Cleaning and Maintenance of Wood floors for long lasting beauty

Posted on May 6, 2023

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Preserving the Beauty of Your Wooden Floors: Cleaning and Maintenance Tips for a Lasting Shine

Wooden floors are a timeless and elegant choice for any home. They add warmth, character, and style to any space. However, keeping them clean and well-maintained is essential to preserving their beauty and longevity. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best ways to keep your wooden floors clean and looking their best. We’ll discuss the tools and techniques you need, as well as tips for dealing with spills, scratches, and other common issues.

Understanding the Type of Wooden Floor

Before diving into cleaning techniques, it’s crucial to understand the type of wooden floor you have in your home. Wooden floors are typically classified into three categories: solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, and laminate. Solid hardwood floors are made from a single piece of wood and can be sanded and refinished multiple times. Engineered hardwood floors have a thin layer of hardwood on top of a plywood base. Laminate floors have a high-resolution photo of wood on top of a fiberboard core. Different types of wooden floors require different cleaning methods, so it’s important to identify your floor type and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and maintenance.

Regular Maintenance:

Regular maintenance is key to keeping your wooden floors clean and in good condition. It includes: a. Sweeping or vacuuming: Sweep or vacuum your floors daily, or at least every other day, to remove dirt, dust, and debris that can scratch the surface. Use a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum cleaner with a hardwood floor attachment. Avoid using a standard vacuum cleaner with a beater bar, as it can damage the floor’s finish. b. Dry mopping: Dry mopping with a microfiber mop helps pick up any remaining dirt and dust. Microfiber mops are gentle on the floor and can effectively trap dust and debris. Make sure to replace the mop head regularly to ensure optimal cleaning.

Deep Cleaning:

Deep cleaning your wooden floors every few months will help to remove built-up dirt, grime, and residue that regular maintenance may miss. Here’s how to do it: a. Select the right cleaner: Choose a cleaner specifically designed for your type of wooden floor. Avoid using oil-based soaps, wax, or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the floor’s finish and leave a residue. wood floor cleaner

b. Mopping Technique: Dampen your microfiber mop with the cleaning solution, making sure it’s only slightly wet, not soaked. Excessive water can damage wooden floors. Start mopping from one corner of the room, working your way towards the other side. Rinse and wring out the mop frequently to keep it clean. c. Drying: After mopping, use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to dry the floor immediately. This prevents any water from seeping into the wood and causing damage.

Dealing with Spills:

Spills should be cleaned up immediately to prevent staining and damage. Blot the spill with a clean, dry cloth, and then dampen another cloth with water to wipe the area. Dry the floor thoroughly with a clean cloth.

Preventing Scratches:

To maintain the beauty of your wooden floors, take steps to prevent scratches and dents. a. Use furniture pads: Place felt or rubber pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches when moving furniture or during daily use. b. Avoid high heels and pet nails: High heels and pet nails can cause scratches and dents on wooden floors. Ask guests to remove their shoes, and keep your pet’s nails trimmed. c. Use rugs and mats: Place rugs and mats in high-traffic areas and entryways to reduce the amount of dirt and debris that comes into contact with your wooden floors.

Sunlight Protection:

Extended exposure to sunlight can cause discoloration and fading of wooden floors. To protect your floors from sun damage, consider the following: a. Use window treatments: Install curtains, blinds, or shades on windows to block direct sunlight from hitting your wooden floors. Close the window treatments during peak sunlight hours to minimise exposure. b. Apply UV-Resistant Coatings: Some wooden floor finishes have UV-resistant properties that help protect the floor from sun damage. Consult a flooring professional about adding a UV-resistant coating to your existing floor or when choosing a new finish.

Humidity Control:

Wooden floors are sensitive to changes in humidity, which can cause the wood to expand or contract. Maintaining a stable indoor humidity level is essential to prevent warping, buckling, and gaps between the floorboards. Here’s how: a. Use a humidifier or dehumidifier: Depending on the climate in your region, use a humidifier or dehumidifier to maintain a consistent indoor humidity level between 30 and 50%. This range is ideal for preventing damage to wooden floors. b. Proper Ventilation: Ensure that your home is well-ventilated, especially in areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room, where humidity levels can fluctuate.

Repairing scratches and dents:

Despite your best efforts, scratches and dents may still occur. Here are some tips for repairing minor damage: a. Use a wood filler: For small scratches or dents, use a wood filler that matches the colour of your floor. Apply the filler according to the manufacturer’s instructions and smooth it out with a putty knife. Allow it to dry, and then gently sand the area to blend it with the surrounding floor. filling wood floor gaps

b. Buff and Recoat: For larger scratches or areas with multiple scratches, buffing and recoating the floor might be necessary. Consult a professional to ensure the job is done correctly and with the appropriate materials.

Refinishing:

Over time, your wooden floors may start to show signs of wear, such as fading, discoloration, or deep scratches. Refinishing your floors can restore their original beauty and protect them from further damage. Hire a professional to sand, stain, and apply a new finish to your floors, ensuring they look as good as new. Refresh Your Home With Floor Sanding and Finishing

Refresh Your Home With Floor Sanding and Finishing

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Conclusion:

Keeping your wooden floors clean and well-maintained not only enhances their appearance but also prolongs their lifespan. Regular maintenance, deep cleaning, and following best practises for preventing scratches, spills, and sun damage will keep your floors looking beautiful for years to come. And when the time comes for refinishing or repair, trust a professional to help restore your floors to their former glory.