Building a custom home involves making many decisions about the details that create the look and feel in each room. A major decision that every homeowner has to make is their choice of flooring material. For many clients, hardwood floors are a preferred option in their custom kitchen, dining room, living room and even bedrooms. In tone of rich cherry, deep mahogany, modern grey or distressed maple, this flooring style adds a touch of elegance to any room and is durable too. While hardwoods are an investment, keeping them clean and well maintained is the secret to extending their lifespan. Now that you’re ready to move into your new home, here are some tips that can help.
Preventative Maintenance
Possibly the most important step in maintaining your new floors is preventative maintenance. Cleaning your hardwoods regularly removes dirt and debris and can prevent build-up. Use a damp microfiber mop to clean your floors. Never use a bucket of soapy water, as this can damage your floors. Combined with regular sweeping and cleaning spills as soon as they occur, this can go a long way toward helping your floors to look great.
No Harsh Chemicals
Harsh chemicals can damage your new floors over time, so it’s best to avoid using them. Instead, use the products recommended by the manufacturer. When applying cleansers to your floor, avoid puddling them directly on the wood. This can cause buckling and swelling, and an uneven look with time.
Removing Shoes
In addition to cleaning your floors regularly, it is often helpful to prevent dirt from tracking into your hallways, dining room or other living areas. The easiest way to do this is by asking everyone to remove their shoes as soon as the enter the home. Keeping a shoe rack at the entrance of the home or incorporating a front coat closet or mudroom into your custom home design gives family and guests a convenient place to store shoes when they take them off.
Polishing
If your floors have a wax finish, waxing them every three to six months is a great way to keep them looking shiny. Wax products also remove minor scuffs and scratches. All wax products are different, so follow manufacturers directions and consult with your project manager about the the best product for your hardwood floors.
Protect Your Floors from Furniture Scuffs
Heavy furniture like a couch, loveseat or even a refrigerator can damage your hardwood floors if moved, even slightly. To protect your floors, add felt tips to the bottom of each piece. These inexpensive tips are easy to find at most hardware stores, and the small investment can prevent costly and unsightly damage to your floors.
The hardwood floors in your Alair Homes Houston custom home are a significant investment that will add value to your property. The trick to maintaining their beauty is to take good care of them. Follow the advice outlined here, and be sure to ask your project manager if you have any questions. Taking a little time to treat your floors right will go a long way toward offering your family a home that they are sure to love for years to come.