A single-family rental house might benefit from the value and beauty of a hardwood floor. To preserve your rental property’s hardwood floors in good condition, you must take additional measures. Regular maintenance is essential. Frequently, occupants can be very rough on hardwood floors, accidentally or ignorantly scratching and gouging them.
One of the best methods to keep the hardwood floors in your Alexandria rental home in good condition and visually appealing is through regular hardwood floor maintenance. Understanding how to maintain a hardwood floor is vital, though. The majority of hardwood floors, for instance, have surface coatings that help shield the wood from liquid spills, scratches, and other types of harm. Maintaining this condition is the most effective way to extend the life of your floor.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Never use strong or abrasive cleansers on hardwood floors, as they could harm the finish or strip off the protective varnish. Utilize pH-neutral or specially formulated cleaners that are safe for wood surfaces and pH-neutral for hardwood floors. Hardwood can be damaged by harsh cleaning agents or ineffective cleaning procedures. Experts advise using a soft microfiber mop or towel to sweep dirt and dust off the floor. Normal mops use too much water, which also has the potential to damage a hardwood floor, and vacuum cleaners can scratch the surface.
Avoid Excessive Moisture or Sunlight
Due to the susceptibility of hardwood surfaces to damage from moisture, it is essential to avoid puddles of water and other liquids. Clean up any spillage immediately to prevent them from penetrating and damaging the wood. Instead of soaking the floor in water, use a moist mop to clean it. Furthermore, hardwood flooring color may fade with exposure to too much direct sunshine. To avoid overexposure, use window films, blinds, or drapes to block the sun.
Regular Cleaning and Preventative Measures
While there are numerous choices available to property owners, one of the best ways to keep their rental property looking spotless is to cooperate with the tenants to take care of the hardwood floors. You should instruct your tenant on how to maintain and sanitize the hardwood floors as one of your initial responsibilities. By educating them about proper maintenance, you may increase the hardwood’s lifespan and aesthetic appeal while simultaneously avoiding damage.
Ask tenants to put rugs or mats down in the entrances and other high-traffic areas to prevent dirt and grit from being tracked into the hardwood floors. When moving or rearranging furniture, think about placing felt pads or furniture coasters under the legs to prevent denting or scratching the surface.
Periodic Maintenance
Even with regular maintenance, hardwood floors require additional care every few years or between tenants. The finish of a floor can deteriorate and gather scratches or other problems over time as a result of use and abuse. But if that’s all there is, you probably won’t need to give the floor a thorough refinish. Typically, a screening, which roughens the current finish’s surface, and a new application of a finish are sufficient to restore a deteriorating hardwood floor. If your hardwood floor is severely damaged, deformed, has deep scratches, or has other problems, repairing and refinishing may be your only option. It takes time to refinish a floor, and professional help and specialized tools are needed.
Hardwood floor maintenance doesn’t have to be difficult, but it does require additional planning and incentive for getting your tenant involved. However, when landlords maintain positive relationships with their tenants, they are more likely to assist you in maintaining the optimal condition of your valuable hardwood flooring.
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Originally Published on November 29, 2019
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