Care & Repair

Wood Floor Care Tips

Lane Hardwood Floors of Shoreline, WA, provides unparalleled wood flooring repair and refinishing throughout the surrounding areas of Seattle, Washington. Hardwood products, millwork, and exotic woods can add significant value to a home or building, but they also require maintenance and care to last a lifetime. Our professional team provides expert repair, refinishing, and maintenance to existing floors and millwork. We invite you to read below to learn more about caring for your wood floors. Contact us today if you require professional wood floor repair or refinishing.206-622-1336.

What can you buy today that will last a lifetime with minimal care?

We get new cars every six or eight years, requiring plenty of service and repairs; new appliances barely last a dozen years. But solid hardwood flooring, furniture, and millwork can last a lifetime in every room of the house. And solid hardwood products are easy to take care of in any room of the house and require very little care to maintain their good looks and serviceability.

Hardwood Flooring is the Healthy Choice for Any Room

In addition to their distinctive beauty and lasting value, hardwood floors are often recommended by doctors because they trap less animal dander, dust, pollen, mites, and mold –all of which can trigger respiratory problems. Natural hardwood floors can make it easier to reduce home allergens while your rooms remain warm and inviting.

Following a few simple rules can keep floors looking great with minimum maintenance:

Place floor mats at entrances to trap dirt.

Sweep floors weekly with brooms with fine, exploded ends that trap dust and grit.

Vacuum cleaners aren't just for carpets.

Water and liquids can damage the floor's finish.

Go over a hardwood floor weekly with multi-surface vacuums.

Wipe up spills, pet accidents, and other mishaps immediately.

Kitchens were once considered out-of-bounds for solid hardwood flooring. Today's urethane finishes make hardwood floors an attractive choice that is easy to maintain and keep clean.

Abundant in Nature

Environmentally conscious consumers should know that, according to the US Forest Service, the volume of American hardwoods is 90 percent larger than just 50 years ago, and nearly twice as much hardwood grows as it is harvested each year.

Hardwood Floor Care – General Do's and Don'ts

Here are some general do's and don'ts to help keep your hardwood floor looking like new:

Enemy Number 1: Water

Regardless of its finish, your floor will quickly lose its luster if exposed to water. More severe damage is also possible, including warping and other problems.

DO: Wipe up any spills immediately with a soft, dry cloth, starting at the edges of the spill and working toward the center.

DO: Check with the manufacturer to determine if your steam cleaner is appropriate for use on your wood floor. Some models are designed for use on hardwood floors. Others are not. Remember that water is wood's No. 1 enemy. If the finish is worn or scratched, steam could seep into your wood floors, eventually causing damage.

Don't: Let the water stand on your floor, or use wet clothes for clean up.

Don't: Do not mop sealed-and-waxed floors, not even with a slightly damp mop.

Banish Dirt, Dust, and Grit

Dirt, dust, and grit can also damage your hardwood floor. Tracking dirt, dust, and grit can dull its finish and cause scratches that can only be repaired by refinishing the floor.

DO: Sweep your floors regularly. Invest in a good broom with exploded tips to trap dust and dirt, not simply spread it around. Dust mops can also help keep dirt, dust, and grit under control.

DO: Vacuum frequently using a canister vacuum with special hardwood floor attachments.

Don't: Use an upright vacuum with beater bars. They can cause dents on your floor's finish.

Don't: Use any dust treatment unless it is approved by your floor's manufacturer. The wrong treatment can dull your floor and cause problems the next time you refinish.

DO: Use doormats at the entrances of your home to help trap dirt and grit. Clean them regularly.

Area Rugs

DO: Use area rugs or small sections of carpet placed inside doorways and in areas like kitchens where spills are likely to occur.

Don't: Use throw rugs with rubber or vinyl backing without checking to determine if they will affect your floor's finish. Some materials in the backing can react with specific floor finishes, discoloring or causing the finish to become dull.

Don't: Let damp throw or scatter rugs sit on the floor. Check the rugs frequently and make sure damp rugs are removed.

DO: Move your area carpets or throw rugs occasionally to maintain a uniform appearance in the floor's finish.

Sunlight

The ultraviolet radiation in sunlight can cause discoloration over time.

The ultraviolet rays that can burn and age our skin will affect any organic material, including wood. That's why the finest art collections are kept in rooms without windows. Prolonged exposure to sunlight will change the color of virtually any wood floor, regardless of the stain or finish. Some woods lighten when exposed to sunlight. Others, like cherry and oak, tend to darken. The newest water-based urethane finishes seem to slow color changes more effectively than oil-based urethane finishes, which tend to turn the brownish-yellow color of amber. Some finishes feature sunscreens to help block the penetration of ultraviolet rays, extending the time it will take the wood to change.

DO: Protect your floors using sheer drapes, curtains, or blinds to limit sunlight.

Furniture

DO: Place glides made of felt or some other fabric under the legs of furniture to prevent scratches. Clean the glides regularly to ensure that dust and grit do not become embedded.

DO: Use barrel-type casters instead of ball casters to prevent dents.

DO: Use non-marking rubber casters instead of plastic or metal.

DO: Lift furniture when moving it to avoid scratches on the floor's surface.

Shoes

DO: Make sure there are no exposed nails or metal heel supports on shoes that could scratch or dent the floor.

DO: Check shoes with soles that have deep treads to ensure that any trapped dirt or gravel won't scratch or dent the floor.

DO: Be aware that high heels can dent a hardwood floor.

What Finish Is On Your Hardwood Floor?

Sometimes you have to start at the finish, floor finish, that is. The finish on your hardwood floor will tell you a lot about your floor and how to care for it. Before you make any investment in floor care products or think about refinishing your floor, you must first determine what type of finish it has.

There are two significant categories of floor finishes. Surface finishes such as polyurethane form a protective layer over the floor. Penetrating finishes do as their name implies; they are absorbed into the floor and are topped off by a coat of floor wax. So, how can you tell which type you have? Here are some tips:

Surface Finishes

Urethane is one of the most common finishes in use today. An easy way to determine if your floor has a polyurethane finish is to select an inconspicuous area and apply a small amount of paint remover to the floor surface. If the finish bubbles up, it is most likely a surface finish. You can also try scraping up a bit of the finish with a sharp blade (also in an area hidden from view). If you successfully scrap up a transparent material, the finish is likely a surface finish.

Penetrating Finishes

Run your hand over the floor surface. Can you feel the wood grain? If so, the finish is probably brilliant. Another test is to select an inconspicuous area and attempt to smudge the floor surface with a fingertip or scrape the surface with a fingernail or sharp instrument. If the floor smudges but no explicit material is scraped up, then the finish is likely brilliant.

Sealed and Waxed Hardwood Floors – Care and First Aid

You will find that, with regular vacuuming and occasional buffing and waxing, your floor will look as good as the day it was installed. Over time you may find that the shine cannot be restored in areas with heavy foot traffic; if so, re-waxing may be necessary.

Perhaps you have recently moved into a home with waxed floors that have been overlooked recently, or you have a few trouble spots that need help. The following tips should help you rejuvenate your floors and treat other common problems that may arise.

Do not mop sealed-and-waxed floors, not even with a slightly damp mop.

Scratches

Most surface scratches should be easily repaired by applying a new coat of wax to the affected area and then buffing it to shine. For deep scratches that can't be concealed with the method above, try rubbing the scratch with a piece of oily nutmeats, like Brazil nut, walnut, or pecan. A good quality commercial scratch remover or stick wax that matches the surrounding wood can also be used. Apply a new coat of wax and buff to a shine.

Dried Milk and Food Stains

Always work from the outer edge toward the center of the stain. If the material has dried, it may be removed with a sharpened blade. Take care not to scratch the surface. Rub the spot with a slightly dampened cloth, then immediately go over the spot with a soft dry cloth. Re-wax this floor portion and buff it to restore the original shine.

Stains and Spots

Begin with the least aggressive treatment: Rub the spot with No. 1 steel wool and re-coat with wax. Buff to bring back the shine. If this doesn't work, lightly sand with fantastic sandpaper (90 to 120 grit). Clean the spot and the surrounding area with No. 1 or 0 steel wool and a few mineral spirits or a good wood floor cleaner. Let the floor dry thoroughly. Apply a matching finish, “feathering” it into the surrounding area. After the finish is dry, re-coat the floor with wax and buff.

Dark Spots (Ink, Pet Stains, Diaper Stains)

Follow these steps:

Remove the floor finish and clean the spot and surrounding area with No. 2 steel wool and a wood cleaner or mineral spirits.
Wash the area with household vinegar and permit it to stand for 3 or 4 minutes.

If these steps don't succeed, the darkened area toward the wood grain with fine sandpaper, “feathering” out 3 or 4 inches into the surrounding area. Remove all dust and grit with a vacuum or tack cloth. Wax and re-polish.

For more stubborn stains, apply a solution of oxalic acid and water directly on the spot (one ounce of oxalic acid to one quart). Let's stand for one hour. Wipe the area using a dampened sponge. Repeat the treatment if necessary. (Oxalic acid is toxic, so follow the directions carefully.)

If the second application of oxalic acid fails to remove the stain, lightly sand the affected area with No. 80 to 120 grit sandpaper. Remove all grit and dust with a vacuum or tack cloth. Once the finish is dry, buff lightly with steel No. O steel wool. Apply a second coat of finish, let dry, and wax. If the stain is still present, consider removing and replacing that floor section.

Heel Marks

Heel marks, caster marks, and similar scuffs can usually be removed by rubbing with fine steel wool and wood floor cleaner. Wipe dry and follow with polish.

Mold or Mildew

Using No. 1 steel wool and a good wood floor cleaner removes mold or mildew.

Chewing Gum, Crayons, Candle Wax

Try scraping the residue off with a sharpened blade, taking care not to scratch the surface. Another option is to apply ice until the substance becomes brittle enough to break off. If you use ice, make sure you remove any spots of water immediately. A third option is to apply cleaning fluid on the floor's surface surrounding the spot. It will seep under the substance and loosen it.

Cigarette Burns

Steel wool will often remove superficial cigarette burns. A small amount of water and soap, along with the steel wool, will often help. Be sure to wipe the area dry with a clean, dry cloth and re-wax. If this method doesn't work, try scraping the area carefully with a sharpened blade. Sand lightly and apply matching stain, if necessary. Once the stain is dry, re-wax and buff to a shine.

Alcohol

Rub the affected area with liquid or paste wax, silver polish, boiled linseed oil, or a cloth barely dampened with ammonia. Re-wax.

Oil and Grease

Try applying soap with high lye content or tri-sodium phosphate (TSP). As a last resort, place a soft cotton cloth saturated with hydrogen peroxide over the stain, then place a second cloth saturated with ammonia over the first. Repeat this until the stain is removed. Reserve this treatment option for the last because the ammonia may discolor the wood.

Wax Build Up

Over the years, floors that have not been cared for properly may show a wax build-up. Remove the old wax using mineral spirits or a good wood floor cleaner (make sure the cleaner is a solvent, not water-based). Use cloths and fine steel wool to remove dirt and grime before applying new wax. Buff to a shine. Hint: Strip old layers of wax from your floor occasionally to eliminate any embedded dust or dirt, brighten the floor's natural color and restore that like-new shine.

Polyurethaned Hardwood Floors – Care and First Aid

Floors with urethane-type finish are highly durable. With just minimal care, your floor will look beautiful for years to come. The key to preserving your floor is protecting its finish. Urethane-finished floors require minimal care, but you must provide regular care. It is essential to get the grit off the floor before it can be ground into the finish. Sweep the floor regularly and vacuum at least weekly. Clean up spills before they turn into stains or otherwise damage the finish. For stubborn, sticky spills, a damp mop with an approved cleaner may be used. Refinishing will only be necessary once the weekly care fails to restore the floor's shine. Of course, never apply wax to a floor with a urethane finish.

Scratches

Most minor scratches can be removed with the help of a touch-up kit available from any wood flooring retailer.

Stains and Spots

Generally, stains and spots caused by standing water can be removed and the shine restored by applying a small amount of recommended floor cleaner and buffing vigorously with a soft clean cloth or towel.

Dark Spots (Ink, Pet Stains, Diaper Stains)

Follow these steps:

Remove the floor finish and clean the spot and surrounding area with No. 2 steel wool and a wood cleaner or mineral spirits.

Wash the area with household vinegar and permit it to stand for 3 or 4 minutes.

If these steps don't work, the darkened area in the direction of the wood grain with fine sandpaper, “feathering out” 3 or 4 inches into the surrounding area. Using a vacuum or tack cloth, remove all traces of grit and refinish with at least two coats of polyurethane finish.

Heel Marks

Heel marks, caster marks, and similar scuffs should wipe up quickly with an approved cleaner. Some marks can also be scraped up carefully with a sharpened blade.

Mold or Mildew

Mold or mildew on the surface can usually be cleaned with an approved cleaner. If the mold or mildew is under the surface, however, that portion of the floor will need to be refinished.

Chewing Gum, Crayons, Candle Wax

Cigarette Burns

Use a sharpened blade to scrape the burned area. Apply additional finish if necessary.

Oil and Grease

Generally, it is possible to remove oil and grease stains by applying mineral spirits or tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) and wiping with a clean cloth. Buff the area to restore the shine.

Woodwork Care and First Aid

We all heard: “Be careful, or you'll scratch the woodwork!” Fortunately, unlike synthetic moldings and trim, solid hardwood woodwork is easily repaired. Scratch the surface, and you'll find more of the same quality material underneath. Upkeep is easy as well.

An Eye Toward Prevention

Preventing nicks, dents, and scratches is more accessible than fixing them:

For extra protection and increased durability, consider applying several coats of a POLYURETHANE FINISH to the woodwork that has been stained.

Make sure there is a “SAFETY ZONE” of a couple of inches between furniture and walls and woodwork. INSTALL DOOR STOPS to avoid damage from swinging doors. KEEP TOYS IN THEIR PLACE, cumbersome toys with sharp edges.

Here are some tips for keeping your solid hardwood woodwork looking great year after year!

Clean and dust to restore luster to the finish and to protect the wood.

Use a quality wood cleaner that won't leave a residue.

REPAIR scratches by sanding out with a fine grade of paper and restaining with a matching color finish.

A touch-up kit from a furniture retailer might also come in handy.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Simply contact our staff today by calling 206-622-1336.