A wooden floor has great longevity and hardwearing properties, which is one of the big selling points for many people, as well as their beautiful aesthetics. However, wooden floors will only last the duration if they’re properly taken care of, which is also what puts some people of; but it shouldn’t. Looking after wooden floors doesn’t have to be complicated or a hassle, it’s often just about knowing the right techniques and equipment to use, as well as applying preventative measures to help protect the floor for the long term.
GET SMART
If you have installed a wooden floor, you need to be a little smart and put some preventative measures in place to reduce the likeliness of damage. The first thing is to ensure the wooden floor is properly sealed, as this protects it from water and general wear and tear. You also want to minimise the dirt and grit that the floor is exposed to, so adopting a no shoes policy and placing floor mats either side of the doorway will go some way to help catch the dirt brought in by shoes.
It is also a good idea to place felt pads on the feet of furniture, as well as make sure any furniture that’s being moved is picked up rather than dragged, as this can also scratch and dent the wood.
KEEP IT DUST FREE AND AVOID THE MOP
The other important aspect of keeping your wooden floor looking new is in the cleaning. A key factor for dulling and damaging wooden floors is dirt and grit that gets trapped between the boards and scratches the sealant off the surface. Also, using wet mops to regularly clean the floor can also cause more harm than good, making the surface look dull.
However, all you really need to do to clean your floor and keep it looking like new is regular dusting. IT will minimise the dirt on the surface, thus reducing scratches and wear and tear. A helpful tip on dusting your wooden floor is to use a dust mop that has been treated with a dusting-agent designed to pick up any dirt, dust and pet hair or microfiber cloths for smaller areas. Alternatively, you can also use a vacuum cleaner with the brush nozzle attachment to suck up the dirt effectively.
DEEP CLEANING
If you do find you need to do a more thorough clean of your floor, definitely avoid using strong chemicals and despite some recommendations don’t use a vinegar solution either. Choose a cleaning agent that’s specifically designed for use on wooden floors and use a dust mop that will lift dirt and grit away from the surface. Also, make sure you wring the mop out properly to avoid excessive surface water that can soak into the surface in areas where the finish may have become worn.
SPILLAGES
Inevitably spillages will happen, but with wooden floors, if not dealt with properly, they can leave lasting stains, particularly on poorly sealed surfaces. This is why the most effective way to tackle them, avoiding stains and damage to the finish is to deal with them immediately. The less time they’re on the surface, the less likely they are to soak in. Use a clean, dry or slightly damp cloth to soak up the spillage working your way inwards from the outer edge of the liquid, making sure all traces are removed.
YEARLY WAXING
Of course, even with the best preventative measures and care, over time your wooden floor will need some more serious maintenance attention. An annual re-wax can easily give your floor a new lease of life; but remember different wooden floors require different finishes and waxes, so always get expert advice from a wooden floor specialist such as Just Wood Flooring before you reapply.
You’ll find these maintenance tips will go a long way to keeping your floor looking as good as new and once you start you’ll soon realise they’re simple and very effective too. For the highest quality wood flooring, visit us here at Just Wood.