For many homeowners here in Austin, a first choice for flooring is hardwood. Though other types of flooring can be designed to mimic its appearance, the elegance and longevity of genuine hardwood is virtually unrivaled.
However, hardwood is also extremely sensitive to temperature and humidity. Without proper care, our famously hot and humid climate could damage your flooring’s appearance and lifespan.
On that note, here are a few tips for maintaining your hardwood floors amid Austin’s climate:
Wipe Up Spills Immediately
Like any other type of flooring, one of the most important things you can do to protect your hardwood floors is wipe up spills as quickly as possible. This is especially crucial for wood because it is naturally porous. Letting moisture sit on your floor allows it to build up, and excessive moisture can cause your floors to warp, shrink, or even crack.
Maintain Steady Conditions Indoors
Of course, moisture isn’t the only enemy of hardwood floors. Exceedingly dry conditions can also cause gapping, cracking, shrinking, and splitting.
Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to protect your floors from excessive moisture or dryness. First, it’s recommended to keep indoor humidity levels between 35 – 55% and avoid dramatic shifts in indoor temperature or humidity.
During winter, consider using a humidifier to prevent indoor humidity levels from dropping too much. When those sizzling summer months roll around, it’s time to go the opposite route and use a humidifier to continue maintaining a stable indoor environment.
Avoid Too Much Direct Sunlight
Speaking of summer, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can affect the appearance of your hardwood floors, specifically the color. Don’t worry, that’s what window treatments are for. Minimizing sunlight on your hardwood floors can also extend its lifespan.
Clean Regularly with a Microfiber Mop
In Austin, we have to be extra careful about moisture on hardwood floors, even when we clean them. That’s why we recommend cleaning your floors with a microfiber mop, not a wet mop. Though there are wet mops that claim to be safe for hardwood, they still use a lot of moisture and heat, and it’s not worth the risk. Microfiber mops use much less water, and they sweep up dirt and debris just fine. Your floor should dry relatively quickly but you can speed up this process by turning on the ceiling fan or drying the floor with a microfiber cloth.
If you have any questions about preserving your hardwood floors, the experts at Flohr would be happy to help. Are you thinking of replacing your current floors with wood flooring, but aren’t sure if it’s worth the price? We offer free consultations where we come to your home to collect measurements and other information that helps us determine the cost of installation, and if hardwood is a sensible option for your space. Give us a call to set up yours today.
