How to Care for Red Oak Floors
Red oak floors can add to the value of a home but can cost a lot to install or even refinish them if they become damaged. Dirt and other debris can accumulate to scratches. Spills can contribute to permanent water stains. Other stains can settle into the actual wood and can never be removed. Thus, why weekly care is essential in maintaining your flooring. Suitable care for your red oak floors will keep them in like new condition with proper cleaning and by using the correct products. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Soft bristled broom
- Dustpan
- Bucket
- Floor cleaning solution that is specific for wood floors and your specific floor finish
- Sponge mop
- Numerous old soft towels
Instructions
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Instructions
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1
Gather your broom and dustpan. Begin sweeping outwards from where your red oak floors meets walls. Pay attention to corners where dirt and debris can become trapped. Pick up any rocks or other hard debris that can scratch your flooring when you are sweeping and discard them in the garbage. Sweep all dirt and debris gently in a pile. Push your debris pile onto your dustpan with your broom. Discard debris into the trash.
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2
Fill up your bucket will lukewarm water. Apply your floor cleaner to the water in the proportion indicated on the label. Dip your sponge mop into the solution and thoroughly wring out excessive water. Thoroughly saturating red oak floors can damage them; thus, make sure that your mop is only damp to the touch and not dripping any of the water-cleaning solution.
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3
Begin mopping in 5- by 5-foot sections. Mop in the direction of your red oak floor grain. Wipe dry with a soft old towel when you have finished a section. Continue mopping sections until your floor is cleaned and dried.
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Tips & Warnings
Sweep at least once a week to prevent a build up of debris that can scratch and damage your red oak floors.
Consider buying small throw rugs to place in high traffic areas. Small throw rugs can help prevent rocks and other sharp objects that are lodged into your shoes from digging into your wood floors.
Ensure that any brooms you use are soft bristled so that they do not damage the wood surfacing.
Clean up spills and other messes as soon as an incident happens to prevent damage to your flooring. Some food items and chemicals found in products may damage red oak floors to become discolored or damaged from allowing spills to dry or set for a specific amount of time.
Know what type of finish your red oak floors have before using any type of cleaner or mopping. Only use specific cleaners for your flooring type and finish because you can damage them. Consult the business that you bought your red oak flooring from if you are unsure of your finish to insure that you do not damage your floors.
According to Danielsfloors.com, you should never use vinegar or any other type of cheap cleaning alternatives to commercial cleaners.
