Pine Wood Flooring - Important Cleaning Tips For Lasting Beauty
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Pine wood flooring is a very attractive option if you are considering installing hardwood floors, however as hardwoods go, it is not the most durable variety. If pine wood is the flooring you choose, you should be aware that it can scratch easily if you do not protect it carefully from dust and dirt. Here are few ideas that will help you maintain an attractive hardwood floor for many years to come.
Pine wood flooring requires special treatment to keep it clean. If you treat it like a rug or tile it can easily be damaged if cleaned incorrectly.
On an ordinary tile floor, when a spill occurs it is simply a matter of spraying on a household cleaner and wiping it up or with larger spills you would use a mop to clean it up. Unfortunately, most commercial cleaners and even just plain water can permanently mar the finish on pine wood flooring.
It's best to clean up small accidents with a damp cloth or towel, this is less likely to cause a lasting water stain. Ideally, you should use the cleaning products recommended by the flooring installer as these are specially formulated for this type of flooring.
If water must be used, do not allow it to pool on the floor. Be quick and clean up small food spills, using water in only small areas. Even a single drop of water left too long on your pine wood floor can strip the finish, and leave a noticeable dull spot on a normally shiny surface. There are many commercially based products that are specifically formulated to accomodate the delicate nature of the softer woods.
It's not always practical, but make a habit of removing your shoes that you wear outside whenever you enter a room with pine wood flooring. Keep a pair or two of carpet slippers near your front door to offer to guests and visitors. If shoes are worn indoors, make sure you have a door mat to clean off the soles before entering the home.
Many people choose to use a variety of small area rugs, mats and runners to protect those areas that get a high level of foot traffic.
To keep that shiny appearance, dust, dirt and soil should be removed on a regular basis. There is a new kind of dry mop that is ideal for keeping hardwood floors clean. One of the more popular brands is a Swiffer mop, which uses static electricity to collect dust and small particles. Vacuuming regularly is also recommended to minimize the amount of abrasive particles that can accumulate in a busy home just be careful not scuff the surface.
If you have a house pet with undisciplined urinary habits then pine wood is not the best choice for you as the acids in urine can instantly strip off the finish. Dog's toenails have also been known to cause serious scratching on pine wood flooring.
Pine wood flooring can brighten up any room and add a warm and homey feel but it can be very high maintenance, requiring cleaning on a daily basis. By using a little common sense and following the tips suggested here, you can keep your pine wood floor shiny, attractive and in top condition.