Author: Vasi Popovici
The golden rules of hardwood maintenance
Hardwood floors are an investment that should last a lifetime. In Portland, our wet winters and dry summers create a unique environment for wood. To keep your floors looking beautiful for decades, follow these golden rules.
1. Stop using vinegar and steam mops
The most common mistake homeowners make is using vinegar or steam mops. Vinegar is acidic and will slowly eat away at your floor's finish over time. Steam mops force moisture into the wood fibers, which can cause cupping or finish peeling.
2. Use the right cleaning products
We recommend using a Ph-neutral cleaner specifically designed for hardwood floors (like Bona or similar professional brands). Spray the cleaner on a microfiber mop, not directly on the floor.
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3. Control humidity
Wood is a natural material that breathes. In the Pacific Northwest, keep your home's humidity between 35% and 50%. This prevents excessive expansion and contraction of the boards.
4. Protect from scratches
Use felt pads on all furniture legs. Entry mats are essential to catch Portland grit and rain before they reach your wood floors.
5. Screen and recoat regularly
Don't wait until the wood is bare to call us. A "screen and recoat" every 3-5 years can renew your finish and prevent the need for a full, aggressive sanding later on.
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Where Flooring PDX works
We're based in Portland and serve homeowners across the metro. If you're starting a project, here's where we already have local experience and project history:
Cities we serve: Portland · Beaverton · Lake Oswego · West Linn · Gresham · Happy Valley · Clackamas · Oregon City · Tigard · Tualatin · Hillsboro · Aloha · Bethany · Wilsonville · Vancouver, WA · Camas, WA.
Sub-neighborhoods with dedicated guides: Sellwood · Alameda · Hawthorne · Eastmoreland · Mount Tabor · St. Johns · Cedar Hills · Progress Ridge · Lake Grove · First Addition · Bull Mountain · Orenco Station.
Services: Hardwood refinishing · Hardwood installation · Dustless sanding · Hardwood floor repair · Luxury vinyl plank.
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