A hardwood floor can increase the value and aesthetic appeal of a single-family rental property. However, if your rental home has hardwood floors, you must take particular care to maintain their condition. Regular maintenance is essential. Frequently, occupants can be very rough on hardwood floors, accidentally or ignorantly scratching and gouging them.
One of the best methods to keep the hardwood floors in your rental home in good condition and visually appealing is through regular hardwood floor maintenance. However, it is essential to know how to maintain a hardwood floor effectively. The majority of hardwood floors, for instance, have surface coatings that help shield the wood from liquid spills, scratches, and other types of harm. Keeping this finish intact is the greatest way to prolong the life of your floor.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Never use strong or abrasive cleansers on hardwood floors, as they could harm the finish or strip off the protective varnish. Utilize pH-neutral or specially formulated wood floor cleaners that are gentle and nonabrasive. Hardwood can be harmed by harsh cleaning products and improper cleaning methods. Experts advise using a soft microfiber mop or towel to sweep dirt and dust off the floor. Normal mops use too much water, which also has the potential to damage a hardwood floor, and vacuum cleaners can scratch the surface.
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. Clean up any spillage immediately to prevent them from penetrating and damaging the wood. Instead of soaking the floor in water, use a moist mop to clean it. Furthermore, hardwood flooring color may fade with exposure to too much direct sunshine. To avoid overexposure, use window films, blinds, or drapes to block the sun.
Regular Cleaning and Preventative Measures
Working with your tenants to maintain the hardwood flooring in your rental property is one of the best ways to preserve its pristine appearance. One of the first steps you should take is to instruct your tenant on the appropriate care and cleaning of the hardwood floors. By instructing them in proper maintenance, you can extend the durability and attractiveness of the hardwood while preventing damage.
Suggest to tenants that they place mats or rugs in entryways and high-traffic areas to prevent grime and grit from being tracked onto a hardwood flooring. To prevent scratching or denting the surface when moving or rearranging goods, think about inserting felt pads or furniture coasters under the legs of the furniture.
Periodic Maintenance
Even with excellent 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. Nevertheless, if that’s all that’s wrong, it’s likely you won’t need to refinish the floor extensively. A screening—which roughens up the surface of the existing finish—and a fresh coat of finish is typically all that is needed to repair a worn-out hardwood floor. Repairing and refinishing may be your only option if your hardwood floor has become severely damaged, warped, has deep scratches, or has other problems. It takes time to refinish a floor, and professional help and specialized tools are needed.
Hardwood floor maintenance doesn’t have to be difficult, but it does require additional planning and incentive for getting your tenant involved. 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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