How to Stop Hardwood Floors From Fading?

An important thing to always remember is that hardwood floors are natural. Anything natural will eventually undergo changes. For hardwood floors, the change comes in the color of the wood. The two important factors that case the change are:

1. Exposure to sunlight
2. Applied finishes and/or stains

Minimizing Sunlight Exposure

The best way to accomplish this is by covering your windows with blinds, drapes, or shutters. If you are willing to spend a little more money, you can upgrade your windows to low emissivity glass or window film.

You can also use furniture and rugs to minimize exposure. If you constantly move these around, you spread the sunlight across all areas of wood, which slow down the fading process.

Choose the Right Finish

Oil-based finishes bring out rich colors in your floors, but will yellow over time and give off a more amber look. If you are concerned with maintaining the floors natural color, apply a water-based finish, which remains clear the whole time.

How to Rejuvenate Faded Hardwood Floors

1. Clean the Floor Thoroughly

Start by cleaning your hardwood floor to remove any dirt, dust, or grime that may be dulling its appearance. Use a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum with a hardwood floor attachment to pick up debris. After sweeping, mop the floor with a damp, microfiber mop and a wood-safe cleaner. Avoid using too much water, as excessive moisture can damage hardwood.

2. Apply a Hardwood Floor Polish

Once your floor is clean and dry, you can apply a hardwood floor polish. Choose a polish specifically designed for hardwood and follow the product instructions carefully. Floor polish helps to fill in small scratches and adds a layer of shine, which can restore the floor’s natural beauty. Use a microfiber cloth or mop to spread the polish evenly across the floor in thin layers, letting it dry completely.

3. Consider Buffing for Deeper Restoration

If your hardwood floor is still looking dull after cleaning and polishing, buffing may help. A buffing machine can smooth out the top layer of the floor and make it shine. Call your local hardwood flooring experts for best results. It’s possible to DIY buffing, but only if you know how to use a buffing machine well.

4. Refinish for Long-Lasting Results

For floors with deep scratches or significant fading, refinishing might be the best solution. Refinishing involves sanding down the top layer of the wood and applying a fresh coat of stain and sealant. This process can bring back the floor’s original color and durability. Although professional refinishing can be a costly option, it’s worthwhile if your hardwood floors are extensively worn.

5. Prevent Future Fading

To keep your floors looking fresh, consider adding area rugs in high-traffic areas and use felt pads under furniture. Also, avoid direct sunlight by using blinds or curtains, as UV exposure can cause fading over time. Regular maintenance will help preserve the look and quality of your hardwood floors.

Help! My Hardwood Floors are Already Faded!

If your floors have reached a point where it has faded a bit, the solution is to sand them down and refinish. We strongly recommend a professional to handle this task, and Signature Hardwood Floors would be happy to help. Contact our flooring experts for any questions, and a FREE ESTIMATE. You can call us at 410.415.0755 or click here today!