Whatever type of wood you prefer to have in your home, hardwood flooring is a stylish and low maintenance flooring choice that will last for decades to come with the proper aftercare. To keep your hardwood floor in top condition, make sure to follow our tips on cleaning, maintenance, and avoiding damage.

CLEANING
The regular upkeep of hardwood flooring is relatively minimal, although it is essential for the longevity of your flooring. Dirt and debris can easily scratch the surface of your flooring and dull its shine. To prevent such damage, sweep or dust mop your floor daily and clean it with a hoover using the bare floor setting every week. For a more thorough clean or to remove stubborn stains, use a recommended wood cleaner.

Make sure that you avoid using generic cleaning products on your hardwood floors because the chemicals in these can damage the finish of the wood over time. For any wooden floor specific cleaning products, carefully read to instructions to check that they are compatible with the finish of your floor whether that be varnished, lacquered, oiled or waxed. Giving your floor a good mop might sound like proper aftercare but you should never use a wet mop or steam mop on wooden flooring because this can dull the finish and even damage the wood.

MAINTENANCE
Aside from regular cleaning, hardwood floors require some occasional maintenance. If you’ve had your floor for a number of years and it’s beginning to lose its shine, it might be time to get it re-sanded and renovated. Unlike the cleaning of your floor, it’s recommended that you leave the re-sanding and refinishing of your hardwood flooring to a professional, to ensure the best results. Because hardwood flooring only needs this type of maintenance once every few years, it’s worth investing in expert workmen for the job.

AVOIDING DAMAGE
One of the most important aspects of hardwood flooring aftercare is avoiding damage whenever possible, which will ensure that your floor is in good condition for decades to come. If any liquids are spilled on your hardwood floor, make sure that these are cleaned up immediately before they can soak into the wood and damage it.

To protect your floor against scratches and dents, put felt protectors on the bottom of any furniture and heavy objects. Make sure to regularly check and replace these because they can pick up dust and debris, effectively turning the felt pads into sandpaper on your hardwood flooring. When you are moving furniture across hardwood floors, remember to lift and carry it rather than dragging it on the floor because this can also lead to damage.

Although pet nails and football boots can leave a serious mark on your floor, high heels are the main culprit of dents and scuffs in high footfall areas, so avoid wearing them whenever possible.

If you’re looking to install hardwood flooring in your home, or your existing one is due for a re-sanding, get in touch with us to discuss your options.