Can you still remember how your grandfather's floor seems to sparkle in shine and luster? Can you recall how you and your cousins enjoyed sliding on the hardwood decks in the garden, right unto the ground? Indeed, hardwood flooring has been a tradition and we can observe that these are present in most of old houses. But today, choosing this flooring style is not only because of tradition but also of the fact that hardwoods installed as floor can project class, elegance and beauty to your house. Nonetheless, this will only continue if properly maintained. You need hardwood floor refinisher to keep them glowing. To prevent losing their luster and becoming scuffed and faded, a hardwood cleaner can help you do the job. Let us go to deeper details on how to care for your hardwood floors.

Cleaning do's and don'ts

Do you need to buy expensive hardwood cleaner to maintain the beauty of your floor? The answer can be "yes" or "no" because your need for deeper cleaning techniques will vary depending on the kind of finish and installation of your hardwood floor. Therefore, you have to know the needs of your flooring and then you can decide on the best cleaning strategy. Anyway, your flooring retailer will recommend professional cleaning products to help you deal with tough stains and spills without making it dull and dampen.

To help you with simple things, here are experts' tips to give you guidance on what to do and what not to do in cleaning.

a. Don't wax a wood floor with urethane finish.

b. Use cleaners that won't leave film or residue

c. Wood naturally expands when wet causing it to crack or splinter so it is advised that you should not use excessive water to clean the floor or wet mop.

d. Don't use ammonia cleaners or oil soaps since they'll dull the finish and affect the ability to recoat later.

e. Clean sticky spots with damp towel or sponge and minimize water exposure.

Make your own floor cleaner

Commercial cleaners used to clean wood floors can be harsh and harmful. To avoid the dreadful effects of these chemicals, you can make your own earth-friendly and naturally biodegradable cleaner. You simply need vinegar, vegetable oil and water. Mix the three and use as cleaner. The vinegar can cut through dirt and grime while the oil can add little shine to the floor. Make sure to rinse the floor with water before polishing.

How to refinish wood floor?

Can you do it on your own or you need professional hardwood floor refinisher? Again, it will still depend on how you want your floor to be refinished. For sure, you can seek the assistance of the experts but you can also do the work on your own.

a. Sanding

If you don't own one, you can rent floor sander from an equipment shop. Before starting, you must check thoroughly the floor to avoid ripping your sandpaper off when ran on carpet staples or stacks.

b. Staining the floor

If you want to stain the floor, you must brush the floor clear of any sawdust from the sander. Then apply first and second coat of stain with long, even strokes.

c. Finishing the floor

Apply polyurethane finish with brush or roller in smooth and even strokes with the grain to avoid marks.

There you go! As easy as those simple steps to care for your wood floor. You can definitely do it yourself with ease.