Daily care & maintenance
Hardwood flooring, whether solid or engineered, is loved for its beauty and timelessness. To keep it looking its best, however, you'll need to put in a little bit of work. While many of today's manufacturers have made their flooring more durable, hardwood still isn't impervious to wear and tear.
Invest in doormats and place them all around your home. Encourage family members and visitors to use them. Heavy furniture can leave dents in hardwood over time, so you'll want to use floor protectors on all table and chair legs. Sweep, vacuum, and dry mop your flooring regularly (don't wet mop!) to keep it looking its very best. Use manufacturer-approved devices only.
Put a rug on it!
Did you know? An area rug is as beneficial as it is beautiful! Area rugs complement hard-surface flooring. More importantly, they offer some much-needed protection from impact, scratching, and potential sun damage! Learn more about the many features and benefits of area rugs before shopping for over 100,000 different styles through our online shop. Your hardwood will thank you!
Dealing with spills
Occasional spills are inevitable, especially if you have pets or kids. However, you'll want to act quickly and be vigilant. Hardwood flooring is sensitive to moisture and harsh chemicals, so it's essential to use the correct approach when cleaning.
If you get a simple spill, such as water or milk, simply wipe it away with a clean, dry cloth. Remember, hardwood flooring isn't water-resistant, so you don't want to let liquids sit for long. More complex spills, such as nail polish or olive oil, may require a more comprehensive approach. For these, you'll want to consult with your manufacturer's specific care guidelines. Only ever use approved hardwood cleaners and other products.
Hardwood Flooring Care Considerations in Toronto
For our Toronto homeowners, caring for hardwood floors requires a proactive approach due to the city's significant seasonal climate shifts. Here are three key hardwood care considerations specific to our local climate:
Indoor Humidity Control
Toronto's weather swings from humid, sticky summers to dry, cold winters are the biggest threats to hardwood. Wood planks will naturally expand by absorbing moisture and contract by losing it. The goal is to maintain a stable relative humidity level ideally between 35% and 55% and a consistent room temperature between 18°C and 24°C. Consistent humidity minimizes the natural movement of the wood.
Running your furnace during winter will drastically lower indoor humidity which can cause wood planks to shrink and lead to unsightly gaps between boards and even minor cracking. To deal with the dry air during winter, use a whole-house or portable humidifier to inject moisture back into the air and keep your floors from drying out.
Humid Toronto summers can cause wood floors to absorb moisture and expand. If the expansion is too significant, it can lead to cupping or buckling! During the high humid summers, use your air conditioner or a dedicated dehumidifier to keep the relative humidity level within the ideal range.
Winter Wear & Tear Protection
It’s no secret that the harsh winter months bring specific challenges to your hardwood floors. De-icing salt, sand, and other road grit tracked in on footwear acts like sandpaper, scratching and dulling your hardwood finish.
Place a heavy-duty, rough bristled mat outside all exterior entrances to remove the bulk, and a fabric or absorbent mat inside to catch moisture. Encourage family and guests to remove their outdoor footwear at the door.
Residual snow and slush sitting on your wood floor can cause warping and staining. Wipe up all spills and melted snow immediately. Regularly check and dry out your indoor mats, as a continuously damp mat will soak the floor beneath it.
Sunlight and UV Exposure
Our long summer days in Toronto can lead to significant sun exposure for floors near large windows. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause a hardwood floor to fade or darken, often unevenly. Use window treatments like blinds, curtains, or UV-filtering film on windows that receive direct, intense sunlight to protect the floor's colour and finish. By actively managing the indoor climate and implementing seasonal routines, our Toronto homeowners can ensure beautiful hardwood floors remain vibrant for decades.