Best Tips on Timber Floor Care and Maintenance

Be Wary of Regular Cleaning Products

As a general rule, avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaning products. Never use water or detergent on your timber floors unless you have to. Water is the worst enemy of timber flooring, as it can cause swelling and even warp in some cases.

Don’t use vinegar or bleach, either. These harsh chemicals tend to discolour light-coloured timbers over time. It will also leave a white residue that looks unsightly on dark timbers. Also, avoid using microfiber mops. They can scratch the surface of your flooring if used improperly.

Use Timber Floor Cleaner Instead

Timber floor cleaners are specifically designed to clean and polish your wood flooring. Timber floor care agents will remove dirt, grime and other contaminants from your floors, leaving them squeaky clean and smooth. It will also add shine to your flooring and make any room of your house look great.

You can buy these cleaners direct from Hardware Stores, Oslek Flooring or your place of purchase. Some of these products are suitable for hardwood and softwood floors, while others are only suitable for timber. Make sure you read the specifications carefully before buying or using them on your floor.

Remove Spills and Stains as Soon as Possible

Use a damp cloth to remove the spill, and then dry the area with a clean cloth once it’s removed. If the spill is still there after an hour, use a hardwood floor cleaner instead of water to remove it completely.

Remember, the longer the spill or stain stays on your floor, the more damage it will cause. It would be best if you quickly took action before it gets impossible to remove.

Always Vacuum With a Soft Brush Attachment

Vacuuming is one of the most important tasks in hardwood floor maintenance. Cleaning your floor will make it look great and help it last longer. Vacuum regularly with a soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove dirt, dust, sand and grit that gets tracked into the home on shoes and feet.

It would be best if you vacuumed regularly to pick up food crumbs before they can get stuck to the floor by foot traffic or furniture movement. Using a vacuum with a rotary (beater) bar, use something other than this attachment on hardwood floors. This type of cleaning tool is can be too harsh on hardwood floors.

Use Protective Mats at Entryways

When guests or people come home from outside, dirt can be easily tracked onto the surface of your wood flooring. The most commonly affected areas are near doorways, exterior entrances and mudrooms where boots are usually removed before entering another area, such as the kitchen and living room.

To prevent this, you will want to use a hard-surface mat that will not scratch the flooring surface. In the long run, this investment will save you money on professional cleaning and help protect your floor.

Sweep the Floor Using Broom and Dustpan

Sweeping is the best way to care for wood floors as it efficiently removes loose dirt and debris without damaging the material. It’s not advisable to use water on your hardwood floors unless an actual spill needs to be cleaned up immediately. Try using a damp cloth rather than a bucket of water!

If necessary, you can also use mild soap on wood floors in small amounts like this. However, ensure that the floor is completely dry before putting any furniture back onto it, so there isn’t any moisture left behind from your cleaning efforts.

Maintain a General Cleaning Schedule

Timber flooring is porous, and you must follow a regular cleaning schedule. Being porous means absorbing liquid and dirt, which can stain the wood and even damage it over time. If you have a general cleaning schedule, you can prevent the flooring from absorbing unnecessary dirt or liquid. You can also ensure that the flooring stays in good condition and doesn’t get worn down.

Repolish Your Floors as required

Repolishing will remove minor marks and blemishes from the surface and help keep them in good condition for a long time. Repolishing your wood floor finishes will also protect it by applying more layers of top coats to the surface.

Poor recoating can negatively impact your floors’ longevity, leading to a costly replacement later. You should hire professionals to get premium-quality results. Oslek can arrange for an expert to assist if required.

Avoid Sliding Heavy Furniture Across the Floor

If the furniture needs to be lifted by two or more people, lift and carry it rather than sliding it across the floor. Sliding heavy furniture across the floor can cause scratches and dents on your timber flooring. This will eventually lead to a deterioration in its appearance and functionality.