A hardwood floor can increase the value and aesthetic appeal of a single-family rental property. To preserve your rental property’s hardwood floors in good condition, you must take additional measures. Regular maintenance is essential. Tenants are frequently very rough with hardwood floors, accidentally scratching and gouging them out of ignorance.
One of the best methods to keep the hardwood floors in your Woodlands rental home in good condition and visually appealing is through regular hardwood floor maintenance. Understanding how to maintain a hardwood floor is vital, though. Most hardwood floors, for instance, have surface treatments that protect the wood from liquid spillage, 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 abrasive or aggressive cleaners on hardwood floors as they may harm the finish or remove the sealer that serves as protection. Utilize pH-neutral or specially formulated cleaners that are safe for wood surfaces and pH-neutral for hardwood floors. Hardwood can be damaged by harsh cleaning agents or poor cleaning methods. Use a gentle microfiber mop or towel to sweep dirt and dust off the floor, as advised by the professionals. A hardwood floor can be scraped by vacuums, and regular mops use too much water, which could potentially harm the surface.
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 prevent overexposure, use draperies, blinds, or window films to block sunlight.
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 instructing them in proper maintenance, you can extend the durability and attractiveness of the hardwood while preventing damage.
In order to avoid dirt and grit from being tracked onto the hardwood floor, suggest to tenants that they place mats or rugs in high-traffic areas and entryways. Consider using felt cushions or furniture coasters under the legs of furniture when moving or rearranging items to avoid scratching or denting the surface.
Periodic Maintenance
Even with outstanding maintenance, hardwood floors need a little extra care every few years or in between tenancies. Over time, wear and stress can cause the finish of a floor to deteriorate and acquire scratches and other flaws. Nevertheless, if that’s all that’s wrong, it’s likely you won’t need to refinish the floor extensively. Most of the time, all that is needed to restore a worn-out hardwood floor is a screening—which roughens up the surface of the current finish—and a fresh coat of finish. If your hardwood floor is severely damaged, deformed, has deep scratches, or has other problems, repairing and refinishing may be your only option. It takes time, skilled assistance, and specific tools to refinish a floor.
Taking care of hardwood floors does not have to be difficult, but enlisting your tenant’s assistance requires additional planning and encouragement. However, when landlords maintain positive relationships with their tenants, they are more likely to assist you in maintaining the optimal condition of your valuable hardwood flooring.
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Originally Published on November 29, 2019
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