Wood Floor Cleaners, Stain Remover Articles, Stanley Home Health News

Stanley Home Products

Stanley Magazine - home care guide, tips, articles

Home care guide | Home health articles | Cleaning tips | Product reviews | Testimonials

Stain-free Wooden Floors

Imagine getting back from work to a house with rich brown wooden floors with furniture and upholstery that complement beckoning you to come and enjoy the rich, warm haven that is your home. Now imagine those same floors left untended, scratched, scarred and unfinished. If the wooden flooring is not maintained and kept stain free with a good finish and a protective layer then it can also make the same room look rather depressing. Nature’s array of woods provide us an extensive range of colors, textures and patterns to choose from to add that right look to your rooms.

To take proper care of your floors you need to first investigate the condition of the wood and its surface finish. To do this start by putting two table spoons of water on it if the liquid is absorbed then the finish needs work and if it remains on the surface then the finish is in good condition. Simple enough. The best way to avoid any damage to your floors is to take preventive measures to avoid scratching and staining. If you don’t wish to get the surface finish redone then just wax it well. Waxing the surface of the floor adds an extra layer of protection and also helps restore the natural beauty of the wood. Use a wax applicator that evenly applies it avoiding any wax pools and missed spots. To guard your furniture and cabinets from scratches ensure that you choose an applicator with a soft washable cover.

To remove and reduce dirt, stains and spots on your hard wood floors keep the following points in mind:

Place floor mats at all entrances to the home and rooms to stop dirt and grit from entering the home.
Whenever you are repairing surface finishes or removing stains use steel wood or sand paper to first remove a layer of the finish and then use a cleaner that does not contain oils or silicones.
For water stains rub with a number 2 steel wood, apply a wood floor cleaner that cleanses the stain as well as polishing the surface, and thus providing an extra protective layer at that area.
For dirt, heel marks and tough stains utilize a wooden floor cleaner that is in the form of a spray. Select a cleaner that gently removes the undesirable marks and dirt without hurting the surface finish. Keep in mind to choose a cleaning product without oils that may build up and cause problems later when you want to put a coat of surface finish.
To eliminate a chance of dust gathering on the floor a treated mop makes a good choice. This kind of household cleaning helper attracts dust to it like a magnet removing it from the floor without moving it about.
To remove chewing gum and wax deposit, ice the effected area till the residue is brittle and crumbles off. Now use a cleaner that will also provide a polish to the floor.
To take care of spilt alcohol and associated spots just rub the spot with liquid or paste wax.
Finally use a soft polisher with a terry cloth cover to provide the finishing touch to your picture perfect floors. It should be able to get to the most difficult to reach areas of the floor like the corners next to a bookshelf, beneath cabinets and sofas.