To a single-family rental home, a hardwood floor can add beauty and value. Hardwood floors, on the other hand, require special maintenance if your rental property has them. Regular maintenance is essential. Tenants are frequently very rough with hardwood floors, accidentally scratching and gouging them out of ignorance.
Proper hardwood floor maintenance is one of the most effective ways to preserve the functionality and aesthetic allure of the hardwood floors in your Raleigh rental property. However, it is essential to know how to maintain a hardwood floor effectively. For instance, the majority of hardwood floors are treated on the surface to help shield the wood from liquid spills, scratches, and other types of damage. Keep this finish intact for the best chance of extending the life of your floor.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Avoid using harsh or abrasive cleansers on hardwood floors, as they may damage the finish or strip away the protective sealant. Utilize gentle, safe for wood surfaces, pH-neutral, or specially formulated hardwood floor cleaners. Harsh cleaning agents or poor cleaning methods can damage hardwood. The use of a soft microfiber mop or cloth is advised for sweeping grime and dust off the floor. Vacuum cleaners can scratch a hardwood floor, and standard mops use too much water, which can also cause damage.
Avoid Excessive Moisture or Sunlight
It’s crucial to prevent substantial water or liquid spills on hardwood floors since moisture can quickly destroy them. Remove any spills immediately to prevent them from damaging the wood. Clean the floor using a slightly moist mop as opposed to saturating it in water. Additionally, excessive direct sunlight can cause hardwood floors to lose their color. To avoid overexposure, use window films, blinds, or drapes to block the sun.
Regular Cleaning and Preventative Measures
Working with your tenants to maintain the hardwood flooring in your rental property is one of the most effective ways to preserve its pristine appearance. One of your first tasks should be to give your tenant instructions on how to take care of and clean the hardwood flooring. By showing them how to properly take care of the hardwood, you can increase its lifespan and aesthetic appeal while avoiding any lasting damage. Suggest to renters that they place mats or rugs in entryways and high-traffic areas to prevent grime and grit from being tracked onto hardwood floors. To prevent denting or scratching surfaces when moving or rearranging furniture, think about placing felt pads or furniture coasters under the legs.
Periodic Maintenance
Even with regular maintenance, hardwood floors require additional care every few years or between tenants. Wear and strain can cause a floor’s finish to degrade and acquire scratches and other flaws over time. However, if that’s all there is, you probably won’t need to refinish the floor extensively. The majority of the time, a screening, which roughens the surface of the existing finish, and a new application of finish are sufficient to restore a fading hardwood floor. Repairing and refinishing may be your only choice if your hardwood floor has become severely damaged, warped, has deep scratches, or has other problems. It takes time to refinish a floor, and professional help and specialized tools are needed.
Taking care of hardwood floors does not have to be difficult, but enlisting your tenant’s assistance requires additional planning and encouragement. They are more likely to assist you in maintaining the best possible condition for your priceless hardwood floor, so long as you maintain strong tenant relations.
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Originally Published on November 29, 2019
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