How to Minimize Water Damage to Your Wood Floors

Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to any home. Unfortunately, they can be more susceptible to sustaining water damage than other types of flooring. If you have hardwood flooring in an area that frequently gets water dripped on the floor, such as the kitchen or bathroom, you will need to take extra precautions to keep your floor safe. If the floors get water damage from flooding or a leak, there are things you can do to fix it. Read on to learn more about minimizing water damage on your hardwood floors.

Rugs in Areas That Get Wet

Homes with hardwood floors in every room are extremely appealing. It can be nice to have one consistent flooring throughout the entire house. When it comes to the kitchen and bathroom, though, hardwood floors are tricky. While they certainly add to the décor of the room, these are areas where water splashes and spills can be common. Homeowners should take extra precautions by investing in a rug or bathmat to help the floor stay dry. Also, if a spill or splash does occur, wipe it up immediately with a towel or mop. Leaving wet spots on the floor can cause damage over time.

Remove Standing Water ASAP

The worst-case scenario is when water damage happens to hardwood floors. Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate this damage and get your floors in good shape again. The first step is to remove standing water as soon as possible. If there is a floor or burst pipe, immediately vacuum up the standing water with a water vacuum. Keep vacuuming until you no longer see water going into the canister. Water can sometimes be hiding in between the wood planks or within the floors, so it is crucial to keep vacuuming even if you think everything is dry.

Clean the Floor

The next step is cleaning the floors. The standing water probably is not very clean and, in the case of a flood due to a storm, the water can actually contain toxins. Use a hardwood floor cleaner such as Clorox® Scentiva® Disinfecting Wet Mopping Cloths. These cloths attach to mopping tools such as a Swiffer®. The cloths kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, leaving your hardwoods clean and sanitary.

Dry the Floor

The next step is to dry the floor. Since hardwood floors are porous and have spaces between the planks, there can be moisture lurking where you don’t see it. Use a dehumidifier and fans to dry the floors. Do not use any sort of heat to dry the floors, as this can crack the wood.

Professional Restoration

If your floors are damaged beyond a simple DIY cleanup, you may need to have them professionally restored. At Extreme Carpet Care and Restoration, we restore, refinish, and repair your hardwood floors. Even if water damage has occurred, we can help get your floors back to their pre-damaged condition.

Hardwood floors are one of the most popular choices for flooring in homes. On a day-to-day basis they are easy to care for, but they can be susceptible to water damage due to their porous nature. Be mindful of taking extra care of hardwood floors in bathrooms and kitchens where water spills are inevitable. If significant water damage occurs from a flood or a leak, clean and dry the floors and consider professional restoration services. For more information on how we can restore your hardwood floors, contact us today.