A hardwood floor can add beauty and value to 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 Alpharetta 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 include surface coatings that help safeguard the wood against liquid spills, scratches, and other types of harm. Maintaining this condition is the most effective 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. Harsh cleaning chemicals and improper cleaning methods can damage hardwood. Experts advise using a soft microfiber mop or towel to sweep dirt and dust off the floor. Ordinary mops use too much water, which also has the potential to harm the floor, and vacuum cleaners can scratch a hardwood floor.
Avoid Excessive Moisture or Sunlight
Considering how readily moisture may harm hardwood floors, it’s crucial to prevent big water or liquid spills. In order to avoid spills causing damage to the wood, clean up all spills right away. Use a moist mop to wipe the floor rather than soaking it in water. Additionally, hardwood flooring color may fade if they receive too much direct sunshine. To avoid overexposure, use window films, blinds, or drapes to block the sun.
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 steps you should take is to instruct your tenant on the appropriate care and cleaning of the hardwood floors. By showing them how to properly take care of the hardwood, you can increase its lifespan and aesthetic appeal while avoiding any lasting damage.
In order to avoid dirt and grit from being tracked onto the hardwood floor, suggest to tenants that they place mats or rugs in high-traffic areas and entryways. To prevent denting or scratching surfaces when moving or rearranging furniture, think about placing felt pads or furniture coasters under the legs.
Periodic Maintenance
Hardwood flooring still need a little extra care every few years or in between renters, even with excellent maintenance. Wear and strain can cause a floor’s finish to degrade and acquire scratches and other flaws over time. If that is all that is present, you probably won’t need to completely refinish the floor. A new coat of finish and screening, which roughens up the surface of the existing finish, are typically all that is needed to restore 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. Refinishing a floor requires time, professional assistance, and specialized equipment.
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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