No matter what the setting, the good looks and durability of hardwood floors can be maintained with minimal effort. It's simply a matter of proper care and maintenance. The American Hardwood Information Center,  in conjunction with the National Wood Flooring Association suggest the following care and maintenance guidelines to keep hardwood floors looking beautiful today, and for years to come. Here's how to begin. All hardwood floors should be cleaned regularly to remove dirt and grit from between the floor boards. Avoid using a wet mop which can dull the finish. Instead, sweep with either a dust mop or broom that features exploded tips, or vacuum the floors using a vacuum with special hardwood floor attachments or one with the beater bar turned off. Wipe up any spills immediately, using a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth, starting at the edges of the spill and working toward the center. Allowing spills to remain on hardwood floors could damage the finish, as well as the wood.

Avoid walking on hardwood floors with sports cleats or high heel shoes in disrepair. These can scratch the finish, or even dent the floor. Placing felt pads on the bottom of furniture legs will also minimize scratches. Further minimize scratches by placing scatter rugs at all entrances to help keep small stones and debris out. Scatter rugs with rubber backs can discolor wood floors. Special rug mats can be purchased from a wood flooring retailer that will protect the floors from discoloration. Knowing which type of finish applied to protect the hardwood floor is important. Different flooring finishes require different kinds of care, so if or when in doubt, contact the flooring manufacturer or a wood flooring professional in your area. , stress that using the right maintenance products will protect and prolong the life of the floor. Surface finishes, also referred to as urethanes or polyurethanes, are practical and very popular. They remain on the surface of the wood and form a protective coating that is water-resistant, durable and requires minimal maintenance.

For cleaning purposes, use products recommended by the flooring manufacturer. If the floors were finished or refinished on site, contact the installer. If neither is known, use a generic hardwood floor cleaner which can be purchased at a retail flooring store. Never use wax-based or petroleum-based products on a surface finish floor, as they will damage the finish.the best dyson vacuum cleaner 2014 Wax finishes soak into the wood, harden to form a protective penetrating seal, and when needed, are maintained with additional thin applications of wax. best bagless vacuum cleaner under $400Only solvent-based waxes, buffing pastes or cleaning liquids made specifically for wax-finished wood floors should be used.best vacuum upright vacuum cleaner

Use cleaning products, available at retail flooring stores, made specifically for wax finishes. Follow the directions carefully to determine how long the cleaner should remain on the floor. Once the floor is clean, apply a new coat of wax to restore luster. Acrylic impregnated finishes are injected into the wood to create a super-hard, extremely durable floor. commercial duct cleaning trainingThese finishes most often are used in high traffic areas of malls, restaurants and other commercial settings.portable air duct cleaning equipment for sale Cleaning an acrylic impregnated floor depends on the finish. list of best canister vacuum cleanersIf the floor has a urethane-based finish, follow the same procedures suggested for surface finished floors.

If the floor has a nonurethane-based finish, use a spray and buff system, as recommended by the manufacturer. Don't hesitate to investigate It pays to be knowledgeable. Proper care and maintenance will protect and prolong the performance of hardwood flooring for a lifetime, and even longer. In this article, you’re going to learn exactly how to pick out the best hardwood floor vacuum. Hardwood floors add elegance and natural beauty to any home. With the right care and maintenance, it’s possible to preserve the luster and keep your floors looking like new for many years to come. Thankfully, the smooth, flat surface of wood flooring makes it a bit easier to clean. Eliminating dust and debris becomes a simple job when you have the right tools at your disposal. Why Ordinary Vacuums Just Won’t Do Many homeowners make the mistake of using any ordinary vacuum. If you’ve just installed some new flooring or recently moved into a new home with hardwood floors, you might be a bit reluctant to try and find the best vacuum right away, especially if your old one still works perfectly fine.

The big problem that exists even with top rated vacuums is if it’s designed with carpeting in mind, it can actually cause more harm than good when it comes to hardwood floors. Traditional cleaning machines have roller brushes with thick bristles that can leave scratches. Not only that, the brush can also scatter dirt and debris, making it even more difficult to clean. Machines designed for carpets tend to have plastic wheels, which can easily scratch up wood surfaces. They also lack the padding needed to further prevent damage. Tips For Choosing The Best Hardwood Vacuum If you want to find a vacuum for hardwood that actually makes your life easier instead of more complicated, keep an eye out for the following features: No rolling brushes – Rolling brushes are designed to lift dirt, hair, and debris that hide inside carpets. Since this isn’t an issue that wood floor owners have to deal with, the brush will do more harm than good by scratching the surface each time you use it.

If you cannot find a model without a rolling brush, look for one that at least allows you to switch off the brush to prevent it from spinning. Padding and rubber wheels – Rubber wheels and extra rubber padding will help prevent scratches, digs and other damages. Lightweight and compact – No one likes the idea of lugging a heavy machine around. Lightweight models are easy to carry around and easily glide across the floor for effortless cleaning. Good suction power – Best vacuums tend to have superior suction quality and power. This ensures that no dust, dirt or debris is left behind. There’s much debate over whether upright or canister vacuums are better when it comes to this floor type. They both have their own pros and cons, but ultimately, it comes down to preference. One big advantage of using a canister vacuum cleaner is the convenience. Uprights are bulky, difficult to move around and heavy. Canisters, on the other hand, are lightweight and incredibly portable.

If you have a two story home with wood floors on both levels, a canister model is probably the ideal choice. Our Recommendation For You ), ), ), then you already know that finding a good hardwood vacuum is not always an easy task. This is why it’s important to read through actual customer reviews first. It can make the difference between finding a ‘good’ vs. ‘great’ vacuum cleaner. have taken the time to do some research and have compiled together all the top rated hardwood vacuums based on customer feedback and reviews. Here is what they came up with: When it comes to getting the best bang for your buck, we highly recommend the BISSELL Hard Floor Expert 1161. But before making a purchasing decision, make sure you read through as many user reviews as you can and compare the pros, cons, top features of various different models, and pay careful attention to the number of negative/positive reviews. This is the most effective way to find that perfect vacuum for your home, and not have to regret your decision a year later.