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 ways to keep the hardwood floors in your San Diego rental property functional and aesthetically pleasing is through regular hardwood floor maintenance. However, it is necessary to comprehend proper hardwood floor maintenance. For instance, the majority of hardwood floors have surface treatments that shield the wood from liquid spillage, scratches, and other types of damage. Maintaining this polish is the greatest way to extend the life of your floor.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
For hardwood floors, stay away from using abrasive or aggressive cleaners as they may damage the finish or remove the sealer that serves as protection. Utilize pH-neutral or specially formulated wood floor cleaners that are gentle and nonabrasive. Hardwood can be damaged by harsh cleaning agents or poor cleaning methods. Experts advise using a soft microfiber mop or cloth to sweep grime and dust off the floor. A hardwood floor can be scratched by a vacuum, and typical mops use excessive amounts of water that could also harm the surface of the 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. Any spills should be cleaned up right away to stop them from harming the wood by soaking in. Use a moist mop to wipe the floor rather than soaking it in water. The color of hardwood floors may also fade if they receive too much direct sunshine. To prevent overexposure, use draperies, blinds, or window films to block sunlight.
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 teaching them how to properly care for the hardwood, you can extend its life and preserve its elegance while also 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. 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 meticulous preservation, hardwood floors require periodic or between-tenancy maintenance. A floor’s finish may deteriorate and gather scratches or other faults over time due to use and abuse. If that is all that is present, you probably won’t need to completely refinish the floor. 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. Repairing and refinishing may be your only option if your hardwood floor has become severely damaged, warped, has deep scratches, or has other problems. A floor needs to be refinished, which involves time, expertise, and specific tools.
Hardwood floor maintenance doesn’t have to be difficult, but it does require additional planning and incentive for getting your tenant involved. However, if you keep up strong relations with your tenants, they’ll be more inclined to assist you in preserving the quality of your priceless hardwood floor.
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Originally Published on November 29, 2019
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