Protecting Painted Floors

Wood floors can be a wonderful addition to most any home, but many times they don't really weather the heavy traffic that comes with a family home all that well. To help protect floors from this kind of wear and tear, homeowners often turn to painting the floors. However, while the floors may be protected for a while, the paint itself can suffer some damage. Protecting painted floors isn't all that difficult, particularly if you use one of these methods.

• Regular cleaning. Perhaps one of the best ways to go about protecting painted floors is by cleaning them regularly. However, when you do clean them you will want to use a rather "specialized" cleaning agent that is made from one cup of vinegar and gallon of warm water. Use this solution to mop the floor only after you have used a dust mop to remove as much of the dirt and grime as possible.
• Don't be afraid to touch things up. It is a sad truth that the paint on your flooring will eventually wear or flake away. When this happens break out a small amount of paint which matches what you are touching up, and a paint brush. Apply the paint to the worn away area (after you have thoroughly cleaned it) and allow the paint to dry. This will help prolong the life of your painted floor.
• Place padding. If you have a painted wood floor in a room that has heavy furniture or appliances, make sure that you have a little bit of padding under the legs. This will help prevent any scrapes and scratches from damaging the paint, while also protecting the wood itself from getting gouged.
• Use soft bristles. In the event that you use a broom, make sure that you find one that has the softest possible bristles. The softer the bristles then the more gentle it will be on the wood and paint. Basically the soft bristles will be less likely to scratch or damage the wood and paint.

In the event that your floor becomes too damaged over time, you may need to refinish it. Do not be afraid of this step since it can actually help prolong the life of your flooring. However, keep in mind that while this task may be necessary periodically, it should only be undertaken once or every three or four years. That being said, in the event that you feel your floor really needs the help, go ahead and do it.