| are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to | | | | has been approved for hardwood floors. There can |
| today’s hardwood floors. Homeowners are | | | | be a chemical reaction between the rug backing and |
| confused about whether the plastic coating completely | | | | the floor, the backing can also facilitate mold growth. |
| protects the wood, or whether they should treat the | | | | The main enemy of hardwood floors is the sun. |
| floor like they would a piece of hardwood furniture. | | | | Ultraviolet radiation in the sunlight can cause |
| Regardless of the finish a hardwood floor will lose its | | | | discoloration over time. The ultraviolet rays that burn |
| luster if exposed to water. Mopping with a floor | | | | and age skin will damage any organic material, including |
| cleaner can result in chemical damage to the surface, | | | | wood. |
| and even warping. | | | | Extended exposure to the sunlight will alter the color of |
| Wood floor cleaners that contain oil should never be | | | | any wood floor, the stain, or a polyurethane coating will |
| used on floors coated with a thick layer of | | | | not protect the floor. The new water-based urethane |
| polyurethane. The oil will create a sticky residue that | | | | finishes do slow the rate of damage more effectively |
| will turn white over time, and will combine with dust and | | | | than oil-based urethane finishes, which turn |
| secretions from feet and pets until a black grunge | | | | brownish-yellow over time. Some new finishes include |
| collects along seams, edges, and under furniture. | | | | a sunscreen to block the ultraviolet rays, extending the |
| Do not mop sealed-and-waxed floors, not even with a | | | | life of the floor. |
| slightly damp mop. Do not use furniture polish like | | | | Another way to protect floors from the sun is to use |
| Pledge on the floor. | | | | sheers, especially ones that block the sun, over |
| Dirt, dust and grit will dull and scratch a hardwood floor. | | | | windows. This may be disheartening for many |
| However, dragging a vacuum over the floor will also | | | | decorators who are enthralled by large banks of open |
| cause damage. The new types of floor mops with a | | | | windows that eliminate the barriers between the indoor |
| flat surface that is covered by a soft fabric are | | | | and outdoor world. |
| perfect for hardwood floors. | | | | There are some common sense tips to prolong the |
| Doormats and area rugs placed at the entrances of | | | | beauty of a hardwood floor. Removing shoes, and |
| the home, under tables, where pets sleep, under places | | | | wearing slippers, will protect the floor’s surface. |
| where children play, and high traffic areas will trap | | | | High heels will pit the plastic surface of a floor. These |
| most of the dirt and grit, but only if they are cleaned | | | | dents will not appear at first, but time and wear will |
| regularly. If they are not cleaned often they will | | | | make the dents apparent. Shoes will also pick up small |
| become giant scour pads, damaging the floor’s | | | | grains of dirt that will scratch the floor’s finish. |
| surface every time someone walks across the rug. | | | | A little care and thought will extend the life of a floor |
| Avoid throw rugs with rubber or vinyl backing unless it | | | | for years. |