Are your hardwood floors starting to look dull and lifeless? Hardwood floors are a popular choice for homeowners because of their beauty and durability. However, they require proper maintenance to keep them looking their best. Foot traffic, spills, and stains can all take a toll on their finish, causing it to become dull and worn.
Reviving your hardwood floors can restore their shine and prolong their lifespan. This will not only improve their functionality and your enjoyment of them but also avoid the cost of installing new flooring.
Fortunately, there are ways to bring it back to life.
If your hardwood floors have seen better days, check out how to make them look brand new again.
Let’s get started.
Best Ways to Revive Your Old Hardwood Floors
Table of Contents
Here are a few ways to add life to your old floors.
1. Basic Maintenance
The first step in reviving your hardwood floors is basic maintenance. Learning how to clean your floors the right way can affect its life significantly.
Regularly sweeping or vacuuming your floors can prevent dirt and dust from accumulating, which can scratch the finish. Use a microfiber mop or cloth to clean up spills immediately to prevent stains.
2. Deep Cleaning Your Hardwood Floors
Sometimes regular cleaning is not enough. If your hardwood floors are looking particularly dirty, it may be time for a deep clean. In that case, use a hardwood floor cleaner that is specifically designed for your floor’s finish. Follow the instructions on the cleaner carefully, and be sure to rinse the floors thoroughly.
Avoid using water or harsh chemicals, as these can damage the wood.
3. Removing Scratches from Your Hardwood Floors
Scratches are a common problem for hardwood floors. Fortunately, they can be removed with some simple tricks. For minor scratches, use a hardwood floor cleaner and a soft cloth to buff them out; for deeper scratches, use a wood filler and sandpaper to smooth out the area.
If you want to protect your hardwood floors from scratches, consider laying down carpet in the areas that get a lot of traffic.
4. Refinishing Your Hardwood Floors
If your hardwood floors are severely damaged or have lost their shine, refinishing may be necessary. This involves sanding down the old finish and applying a new one. This is a time-consuming and messy process, but can completely transform the look of your floors.
Hardwood flooring has a very high ROI, so it is always a good idea to refinish them, instead of swapping them for cheaper flooring.
5. Hiring a Professional
Reviving your hardwood floors could be a DIY project, but it’s not for every homeowner. Indeed, there are more benefits to hiring a professional installer.
If you are unsure of your abilities or don’t have the time or tools to do it yourself, hire a professional. They have the expertise and equipment to get the job done right.
6. Preventative Maintenance
Once you have revived your hardwood floors, it is important to maintain them properly to prevent future damage. Use furniture pads to prevent scratches caused by dragging around chairs or couches, and avoid wearing shoes with sharp heels. Also, place doormats at entryways to trap dirt and prevent it from being tracked onto the floor.
Reviving your hardwood floors can be a time-consuming process, but it’s worth it to restore their beauty and prolong their lifespan. By following these tips, you can revive your hardwood floors and keep them looking their best for years to come. Need help with your floors? Contact your nearest home renovation store for more information.
