A hardwood floor can add beauty and value to 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 ways to keep the hardwood floors in your Rancho Cordova 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 are treated on the surface to help shield the wood from liquid spills, scratches, and other types of damage. 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 cloth to sweep grime 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
Due to the susceptibility of hardwood surfaces to damage from moisture, it is essential to avoid puddles of water and other liquids. Immediately clean up any spillage to prevent them from penetrating the wood and causing damage. Use a moist mop to wipe the floor rather than soaking it in water. Furthermore, excessive direct sunlight can cause the color of wood surfaces to fade. To prevent overexposure, filter sunlight with draperies, blinds, or window films.
Regular Cleaning and Preventative Measures
While a landlord has numerous alternatives, one of the best ways to keep a rental property looking immaculate is to work with your tenants to preserve the hardwood flooring. Giving your tenant advice on how to properly care for and clean the hardwood floors should be one of your first actions. By instructing them on correct maintenance, you can increase the lifespan and aesthetic appeal of the hardwood while also avoiding damage.
Suggest to tenants that they place mats or rugs in entryways and high-traffic areas to prevent grime and grit from being tracked onto a hardwood flooring. When moving or rearranging furniture, think about placing felt pads or furniture coasters under the legs to prevent denting or scratching the surface.
Periodic Maintenance
Even with excellent maintenance, hardwood floors need a little extra care every few years or in between tenancies. Wear and strain can cause a floor’s finish to degrade and acquire scratches and other flaws over time. But if that’s all there is, you probably won’t need to give the floor a thorough refinish. 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. 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, 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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