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fcziqqm\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>It\u2019s important to try to remove any scuffs without damaging the floor. Gently are best remove scuffs with soft, non-chemical household items such as a clean rubber eraser, or tennis ball.<\/p><p>If neither of those solutions work you could try baking soda mixed with a little water into a paste. Apply to the scuff and let it dry for several minutes before gently removing with a damp cloth.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-ufhxsli elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"ufhxsli\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-btlcbmh\" data-id=\"btlcbmh\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c7kem72 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c7kem72\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Keep your floors dry<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bwcprju elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bwcprju\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWater or other liquids can soak into the wood and cause damage. Clean up wet spills immediately. Much progress has been made in finishing technology but they can only do so much to protect your floors. Clean up any spills immediately or you will risk staining. Stains are difficult to remove without sanding and refinishing the floor.\n\nIf the spill is sticky or will leave any residue, clean with soapy water or the cleaner recommended by the manufacturer. Once you\u2019re done cleaning up the spill, use towel and wipe the hardwood dry.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-ycgpivj elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"ycgpivj\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-hlwdfdu\" data-id=\"hlwdfdu\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6k8mxjf elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6k8mxjf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">2. Weekly Deep Cleaning<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2lakd99 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2lakd99\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Vacuuming<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-n7pr1zl elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"n7pr1zl\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tVacuums are a great way to keep your floors clean since they are very effective at sucking up any dust and dirt. Canister vacuums are ideal for hardwood floors, but any other vacuum will work well if you turn off the rotating brush since it can damage the finish over time.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-p2lko2x elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"p2lko2x\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Mopping<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-iiw0wge elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"iiw0wge\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>You wouldn\u2019t use a sopping wet mop on a hardwood floor like you would with tile or vinyl. Since you\u2019re trying to prevent water damage, use as little water as possible. \u00a0Use a spray bottle with one of the recommended solutions.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-iomlmuh elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"iomlmuh\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Only use Recommended Cleaning Products<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-glvbblj elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"glvbblj\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Be careful about the cleaners you use. Most cleaners will leave residues on your hardwood. We recommend bona for most of our hardwoods, or NuOil cleaner for our hallmark oil-finished hardwoods.<\/p><p>Apply the cleaner by either spraying a light mist onto the floor or directly onto the microfiber mop. From there you can clean as usual.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-l1pbtgt elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"l1pbtgt\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-l5e96uw\" data-id=\"l5e96uw\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-t1bakrm elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"t1bakrm\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Warning!<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-gizpqdu elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"gizpqdu\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>These products will either leave a residue on your floors or destroy the finish. For some manufacturers, they may even invalidate the warranty on your hardwood.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2uew2oh elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2uew2oh\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ol><li>Ammonia<\/li><li>Oil Soaps<\/li><li>Paste Wax<\/li><li>Citrus Oils<\/li><li>Tung Oils<\/li><li>Cleaners containing Silicone.<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-ijkqapc elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"ijkqapc\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-frxeyji\" data-id=\"frxeyji\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-95il9f3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"95il9f3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">3. Quarterly Cleaning<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-pz990mq elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"pz990mq\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Use Polish to Make Your Floors Look as Good as New<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-isvtrpj elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"isvtrpj\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFor urethane-finished hardwoods:\u00a0 Since most surface scratches on hardwood are only on the finish and do not penetrate into the hardwood, polish works great at filling in these gaps and restoring the shine to your floors.\n\nBona floor polish (link) is a brand that we can recommend for most urethane-finished floors. Check with the hardwood manufacturer if there are any recommended products.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-yy0l3k9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"yy0l3k9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Applying Floor Polish<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-xgheuna elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"xgheuna\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLiberally squirt the applicator on the floor in small sections and apply. It will be tempting to \u201cpolish\u201d in the polish with force, but that will do more harm than good. Simply <em>glide<\/em> the applicator over the floor in the direction of the grain and allow the polish to dry.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-gklmonz elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"gklmonz\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-qjxhmch\" data-id=\"qjxhmch\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-sfh4xt1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"sfh4xt1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Oil-Finished Hardwood<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cuxffss elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cuxffss\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Oil-finished flooring (like the organic line from hallmark) uses a penetrating finish that goes deep into the wood and hardens. Aside from having a softer, more barnyard look<\/p><p>Be sure to dispose of oily rags properly! Oiled rag piles are famous for their ability to spontaneously combust.(Hyperlink that text to maybe Wikipedia) Leaving oily rags in a pile is a fire hazard. Lay the rags flat, in a single layer, and allow them to dry and harden before disposing.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-orgtpyi elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"orgtpyi\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-qrhofuy\" data-id=\"qrhofuy\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-j184mqu elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"j184mqu\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">4. Pets<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ncikdm1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ncikdm1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Urine and Feces<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8nr3mi8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8nr3mi8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Clean up any pet messes as soon as you can. Urine in particular is extremely harmful to your floors. As the urine sits it can burn through and discolor the wood all the way to the subfloor. This is a particular problem with dogs since they tend to urinate in the same spot multiple times.<\/p><p>In extreme cases where the urine has stained through the wood, you can try to sand and refinish the floor but it is very likely that the stained areas will need to be removed and replaced with new planks.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-kqsbohc elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"kqsbohc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Claws<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-vihobzu elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"vihobzu\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Claws and nails are very hard and can damage and dent hardwood even when dull. The bigger the dog, the greater the potential for damaging the floor.<\/p><p>It is best to keep your furry friend\u2019s nails well-trimmed and their paws clean. If you want to go the extra mile for taking care of your hardwood, check your pet\u2019s paws whenever they come inside.<\/p><p>Additional coats of hardwood finish (either polyurethane or oil, depending on your flooring) will help prevent scratches from appearing on the wood. You could just sand away the scratches, but adding coats of finish is simpler and less expensive.<\/p><p>Sanding the floors is an option as well, and makes for a great DIY project.\u00a0 A word of caution, though:\u00a0 evaluate your skills before you put the grinder to the grooves; an uneven sanding job can leave the floor in a worse state than your critter ever could.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-vxlhipm elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"vxlhipm\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Pet Hair<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fbl0t12 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fbl0t12\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If your little critter sheds, then your floors can quickly become covered in hairs, to the point where no one will want to follow the \u201cfive second rule\u201d. Try a broom with rubber bristles to clean up the pet hair.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-iougubb elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"iougubb\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-wlrsbde\" data-id=\"wlrsbde\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-wrc0yyr elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"wrc0yyr\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">5. Damage Prevention<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-pzpnj3b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"pzpnj3b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Heels and Stilettos<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-h1bkils elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"h1bkils\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>As lovely as they look, heels and stilettos will put dime-sized dents all over your floors in no time. It is the equivalent of banging a hammer onto your floor.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5a8pode elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"5a8pode\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Rugs and Mats<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-rnufjfb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"rnufjfb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPlace walk-off mats both outside and inside the exterior doors to prevent wear and damage. It is also a good idea to place floor mats at the kitchen sink.\n\nYou could place area rugs in high-traffic living spaces, and it will help to preserve the floor, but are you going to buy nice hardwood just to put a rug on top of it?\n\nUse only rugs that have a natural backing. Plasticized grips, for example, can leave their pattern on the hardwood.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-zmliy85 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"zmliy85\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Sunlight<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-onunsfs elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"onunsfs\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Sunlight can change and lighten the color of your flooring over time. The easiest way to prevent sunlight damage on your hardwood is to keep the blinds shut during the day to block out the sunlight.<\/p><p>Of course, no one wants to live in a dark cave, so the other option is to make sure your windows are protected with a low-e coating that prevents ultraviolet light from passing through and onto your floors. Check your window manufacturer to be sure.<\/p><p>Help your floors wear evenly<\/p><p>Having big pieces of furniture and rugs in the same spot year-round can cause uneven fading on the hardwood. Try to rearrange your furniture and rugs once a year to encourage even wearing.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-np4v37m elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"np4v37m\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Plant Damage<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-rpvuofy elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"rpvuofy\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHaving real plants in your home can be lovely, but a leaking potted plant can be dangerous to your floors. Always keep some sort of tray between the potted plant and the flooring. Check the pot after watering to be sure there are no leaks that could spill onto the floor.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-iap6lnv elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"iap6lnv\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Gaps & Cracks<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-gjgxmjq elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"gjgxmjq\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Gapping occurs as a result of the wood planks losing moisture due to changes in relative humidity. Most homeowners will only see gaps in their flooring during the winter months when humidity is low. As your furnace heats your home, humidity levels are driven even lower. Most of our clients in the Portland\/Vancouver area won\u2019t experience any significant gapping in their hardwood.<\/p><p>If your floors are shrinking during the winters and causing gaps to appear, the simplest solution would be to use a furnace humidifier to try and bring back moisture into the home.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Ultimate Guide to Hardwood Floor Cleaning &amp; Maintenance The ultimate guide for hardwood floor cleaning &amp; maintenance is built for the two most common hardwood finishing types: Polyurethane and Oil. \u00a0While we have done our best to sort through manufacturer&#8217;s guides so you wouldn&#8217;t have to, it is always a good idea to double [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":1721,"parent":142,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/letsremodel.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/145"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/letsremodel.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/letsremodel.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/letsremodel.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/letsremodel.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=145"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/letsremodel.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/145\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4211,"href":"https:\/\/letsremodel.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/145\/revisions\/4211"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/letsremodel.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/142"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/letsremodel.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1721"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/letsremodel.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=145"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}