The hard work doesn't end at installing the flooring. Fading is among the most common issues that people have with hardwood floors. It takes away the wood's natural beauty, making it less charming.
Wouldn't it be amazing to have a polished wood floor throughout the years that you stay at your home? Understand that ultraviolet rays from artificial lights or sunlight play a significant role in fading your wooden floor's shine. Other activities within the home may also cause fading.
Below, we feature the top 5 ways to prevent your hardwood floor from fading over time. They're easier than you'd think.
Wouldn't it be amazing to have a polished wood floor throughout the years that you stay at your home? Understand that ultraviolet rays from artificial lights or sunlight play a significant role in fading your wooden floor's shine. Other activities within the home may also cause fading.
Below, we feature the top 5 ways to prevent your hardwood floor from fading over time. They're easier than you'd think.
1. Shade Your Home
There are parts of your house that will certainly be exposed to sunlight. The hardwood floor will definitely fade.
Installing curtains or shade on your windows would help prevent overexposure of your wooden floor from ultraviolet rays. Plants, drapes, furniture and other items can help provide shade on spots that would get more UV exposure.
Maybe, shutters or heavy drapes aren't your personal aesthetic. Then, you'll want to consider installing emissivity glass windows or UV blocking films on your panes.
Installing curtains or shade on your windows would help prevent overexposure of your wooden floor from ultraviolet rays. Plants, drapes, furniture and other items can help provide shade on spots that would get more UV exposure.
Maybe, shutters or heavy drapes aren't your personal aesthetic. Then, you'll want to consider installing emissivity glass windows or UV blocking films on your panes.
2. Move Items and Change Your Room's Layout Frequently
It might not sound like a fantastic plan. But, moving items helps maintain that consistent color and shine on the hardwood floor.
Move furniture and rugs to maintain the wooden floor's luster. That ensures that all parts of the flooring get varying degrees of exposure to light, thus slowing the fading process. You'll notice that some parts fade because certain items haven't been moved for ages.
Move furniture and rugs to maintain the wooden floor's luster. That ensures that all parts of the flooring get varying degrees of exposure to light, thus slowing the fading process. You'll notice that some parts fade because certain items haven't been moved for ages.
3. Clean Regularly
Frequent cleaning is imperative, especially if the floor experiences much traffic. Dirt builds up over time, creating a film on the floor. If that happens, you may find it takes a bit of effort to remove the buildup.
You'll be prompted to find a buffing machine. Avoid such dirt buildup by cleaning the floor frequently. Make use of warm water to scrub it.
It's recommendable that you find some dry cloth to wipe the floor dry. Don't allow your hardwood floor to dry naturally. That could leave dirt and dust residue.
You'll be prompted to find a buffing machine. Avoid such dirt buildup by cleaning the floor frequently. Make use of warm water to scrub it.
It's recommendable that you find some dry cloth to wipe the floor dry. Don't allow your hardwood floor to dry naturally. That could leave dirt and dust residue.
4. Make Use of the Right Finish
The kind of finish bears an enormous impact on whether or not it'll fade. UV light may reach with your floor's finish, slowly changing it over time. That explains why some hardwood floors with oil-based polyurethane finishes turn to be yellow or orange over time.
You can consider making use of a water-based finish - one that has a UV inhibitor. Such kind of finish remains clear while minimizing fading.
You can consider making use of a water-based finish - one that has a UV inhibitor. Such kind of finish remains clear while minimizing fading.
5. Pick The Right Vacuum
You can vacuum the hardwood floor to eliminate dirt and dust. Make use of a vacuum cleaner with the beater brush deactivated.
Some units may not have a brush. Others come with brushes which can be paused.
Beater brushes are perfect for carpet and rugs. But, they can scratch hardwood floors. Avoid using a vacuum that would de-color your hardwood floor or cause it to fade.
Some units may not have a brush. Others come with brushes which can be paused.
Beater brushes are perfect for carpet and rugs. But, they can scratch hardwood floors. Avoid using a vacuum that would de-color your hardwood floor or cause it to fade.
Extra Tips:
- Collect dust and fine sand using doormats
- Avoid harsh chemicals that would strip your floor of its appeal and shine
- Don't move furniture or other items by dragging them on the ground
- Avoid leaving your floor exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods of time
Is The Floor Already Faded?
Perhaps your hardwood floor no longer embodies an appealing look. It won't be a simple job to restore that look. Seeking professional help would be wise.
DIY techniques could lead to the wood's permanent damage. Professional technicians could help revive the hardwood's look.
DIY techniques could lead to the wood's permanent damage. Professional technicians could help revive the hardwood's look.
Final Note
Hardwood flooring is an investment that ought to be adequately protected. It adds warmth and sophistication to your house. But, its natural beauty often comes with a substantial price tag. Fading is an enemy of hardwood flooring.
Weathered hardwood floors can be quite frustrating and varied colors can be an eyesore. The tips listed above will help protect your floor, enabling it to provide a lifetime of beauty and impeccable performance. It's your effort to clean and maintain the floor that determines how long you'll keep it shiny and stunning. To learn more about how to keep your hardwood floors well maintained, check out this article at Floor Executives.
Weathered hardwood floors can be quite frustrating and varied colors can be an eyesore. The tips listed above will help protect your floor, enabling it to provide a lifetime of beauty and impeccable performance. It's your effort to clean and maintain the floor that determines how long you'll keep it shiny and stunning. To learn more about how to keep your hardwood floors well maintained, check out this article at Floor Executives.