How to Clean Hardwood Floors in the Washington Metro Area

Hardwood floors add timeless beauty and charm to any home. However, maintaining their luster and longevity requires proper care and cleaning techniques. Both new and seasoned homeowners should understand the best practices for cleaning and maintaining floors and how proper care can make a significant difference. The team at Elegant Floor Service is here to help residents of the DMV pin down how to clean hardwood floors and keep them beautiful for years to come. Find out how to properly maintain your flooring.

Understanding Hardwood Finishes

Your floors, almost without exception, are finished using oil or water-based polyurethane. The most important maintenance practice is to prevent abrasion caused by dirt and grit that’s routinely trod upon or lodged beneath rugs and mats near entry doors or in traffic paths. Abrasion will dull and gradually erode your floor’s finish. Vacuum or sweep up dirt and grit before it can abrade or dull your floor’s finish.

Essential Tools and Cleaning Supplies

Maintaining your wood floors is a ‘less is more’ proposition.  You are maintaining the finish, not so much the wood. Vacuum or sweep first. In most cases, clear water and a soft rag mop, wrung thoroughly to damp not dripping, is all that’s needed. Never slosh or let water stand on the floor. If you do need a cleaner, use a mild solution of Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner.

Never apply coatings or waxes over your polyurethane finish.  These come in various ‘guises’ – polish, rejuvenator, Mop n’ Glow, Orange Glo, and so on. The instant you apply such products, you’re doomed to maintain THEM and not your floor’s polyurethane finish.

How to Deal With Spills and Stains

Accidents happen, but dealing with spills and stains promptly can prevent long-term damage to your hardwood floors. Follow our tips for avoiding significant staining:

• Act Quickly—Wipe up spills immediately with a soft, dry cloth to prevent liquids from seeping into the wood.
• For Sticky Spills—Dampen the cloth with a little hardwood floor cleaner and gently wipe the area. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive pads, and make sure your cleaner is intended for polyurethane-finished floors.
• Stubborn Stains—For tougher stains, such as ink or oil, apply a small amount of hardwood floor cleaner to a cloth and gently rub the stain. If necessary, consult a professional for advice on more persistent stains.

Follow Our Preventative Maintenance Tips

The best way to care for a hardwood floor is to avoid spills, abrasion, and scratches in the first place! While wear and tear is inevitable, there is plenty you can do to prevent unnecessary damage. Try these preventative strategies for keeping your hardwood in top shape:

• Use Rugs and Mats—Place rugs and mats in high-traffic areas, near entryways, and under furniture to avoid scratches and wear.
• Attach Felt Pads—Attach felt pads to the bottom of furniture legs, particularly chairs. This goes a long way to preventing scratches when furniture moves about.
• Maintain Humidity Levels—Hardwood floors can expand and contract with changes in humidity. We recommend using a humidifier or dehumidifier to maintain optimal humidity levels (around 40-60%) and lessen warping.
• Schedule Regular Maintenance—Talk to a professional when occasional maintenance or  repairs are needed. Addressing problems early can prevent worsening (and more expensive) issues in the future.

Find Your Perfect Flooring at Elegant Floor Service

Maintaining hardwood floors doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By understanding your floor’s finish, using the right cleaning tools and supplies, and following a regular cleaning routine, you can keep your hardwood floors looking beautiful for years to come. If you have questions about how to care for hardwood floors, don’t hesitate to give Elegant Floor Service a call. We’re here for all your flooring needs! Contact us today.

Why Use Natural Hardwood Flooring in DC, Maryland, Virginia (DMV)

When you start the search for the ideal flooring for your home, you’re sure to come across a wide range of options. However, one type of flooring has stood the test of time, consistently maintaining popularity due to its durability, beauty, and value: natural hardwood flooring – solid wood flooring is still the gold standard in homes throughout the DMV. At Elegant Floor Service, we’re seasoned experts in hardwood installation and restoration, and we can help you better understand the benefits of this outstanding flooring material. Here are some benefits of using natural hardwood flooring in your DMV home.

Natural Hardwood Floors Can Last for Decades, Sometimes Centuries

One of the most compelling reasons to select natural hardwood flooring is its exceptional durability and longevity. Unlike other flooring materials that deteriorate over time, natural hardwood can last for generations with proper care. This material boasts resistance to scratches and wear and develops a charming patina over time, adding even more character to your space. Moreover, wood flooring can be repeatedly restored to new, it’s color and sheen changed each time in accord with latest trend.

Opt for a Timeless Aesthetic

Hardwood flooring’s aesthetic appeal is another significant factor contributing to its popularity. Its natural beauty and timeless elegance can elevate any interior design style from classic to contemporary. Here’s why hardwood continues to be a staple design element:

• Versatility— From rich mahogany to light ash, the variety of wood species allows you to choose a floor that perfectly matches your aesthetic preferences. These floors also work in all types of spaces, including the living room, bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom.
• Numerous Stains and Choices of Finish/Sheen—You can customize your hardwood floors with a range of stains and finishes to achieve the desired look. Ask us about installing floors with a glossy modern sheen or a rustic matte finish.
• Warmth and Comfort—The natural warmth of wood adds a sense of comfort and coziness to any room. If you live in one of DC’s older homes, hardwood can be a fantastic complement to vintage features.

Hardwood Promotes Environmental Sustainability

Is eco-friendliness a priority for you? Natural hardwood flooring is environmentally conscious while still offering the aesthetic appeal you’re searching for. Many hardwood floors come from sustainably managed forests that minimize environmental impact. What’s more, trees can be replanted, unlike non-renewable materials, creating a cycle of new supply.

Hardwood Can Have Health Benefits

Beyond its visual and environmental advantages, natural hardwood flooring also brings several health benefits, particularly in terms of indoor air quality. Hardwood floors don’t trap dust, pollen, or other allergens, and a quick sweep can remove any allergens on the surface. The lack of air particles makes hardwood an attractive choice for those with asthma or chronic allergies.

Beyond that, hardwood floors tend to be finished with water-based low-VOC stains and sealants, which means minimal emission of harmful chemicals. The fewer pollutants, the healthier your living environment!

Add Value to Your Home

Natural hardwood floors add significant value to your property. These days, hardwood is a huge selling point for buyers, and you could garner a higher selling price should you decide to move in the coming years. In fact, many surveys indicate homebuyers prefer hardwood flooring over other materials, and beautiful wood floors could make your property more competitive in the housing market. In short, wood flooring is still the gold standard.

Straightforward Maintenance

While cleaning natural hardwood floors is critical, maintenance tends to be easier than certain other flooring types. You won’t need to worry about stained carpets, and thanks to hardwood’s durability, you’ll seldom need to think about deep scratches, either. Should you ever need repairs, Elegant Floor Service is here for you. When your floor’s finish is tired, dull, worn, or scratched, a sand and refinish will make them new again.   A screen and recoat will rejuvenate.

Learn More from Elegant Floor Service

Natural hardwood flooring is more than just a beautiful addition to your home—it’s a long-lasting, environmentally friendly choice that enhances the value of your property. Whether you’re renovating your current home or designing a new space, opting for hardwood flooring is an investment that will pay off!   Contact Elegant Floor Service today to learn more about natural hardwood and how the installation process works.