How to Preserve Wood Floors

Newly refinished hardwood floor

Wood flooring creates both an elegant and natural look in a home but like any flooring it must be cared for to insure its beauty lasts for many years. Wood floors have a finish on them, a product that acts as a protective barrier against water, dirt and any other foreign matter that can damage the wood and ruin the floor. Wood floor preservation means keeping the floor's finish in good condition and you can do this yourself as long as you know the type of finish your floor has and how it should be maintained.

Things You'll Need

• Small amount of water Coin Cleaning supplies

Instructions

Basic Maintenance

1. The surest way to preserve your wood floor is by eliminating ways it can be scratched. Remove dust and dirt on a regular basis. Do not pull furniture or heavy objects across the floor. Lift them instead and set them in place. Place protective pads on the bottom of chair legs.

2. Place throw rugs on the part of the floor that receives the most traffic.

3. Immediately wipe up spills.

Determine Finish

1. Select an area of your wood floor that is usually covered by a piece of furniture or rug.

2. Place a couple small drops of water on the floor. Wait ten minutes. If white spots appear where the water spots are, the floor has a Wax finish.

   If there are no spots, use the coin to scratch the surface of the floor. If the finish flakes, you have a floor with either a Shellac finish or a Varnish finish.

   If your floor doesn't show either of these results, your floor has a Urethane finish.

3. Once you've determined the type of finish your floor has, go to that section of the article to learn how to care for your floor's finish.

Wax Finish

1. Regularly clean the floor with a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum with a floor attachment.

2. Buff the floor periodically and wax about once a year. You'll know you need to wax when your floor loses its shine. Follow the instructions on the buffing and waxing products for proper use and application.

3. Consult your floor manufacturer or local hardware store for the best products recommended for your floor.

Shellac and Varnish Finishes

1. Shellac and Varnish finishes were used on pre-1960s floors and are no longer used.

2. All floor finishes will eventually wear off and need to be replaced and new wood floor finishes are not recommended on these old finishes so you should have your floor stripped of the old finish before the new one can be applied.

3. You can strip and refinish your floor or have a professional do it for you.

Urethane Finish

1. Regularly clean the floor with a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum with a floor attachment.

2. Wash the floor using a specially formulated wood cleaner, following the product's instructions for application.

3. When the floor loses its shine, apply a new coat of finish. You can hire a professional to do this or do it yourself as long as you follow the instructions on the finishing product for proper use and application and safety concerns when applying the finish. Consult your floor manufacturer or local hardware store for the best products recommended for your floor.

References

• Reader's Digest Household Hints and Handy Tips; 1988
• National Wood Flooring Association