Hardwood floors are very attractive, especially when they have been recently installed, because they still have their glossy and shiny look. The polished look is a result of floor wax or finishes used in coating the floor. However, with time, the polish or finish may begin to fade, and the floor may lose its look and begin to dry out. Rehydrating your hardwood flooring is essential in keeping it from drying out. Listed below are some of the ways to prevent the hardwood floor from drying out.
- Clear up and clean the floor
The first thing you want to do after noticing that your floor is drying out is to clear up the floor space so that you can have access to every part of the floor. Remove all furniture and home appliances from the floor during this process. Afterwards, clean up all the dirt and debris that are lying about on the floor.
The next thing to do is to get a floor cleaning solution recommended for your type of floor to clean the floor’s surface. You can also use a readily available cleaning agent like vinegar mixed with water. Immerse a cloth in the mixture and use it to wipe the surface of the wood (do not pour the mixture directly on the wood). Use a clean rag to dry afterwards. This process allows enough moisture needed to rehydrate the floor to seep into the wood.
- Revitalize the floor with rehydration products
Some products are made explicitly for preventing hardwood from drying out or rehydrate the ones that have dried out. The product is urethane, and it is of two types; oil-modified urethane and water-based polyurethane. They are excellent for bringing your hardwood floor back to life and restoring the shiny look. Ensure you follow the instructions on the product before use.
- Increase the humidity in the house
During the cold winter seasons, the air in the house becomes drier, and this also affects hardwood floors causing them to go dry. When you observe this, you can use the humidifier in the home to increase the moisture, which the floor can absorb. An alternative to using a humidifier is to leave boiling water on the pot for about 30 minutes. Steam from the water should also increase the humidity in the air.
- Minimize direct sunlight by closing curtains and blinds
Direct sunlight and heat from the sun damage hardwood floors by damaging the floor finishes and discolouring the wood. It can also cause the wood to dry out and shrink. To prevent your hardwood floor from drying out, always pull down your curtains or blinds on sunny days.
Keeping your hardwood floor from drying out is one of the ways to preserve it and ensure that it stays in good condition at all times. The quicker you notice that your hardwood floor is drying out, the faster you should take the necessary steps to rehydrate and restore it to a good state.
