Four Common Hardwood Flooring Problems and How to Deal with Them

Hardwood Floors are known for their incredible durability and ease of maintenance, but that doesn't mean they are completely immune to the occasional problem. That's why Quantum Floors has decided to put together this quick guide to the most common hardwood flooring problems a West Palm Beach, FL home is likely to encounter and how to deal with them.

1. Everyday Cleanup

To avoid excess moisture or damaging the finish of the hardwood flooring in your West Palm Beach, FL home, always use a dry mop or microfiber cloth when mopping the floor. Excess moisture can cause your floors to warp, cup, or expand, and should be avoided at all costs.

Be sure to always wipe up any liquid spills as quickly as possible, and always pay special attention to the gaps between planks. Although the floor's finish will help protect the surface from moisture and liquid damage, the gaps are the perfect place for moisture to find its way to the unprotected planks below, where it will cause all sorts of unpleasant damage.

Never employ steam cleaners on your floors. High heat combined with high humidity is the worst thing imaginable for a wood floor.

2. Smudges and Smears

If your West Palm Beach, FL home's hardwood flooring has a matte finish, this is not that big of a problem for you. However, if your floor has a glossy finish, you're going to have to deal with this problem for sure.

The most common causes of smudges and smears are pets and family members walking on the floors in bare feet. The best way to deal with this problem is to wipe the floor daily with a soft cloth or microfiber, and to frequently polish the floor. Always be sure you are using a polish that is approved for your floor and that specifically states it doesn't leave any waxy residue.

3. Oxidation

Exposure to sunlight causes hardwood flooring to darken over time. This Jatoba, is a problem with nearly all hardwood flooring species. The best way to deal with this is to frequently move your furniture, to even out which areas are exposed to the sun. Another great option is to invest in a UV-blocking window treatment.

If your hardwood floors become unevenly discolored to the point that it is unacceptable, you might want to consider sanding and refinishing them. Luckily, solid hardwood floors are able to undergo this process a number of times throughout their service life, and it offers an opportunity to switch up the color of your floors completely, should you be inclined to do so.