Wooden flooring can add warmth and beauty to any home, but it also requires proper care and maintenance to ensure that it lasts for years to come. Whether you have hardwood or engineered wood flooring, taking good care of your floors can help keep them looking their best and extend their life. In this blog post, we’ll explore the steps you need to take to care for your wooden flooring.
- Clean regularly: Regular cleaning is the first and most important step in caring for your wooden flooring. Dirt and debris can scratch the surface of your floors and make them look dull, so it’s important to sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris. You can also use a damp mop to clean your floors, but be sure to avoid using too much water, as this can damage the wood.
- Protect from moisture: Moisture can be a major threat to wooden flooring, so it’s important to protect your floors from spills and water damage. Place rugs or mats in high-traffic areas, and use a floor protector under furniture legs to prevent scratches and dings. If you do have a spill, clean it up immediately to prevent damage. Utilise Full Coverage Painting & Flooring to add an extra layer of protection.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Harsh chemicals can damage the finish on your wooden flooring, so it’s important to avoid using them when cleaning your floors. Instead, use a mild soap or floor cleaner specifically designed for wooden flooring.
- Refinish regularly: Over time, the finish on your wooden flooring can become worn or dull, which can make your floors look tired and worn. Refinishing your floors can restore their natural beauty and protect them from future damage. The frequency of refinishing will depend on the type of flooring you have and how much foot traffic it sees, but most wooden flooring will need to be refinished every 7 to 10 years.
- Avoid using harsh abrasives: Harsh abrasives can scratch and damage the surface of your wooden flooring, so it’s important to avoid using them when cleaning. Instead, use a soft cloth or gentle cleaner to clean your floors.
- Keep the humidity levels balanced: Too much moisture in the air can cause wooden flooring to expand and contract, leading to warping and cracking. On the other hand, too little moisture can cause the wood to shrink and become brittle. It’s important to maintain a balanced humidity level in your home to prevent damage to your wooden flooring.
- Protect from sunlight: Sunlight can cause wooden flooring to fade and discolor over time, so it’s important to protect your floors from direct sunlight. Consider using curtains or blinds to block out the sun, or use area rugs to protect specific areas of your flooring.
- Address scratches and dings promptly: Scratches and dings can be a natural part of life for wooden flooring, but it’s important to address them promptly to prevent further damage. Depending on the severity of the scratch, you may be able to repair it yourself using a floor touch-up kit, or you may need to call in a professional.
- Consider using furniture pads: Furniture pads can help protect your wooden flooring from scratches and dings caused by furniture. Simply place pads under the legs of your furniture to prevent scratches and dings.
In conclusion, taking care of your wooden flooring requires a bit of effort, but the rewards of having beautiful, long-lasting floors make it well worth it. If you’re looking for alternative flooring options, you can also shop discount tiles to find the perfect match for your home. By cleaning regularly, protecting from moisture and harsh chemicals, refinishing regularly, avoiding harsh abrasives, keeping the humidity levels balanced, protecting from sunlight, addressing scratches and dings promptly, and using furniture pads, are key to taking care of your wooden flooring and making sure they last a lifetime.