3 Reasons Why Your Hardwood Floors Smell Bad
Posted on: 5 March 2020
If you've noticed a musty, foul odor in your home and don't have any idea where it's coming from, it's a good idea to look down. Hardwood floors can smell incredibly bad for many reasons, and their foul scent can radiate throughout your home. Learn about some of the reasons why your floors might smell bad.
1. Hard Water
If you live in a home that uses a water well for its water supply needs, the water itself could be the reason why the floor smells. Well water that is not treated is very mineral-rich and is known as hard water. All sorts of excess minerals can be found in this water, including sulfur, which has a scent reminiscent of a barrel of rotten eggs.
When you use this water to clean your floor, you're spreading its foul odor all over. Hard water can also alter the way certain cleaning products perform. As a result, you might notice a filmy-like substance on the hardwood when it dries.
2. Poor Cleaning Practices
Sometimes people are a little overzealous when it comes to their cleaning habits, in that they think more is better. However, when it comes to hardwood floors, it is never a good idea to over saturate the floors with water. When you make this mistake, you increase the chance of some of the water seeping through the floorboards. Unfortunately, water settling under the floor will often lead to mildew growth.
Once this happens, no matter how much you clean the floor, you will not be able to get rid of the scent. In this instance, the entire floor needs to be removed and the rotted floorboards need to be replaced to improve the smell.
3. Lack of Protection
If you are not properly protecting your hardwood floors, your lack of effort could be the reason for the odor. Hardwood floors should be treated or sealed to prevent moisture from penetrating within them. When the floor is properly protected, the moisture will simply rest on top of the floor, but when it is not, the moisture will be absorbed inside, which will cause the same mildew issue mentioned earlier.
Make sure your floors are protected to avoid odors and permanent moisture damage. Keep in mind; hardwood floors need to be resealed regularly.
Do you have a concern about your hardwood flooring? Speak with a flooring professional in your area for further assistance.
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