Reasons To Get Hardwood Floors
For many homeowners, choosing a style of flooring can be a difficult decision. There are so many options, and each type of flooring has different benefits and drawbacks. Flooring, no matter what kind, is an investment that will be in a home for a long time. Carpet is a trendy choice for homes, apartments, offices, and a lot of other applications. But carpet has a lot more drawbacks to it compared to hardwood. Carpet harbors more dirt and germs, which can give off a musty odor. It stains easily and becomes dirty and dingy over time.
Hardwood floors have quite a few benefits, not only for a home but also for the whole family. It is always a good idea to talk and work with hardwood flooring contractors when deciding to put hardwood floors in a home. But all the benefits that come with having wood floors make the investment all worth it. And because the floors are long-lasting, the benefits from them are continuous.
Clean Floors
Carpet consists of thick fibers that attract and store dirt, dust, allergens, and a lot of other things that get tracked into a home. Hardwood floors allow for easy and sanitary cleaning. And because of these hardwood floors are a better option for families that have allergies or asthma.
Floor Durability
In high traffic areas, carpets back begin to wear out and need to be replaced after a few years. This process can be costly because, more than likely, the entire carpet needs to be ripped up and replaced. With hardwood floors, they can be sanded, re-finished, and fixed to look brand new. Any dings or dents on the floor can be easily repaired, and because they are laid in small sections, if part of the floor does need to be replaced, it is not as big of a hassle. There are many flooring options, including eco-friendly variations, and this flooring will last for years and years.
Hardwood Aesthetics
Hardwood floors have been a popular choice for a very long time. They are an excellent option that can be utilized in many ways. Using different types of woods, shapes, and designs all create a unique and beautiful look. Hardwood floors add value to homes as most homeowners like the look of wood flooring.
Maintaining A Hardwood Floor
While sweeping, mopping and vacuuming might not be the most fun activity to do and keeping a hardwood floor clean will ultimately protect the long-term investment of having an elegant space. The best way to care for a hardwood floor starts with replacing every-day cleaning tools with the ones that work best on wood finish without scratching the grains or dulling the shine.
Brooms
When using a broom on newly refinished wood floors, the types of bristles being used are crucial; different brooms should be used to clean different surfaces. For delicate wood floors, the best sweepers in the business are either rubber or synthetic (or a combination of both) bristles. Straw brooms, on the other hand, can fall apart over time and scratch surfaces more easily.
For hair or stringy particles, rubber bristle brooms are the best choice for pet owners who find themselves tasked with cleaning up cat or dog hair. Without compromising their floor’s lifespan and appearance, rubber bristles have a way of sliding along the floor without scuffing, all the while grabbing and clumping hair together.
For dust, synthetic bristle brooms are the best choice, since rubber bristles are too spaced to sweep smaller particulates. The softer the bristles, the longer the refinished floor will last.
Microfiber Dust Mops
Sometimes sweeping with an old, stiff-bristled broom can do more harm than good to a hardwood floor. Generic dust mops also have the potential to scratch and fade the sheen on a finished floor. That’s why it’s best to go with a microfiber dust mop. Unlike traditional mops and brooms that just push particles into neat piles, microfibers trap dust into their dense braids of fabric. They’re engineered to use static electricity to attract and snatch up negatively charged dust particles.
After using a microfiber mop, be sure to wash and dry it before using it again. Throwing the mop in the dryer can recharge the microfibers and their static-electric power.
Bare Floor Setting On The Vacuum
While sweeping is more energy-efficient and less time consuming, vacuuming is a great way to touch up the floors once a week. Make sure to use a vacuum with a bare floor setting (most vacuums will have one). When a vacuum activates bare floor mode, there’s clearance between the floor and vacuum bristles. The benefit of vacuuming is also to reach hard-to-get places between furniture.
Protecting Hardwood Floors From Scratches And Scuffs
Cleaning and maintaining a hardwood floor are both equally important, but preventative maintenance is just as crucial and can save money on repairs. Taking good care of a hardwood floor will ensure that the quality stays consistent throughout the years. Here are some things to look out for and be cautious of to keep a hardwood floor looking its best.
UV Rays
Sunlight can age a floor the way it can age a painting hanging on the wall next to a window, but part of a finished hardwood floors appeal is that it beautifully reflects light. In that case, invest in drapes that will let in enough ambient light while blocking UV Rays. Or use area rugs in places of a home that get the most direct sunlight on the floor.
Pets
Be sure to trim the nails on the cat, dog, or any other pet that roam around the house. Doing so will reduce the minuscule scratches that, over time, become worn-out areas on a refinished floor.
Footwear
A high traffic area with rough footwear can wear down a new finish more than anything. If at all possible, it is best practice to avoid walking on hardwood floors with shoes on. This isn’t always possible. But some shoe options are not as hard on the floor as others. Here are some types of footwear to try and avoid that will help maintain the flooring:
- Soccer, golf, or baseball cleats
- Boots
- High-heels
- Shoes with black rubber soles
Mystique Wood Floors For Phoenix Residents
The flooring professionals at Mystique Hardwood Floor Designs have the experience and the knowledge to help find the right flooring option for Phoenix residents. With helpful advice on how to maintain and care for each specific style of floor and services that help restore and protect them. Call Mystique Hardwood Floor Designs for the most beautiful flooring in Phoenix!
