With the winter months behind us and the first light of spring now shining bright, it’s time for some yearly rituals that enhance our happiness and quality of life. And yes, we’re referring to the act of Spring Cleaning. And while you might have made some plans for your home, the hardwood floor that you had installed not too long ago might be in need of some upkeep.

Doormats

While hardwood does a wonderful job at no tracking in all of the pollen and allergens that carpeting does, there’s still traffic that enters and exits on a regular basis. Exterior or interior doormats and a friendly reminder to wipe your feet can help reduce anything from the outside making its way in.

Rugs

You walk on your floor every single day. As such, you know which areas have the most traffic. And while hardwood floors last for many years, traffic can introduce stiff marks and unsightly abrasions over time. Placing rugs where these areas are can help reduce scuffing and keep your floor in pristine condition.

Don’t Use Cleaning Products

There are plenty of cleaning products on the market that is meant to turn any living area into the very embodiment of cleanliness. However, it’s best that you refrain from using any of them on your hardwood floor. While soaps and ammonia-based cleaners are great for linoleum, they can lead to excessive damage to hardwood. A damp cloth is all you need to get your hardwood floor looking good.

Please Note: While a damp cloth is all you need to clean your hardwood floor, we advise that you use it sparingly. Oversaturating your floor with too much water can severely damage your hardwood floor and can also lead to the growth of mold and mildew.

Floor Refinishing

The good news is that this doesn’t have to be done as often as rug shampooing. And while it doesn't have to be done often, refinishing your hardwood floor is advisable if you notice a significant amount of scuff marks or discoloration. Your floor can be restored to its original finish and have a brand new lease on life.

Whether you need to maintain your hardwood floor or you’re finally ready to have one installed in your home, we’re here to help. TongueandGroove.com is your one-stop shop for all things hardwood related. For more information, visit us online or give us a call at 800-689-9006.