Hardwood flooring can give any home a timeless, warm, and stylish look that never goes out of style. But timeless does not mean ageless. Over time and with use, you’ll probably begin to notice that your floor’s natural sheen is becoming dull and faded. This may be even more noticeable if your floor has a polished sheen.
The good news is that in most cases, it’s possible to restore the floor to its original beauty through refinishing. Let’s take a look at some of the common reasons why the finish might fade on your hardwood floors–and what to do when it happens.
UV Exposure
Sunlight can be a double-edged sword for hardwood floors. While natural light can certainly look beautiful reflecting off the wood, prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause your hardwood floors to fade with a “bleaching” effect. Consider installing window treatments such as curtains, blinds, or UV-blocking window film to reduce the amount of direct sunlight on your floors.
Use of Cleaning Chemicals
It’s natural to want to keep your hardwood flooring clean and germ-free. However, using the wrong types of cleaners can strip away the protective finish on your floors, leading to a dull and lifeless appearance. To avoid this, avoid using products containing ammonia, vinegar, or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the floor’s finish. Instead, do regular sweeps with a soft dry-mop, and for deeper cleaning, always use a gentle cleaner specifically designed for hardwood floors. (We always recommend using Bona Wood Floor Cleaner.)
Wear and Tear
Hardwood floors are durable and long-lasting but are not immune to wear and tear. Over time, busy foot traffic, heavy furniture, pet claws, and other things can take a toll on your floors, either by leaving scratches and scuffs or simply wearing away the sheen. To reduce wear and tear, use felt pads on the feet of your furniture and avoid dragging heavy objects across your floors. Consider placing area rugs or runners on high-traffic areas, such as entryways and hallways, to protect your floors from shoes and dirt.
Aging
No matter how well you care for your floors, time will catch up with them. As your floors age, wood fibers break down and wear out, leading to dullness and shrinkage. Even if there’s no visible damage, old floors may not hold up well under extensive use or moisture. If you have very old floors that have lost their sheen, consider refinishing them to give them a new lease on life.
Time for a Refinish?
Even with the best care, hardwood flooring will eventually need refinishing to restore their original sheen and sheen. At Renaissance Hardwood Floors, our expert technicians can provide professional refinishing services to bring your dulled floors back to life. Don’t let your hardwood floors lose their charm! For a complimentary quote on hardwood floor refinishing in Tulsa, Glenpool, Catoosa, Oklahoma City, and across Green Country, contact us here to schedule an appointment.