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By Greg Garner
There are a surprising number of people who believe that the creaking, popping sound that their hardwood floors make and the dull, dry look of wear and tear without proper cleaning are connected. Unfortunately, these two problems are not connected. In fact, if your floors are dull with a dry, whitish tint, it may be too late to restore them save stripping, re-staining, and re-varnishing. Of course, that does not mean that you should not try to bring back the old luster. The rumor about using vinegar and water is just a rumor as far as we know. You will find the cleaner that you need at any large hardware store or flooring store. These special products are designed to clean wood floors and bring back their former luster and are you last, best hope. Once you have a beautiful new looking floor, there are steps that you can take to prolong its beauty.
Vacuum the floor regularly
Wipe spills immediately Use mats and rugs in front of doors or sinks Clean weekly (With Urethane cleaner) Buff and re-polyurethane worn areas Apply felt to table and chair legs For popping and creaking: regulate the temperature in the room.
Suck It Up
Space might abhor a vacuum, but your hardwood floors love it. It is important to vacuum your hardwood floor at least once per week as this keeps the dirt that would otherwise become ground into the cracks and grooves as we walk upon our floors. The object is to keep that shine that makes hardwood floors so beautiful as long as is possible.
Water Protection
Water, or any liquid, is very bad for your hardwood floor. The object is to keep it always dry. This is especially true in the areas where the urethane is beginning to wear, as water will stain the wood and standing water will damage the wood. Wipe up spills as soon as they occur. Find a mat to place your pet’s water dish on if it has to be on the hardwood floor. Use mats in front of doors where wet feet and rain come in to the house. Many people place nice designer rugs in front of their door and then are surprised when it does not work. This is because a rug is nothing but material. A mat, on the other hand has a rubbery material on the bottom that prevents it from slipping out of place and does not allow water to pass through.
You Have To Buy The Urethane Cleaner
Use a urethane cleaner to wipe your hardwood floors regularly. This will keep them looking shiny and new. Do not spray the cleaner on the floor. Spray your urethane cleaner onto the rag and then wipe the floor. A good sham works best on your slick hardwood floor. If you follow these cleaning instructions, including the vacuum, your floor will look great for years. Many people will lay runners down in high traffic areas to keep the wear and tear to a minimum. If you lay a runner down, avoid the clear plastic runners with the sharp plastic points.
Things That Go Creak In The Night
Your creaking or popping hardwood floor is a separate problem altogether. Over the years, your hardwood floor will se many seasons come and go. The temperature changes and changes in humidity cause the wood to expand and contract, eventually loosening the wood, and popping the nail loose as well. This is what causes your floors to creak when you walk on them. There are several ways to fix the creaks and all of them call for a professional to come out and reset the floors. This is a waste of time and money unless you plan to weatherize completely the floors below the wood and even then, it may not work. As houses settle, so does your floor.
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