A hardwood floor can increase the value and aesthetic appeal of a single-family rental property. To safeguard the state of the hardwood floors in your rental home, you must take extra precautions. Regular maintenance is essential. Inadvertently or ignorantly, many occupants frequently abuse hardwood floors by 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. Most hardwood floors, for instance, have surface treatments that protect 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
Avoid using harsh or abrasive cleansers on hardwood floors, as they may damage the finish or strip away the protective sealant. Utilize pH-neutral or specially formulated cleaners that are safe for wood surfaces and pH-neutral for hardwood floors. Hardwood can be harmed by harsh cleaning products and improper cleaning methods. An expert-recommended soft microfiber mop or cloth should be used to brush dirt and dust off the floor. A hardwood floor can be scraped by vacuums, and regular mops use too much water, which could potentially harm the surface.
Avoid Excessive Moisture or Sunlight
It’s crucial to prevent substantial water or liquid spills since hardwood floors are readily ruined by moisture. Any spills should be cleaned up right away to stop them from harming the wood by soaking in. Clean the floor using a slightly moist mop as opposed to saturating it in water. The color of hardwood floors may also fade if they receive too much direct sunshine. To avoid overexposure, block sunlight with drapes, blinds, or window coverings.
Regular Cleaning and Preventative Measures
Working with your tenants to maintain the hardwood flooring in your rental property is one of the most effective ways to preserve its pristine appearance. One of your first tasks should be to give your tenant instructions on how to take care of and clean the hardwood flooring. By instructing them on the correct maintenance, you can increase the lifespan and aesthetic appeal of the hardwood while also avoiding damage. Suggest to renters that they place mats or rugs in entryways and high-traffic areas to prevent grime and grit from being tracked onto hardwood floors. To prevent scratching or denting the surface when moving or rearranging goods, think about inserting felt pads or furniture coasters under the legs of furniture.
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. Nevertheless, if that’s all that’s wrong, it’s likely you won’t need to refinish the floor extensively. 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. If your hardwood floor is severely damaged, warped, or has significant scratches or other problems, repairing and refinishing may be the only option. It takes time, skilled assistance, and specific tools to refinish a floor.
It isn’t essential to have trouble maintaining hardwood floors, but it does require extra planning and motivation to get your tenant to help. 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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Originally Published on November 29, 2019
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