Hardwood Floors June/July 2019

How dirt and dust damage wood floors One way dirt and dust damage wood floors is discoloration. Heavy foot traffic breaks down these elements into grime that sticks to the floor, making it look blotchy. Over time, the grime can work its way into small cracks and even the wood grain itself. This can cause deep discoloration that is extremely difficult to remove without sanding and refinishing. Another, more obvious, way dirt and dust damage wood floors is by causing scratches and abrasions. When a person’s foot or a dog’s paw comes in contact with and drags a large, coarse particle across a wood floor, it can cause damage. Aside from an unsightly look, these scratches and abrasions can be deep enough to expose raw wood to water and grime, which can result in swelling, cracking, or discoloration. Ways to prevent damage The best way to prevent dirt and dust from damaging wood floors is to reduce the amount that is brought in from outside. A simple way to accomplish this is to ensure shoes are removed before walking on the floors, eliminating these elements from being tracked in. Other ways to keep floors in top condition include: regularly cleaning the entryway areas, frequent vacuuming, placing a rug or mat outside of each entrance, and keeping windows closed, especially on windy days. With these simple tips, you will prevent a lot of dirt from getting in the house. No matter how many precautions you take to keep dirt and dust off your wood floors, it’s inevitable that some will find its way in. So if there is one thing you do, be sure it’s regular cleaning. This way, dirt and dust get picked up frequently, greatly reducing the chance for damage. And when you do clean, consider using something other than a broom, which scatters and flings, leaving much of the mess behind. Instead, try a sweeping tool designed to trap and lock dirt and dust, resulting in a more thorough clean. If you find you need to do wet cleaning for tacked-down dirt, avoid methods that use excessive water, such as Regular cleaning greatly reduces damage caused by dirt and dust .

DISCOLORATION SCRATCHES

CRACKS

a bucket and mop, because too much moisture can be harmful for your wood floors. Instead, consider using misting spray mops with clean mopping pads. Finally, if you spill wet food or water, blot up immediately with a paper towel or clean, dry cloth before the liquid can seep into abrasions and cracks. A beautiful wood floor is the centerpiece of a home. And if it is taken care of with regular cleaning and simple precautions to reduce dirt and dust, it will retain its beauty for decades to come. This article was provided by Swiffer®. To learn more about Swiffer products, visit swiffer.com. ©2019 P&G

the magazine of the national wood flooring association

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