A hardwood floor can increase the value and aesthetic appeal of a single-family rental property. Hardwood floors, on the other hand, require special maintenance if your rental property has them. Regular maintenance is essential. Frequently, occupants can be very rough on hardwood floors, accidentally or ignorantly scratching and gouging them.
Proper hardwood floor maintenance is one of the most effective methods for preserving the functionality and aesthetic allure of the hardwood floors in your Baton Rouge rental property. But it’s important to know how to take good care of a hardwood floor. Most hardwood floors, for instance, have surface treatments that protect the wood from liquid spillage, scratches, and other types of damage. Keeping this finish intact is the greatest way to prolong 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. Hardwood can be damaged by harsh cleaning agents or poor cleaning methods. The use of a soft microfiber mop or cloth is advised for sweeping grime and dust off the floor. Ordinary mops use too much water, which also has the potential to harm the floor, and vacuum cleaners can scratch a hardwood floor.
Avoid Excessive Moisture or Sunlight
Due to the susceptibility of hardwood surfaces to damage from moisture, it is essential to avoid puddles of water and other liquids. In order to avoid spills causing damage to the wood, clean up all spills right away. Instead of soaking the floor in water, use a moist mop to clean it. Additionally, hardwood flooring color may fade if they receive too much direct sunshine. To avoid overexposure, block sunlight with drapes, blinds, or window coverings.
Regular Cleaning and Preventative Measures
While there are numerous choices available to property owners, one of the best ways to keep their rental property looking spotless is to cooperate with the tenants to take care of the hardwood floors. One of the first things you should do is provide your tenant with maintenance and cleaning instructions for the hardwood flooring. By educating them about proper maintenance, you may increase the hardwood’s lifespan and aesthetic appeal while simultaneously avoiding damage.
Encourage tenants to place mats or rugs in the entrances and busy areas so that grit and dirt won’t be tracked onto the hardwood floors. 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. Wear and strain can cause a floor’s finish to degrade and acquire scratches and other flaws over time. If that is all that is present, you probably won’t need to completely refinish the floor. A screening—which roughens up the surface of the existing finish—and a fresh coat of finish are typically all that is needed to repair a worn-out 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. Refinishing a floor requires time, professional assistance, and specialized equipment.
Hardwood floor maintenance doesn’t have to be difficult, but it does require additional planning and incentive for getting your tenant involved. However, by sustaining positive tenant relations, they are more likely to assist you in maintaining the best possible condition for your priceless hardwood floor.
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Originally Published on November 29, 2019
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