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. Frequently, tenants can be very rough on hardwood floors, gouging and scratching them unintentionally or out of ignorance.
One of the best methods to keep the hardwood floors in your Waukesha rental home in good condition and visually appealing 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 polish is the greatest way to extend the life of your floor.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Avoid using abrasive or aggressive cleaners on hardwood floors as they may harm the finish or remove the sealer that serves as protection. Use mild, wood surface-safe cleaning solutions made for wooden surfaces that are pH-neutral or specially formulated. Harsh cleaning agents or poor cleaning methods can damage hardwood. Experts advise using a soft microfiber mop or towel to sweep dirt 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
It’s crucial to prevent substantial water or liquid spills since hardwood floors are readily ruined by moisture. Clean up any spillage immediately to prevent them from penetrating and damaging the wood. Instead of saturating the floor with water, use a barely damp 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. You should instruct your tenant on how to maintain and sanitize the hardwood floors as one of your initial responsibilities. By instructing them on 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. Consider using felt cushions or furniture coasters under the legs of furniture to prevent scratching or denting the surface when rearranging or moving items.
Periodic Maintenance
Even with meticulous preservation, hardwood floors require periodic or between-tenancy maintenance. The finish of a floor can deteriorate and gather scratches or other problems over time as a result of use and abuse. You probably won’t need to completely refinish the floor if that’s all that there is, though. 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. Refinishing a floor requires time, specialized devices, and the assistance of professionals.
Taking care of hardwood floors does not have to be difficult, but it does require additional planning and encouragement to enlist your tenant’s assistance. 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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