Guide to Protecting the Hardwood Floors in Your New House in Toronto ON

So you’re all moved in. The moving truck has pulled away, everything is out of storage, and the boxes are unpacked. Next stop: home improvements and everyday house maintenance.

Hardware flooring has become a staple feature in many homes over the last couple of years, with its versatility, durability and (relatively low maintenance) it can perfectly compliment a variety of lifestyles. That being said certain steps should be taken to maintain the integrity of your flooring and ensuring you are able to keep it looking clean, crisp and free from any damage.

Firstly, protect certain areas of the floor from getting scratched by strategically using rugs and runners in what you would call ‘high traffic’ areas. That means areas such as hallways and walkways and in front of all doors that lead outside. The best things to buy are long runners, which are rugs designed especially for hallways and walkways. They are normally brightly coloured to set off the wood and are normally made to be hardwearing and durable. In addition, area rugs are also useful anywhere there will be furniture of any kind in contact with the floor. Rather than allowing furniture to scratch the floor, simply use rugs or floor mats under tables and chairs, as well as special floor pads on chair and table legs to prevent scratching of the floor by movement of the furniture. Another tip is to place a shoe rack inside the entrance to your home. If you get people to remove their shoes when visiting you can prevent pebbles and other debris from being brought into the house and scratching up the floor.

Secondly, avoid letting the floor get too much sun. Just like your own skin, excess sun can cause serious discolouration with hardwood flooring, irrespective of the stain or finish it starts out with. A few hardwoods will turn a lighter shade when exposed to sunlight whilst others, such as cherry or oak, will go darker. If possible, try to ensure that curtains protect the floor as often as possible. In addition, it is possible to slow down any discolouration by applying a water based urethane finish (avoid oil based products as they may cause some yellowing when exposed to sun.)

Thirdly, always keep the floor dry. This is the golden rule of any hardwood flooring as water, or indeed any liquid, can cause real damage to the floor. Always clear any spillages immediately by wiping them away before any liquid has a chance to seep under the surface of the floor. Once water has got underneath the floor there is a real chance of the wood cracking, staining or warping so prevention is the key. When you buy the floor new it may not be completely sealed so take the time to add a coat of finishing to seal off any gaps or areas that are exposed. Also, never, ever use a wet brush or mop to clean the floor. At the most it should be only very slightly damp. Lastly, make use of rugs and carpets in areas where there is a real possibility of splashes and spills, such as in bathrooms or kitchens.

Finally, polish the floor from time to time with a good quality wax that will not only prevent scratching, but also keep moisture out.

About Viktoria Van Lines Toronto

Viktoria Van Lines Toronto is a professional Toronto moving and storage company, providing high quality local and long distance moving services throughout the GTA, Southern Ontario and across Canada. Thanks to our country-wide network we are also able to service our clients’ long distance moving needs throughout Canada.

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