It s a well known fact that hardwood floors increase the value of real estate. In most cases, it will be either water or pet stains. This is to prevent dirt and grit from accumulating so it will not be able to be ground in by normal foot traffic. Another important tip is to make sure you do not wax any floor with a polyurethane finish or it will be impossible to re coat without sanding it first. Be extremely cautious when using abrasives such as steel wool, because if you rub too hard, you can cause more damage to the wood.
Whether it s a buyer s market or seller s, when you have a home to sell you want it to be in the most attractive condition possible. To remove these stains, you will need a floor cleaner that is designed for urethane finishes, with stubborn stains requiring additional scrubbing using the floor cleaner and a special scrub pad that is designed for urethane floors. For stains that are determined to stay, use a household bleach or vinegar. However, if they are damaged, that will not only detract from your home s overall value but it can cause it to lose its market appeal as well.
Common Problems With Hardwood FloorsThe most common problems that a homeowner faces with hardwood floors are scratches, scuffs, and gouges, though annoying squeaking can also be an issue.Maintenance of Hardwood FloorsThe best way to prevent scratches and stains from penetrating the wood is to vacuum and/or dry mop the wood floor every week. If that doesn t remove the stain completely, sand the area with very fine sandpaper, and then clean it with steel wool and mineral spirits or a wood floor cleanser.
Reversing Pet StainsFor pet stains that have penetrated the wood, rub the spot using fine steel wool and wax.Removing Deep ScratchesTo remove scratches that have penetrated into the wood, you might be able to get away with no more than having to wax the area until the scratch becomes invisible. The first step you have to take is to determine the extent of the damage to the flooring. Surface stains or scratches, naturally, are easier corrugated steel sheet to deal with than those that have penetrated into the wood.