clean wood floors in a rental apartment
Wood floors are a big draw for tenants in the luxe Frisco rental market, but they only look their best when they’re properly cared for. If you have real wood floors in your rental apartment, it’s important to teach your residents how to clean them correctly so they don’t damage them and lose their security deposits. Here are a few tips from our property management company to help you do just that.
Ask your renters to sweep or dust mop your How to clean Wood Floors at least once per week to keep sand and dirt from grinding into the floorboards. It’s also a good idea to ask them to wipe down furniture pieces regularly and to use furniture pads on the bottom of furniture legs (tape-on or slip-on, whichever is best) to prevent scratches or gouges in the flooring. If you have a vacuum with a special floor brush attachment, ask your residents to use this at least weekly to remove pet hair and other debris that can scratch the surface of the wood.
Inspect wood floors regularly and instruct your residents to use a wood floor cleaner that is designed for the type of wood in your home. It’s important to instruct them not to saturate the floors with cleaner, as it can seep between the floorboards and cause them to warp.
How to clean wood floors in a rental apartment?
A wood-safe cleanser can be mixed with water to make a cleaning solution that’s suitable for your hardwood floors. Encourage your renters to add this to their regular mopping routine and to dry mop the floors afterward to prevent water damage.
Lastly, ask your tenants to remove shoes and boots in the house whenever possible. The heels of shoes can cause significant damage to wooden floors. Having your residents wear slip-on sneakers or flats will help to prevent this, but it’s also a good idea to provide them with a pair of shoe covers for those times when they do need to wear heels.
When mopping, it is crucial to use the right amount of water and cleaning solution. Wood floors are sensitive to excessive moisture, which can cause warping or swelling. Therefore, always use a damp mop instead of a wet one, and avoid soaking the floor. A microfiber mop is ideal because it holds just the right amount of moisture without dripping, ensuring that water doesn’t seep into the wood’s grain.
If using a cleaning solution, choose one specifically designed for wood floors. Avoid harsh chemicals, such as bleach or ammonia-based products, as they can strip the finish and damage the wood. A mixture of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap can work well for regular cleaning. After mopping, it is advisable to dry the floor immediately using a soft towel or dry mop to prevent water from sitting on the surface.
Finally, it’s a good idea to remind your residents that refinishing a hardwood floor is a costly project that is generally required every three to five years. A refinishing can make the floor more attractive, and it can even increase the value of your property. Make sure to discuss this with your residents and include the refinishing requirement in the lease agreement.
