Hardwood Floors October/November 2017

that oat through the house and eventually come to rest on wood oors in the form of dust. How dirt and dust damage wood floors One way dirt and dust damage wood oors is discoloration. Heavy foot tra c breaks down these elements into grime that sticks to the oor, making it look blotchy. Over time, the grime can work its way into small cracks and even the wood grain itself. is can cause deep discoloration that is extremely di cult to remove without sanding and re nishing. Another, more obvious, way dirt and dust damage oors is by causing scratches and abrasions. When a person’s foot or dog’s paw comes in contact with a large, coarse particle resting on a wood oor, it can cause damage. Aside from an unsightly look, these scratches and abrasions expose wood to water, which can result in swelling or cracking. ey can also become traps for grime, leading to the discoloration. Ways to prevent damage e best way to prevent dirt and dust from damaging wood oors 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 oors, eliminating these elements from being tracked in. Other ways to keep oors in top condition include: regularly cleaning the entryway areas, frequent vacuuming of carpeted oors, 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 ever ge ing in the house. No ma er how many precautions you take to keep dirt and dust o your wood oors, it’s inevitable that some will nd its way in. So if there is one reducing the chance for damage. And when you do clean, consider using something other than a broom, which sca ers and ings, 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 nd you need to do wet cleaning for tacked-down dirt, Regular cleaning greatly reduces damage caused by dirt and dust . thing you do, be sure it’s regular cleaning. is way, dirt and dust get picked up frequently, greatly

DISCOLORATION SCRATCHES

CRACKS

avoid methods that use excessive water, such as a bucket and mop, because too much moisture can be harmful for your wood oors. 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 oor 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. ©2017 P&G

the magazine of the national wood flooring association

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