Get The Look For Longer! Tips For Maintaining Timber Flooring
Timber flooring adds timeless elegance and warmth to any space. However, proper maintenance is essential to preserve its beauty and longevity. With the right care routine, you can ensure your timber floors remain stunning for years to come. From daily cleaning routines to periodic inspections and treatments, proactive care is key to prolonging the life of your timber floors.
This article takes you through six crucial steps to help preserve the beauty and longevity of your timber flooring.
Daily Cleaning
Regular cleaning is key to keeping timber floors looking their best. It helps prevent dirt, dust, and debris from accumulating on the surface of your timber floors. Here are some effective cleaning tips to maintain the natural beauty of your timber floor:
- Sweep or vacuum: Use a soft-bristled broom or vacuum with a hardwood floor attachment to remove dust, dirt, and grit from the surface.
- Spot clean spills: Wipe up any spills immediately with a dry microfibre cloth to prevent them from penetrating the wood.
Gentle Mopping Periodically
In addition to the above, use a damp mop (not wet) for deeper cleaning to remove any stubborn dirt and stains. Avoid using harsh chemicals. Instead, use a mild detergent or specially formulated hardwood floor cleaner diluted in water.
Most importantly, use only minimal water, as standing moisture can damage the wood. After mopping, dry the floors thoroughly with a clean and dry cloth. It is best to do this in small sections to ensure the moisture is not left too long.
Protect From Moisture
Timber flooring is susceptible to moisture damage, so it’s essential to protect it from spills and humidity. Placing mats or rugs in high-traffic areas, like entryways and kitchens, can help catch dirt and moisture. If you accidentally spill something, be sure to wipe it up immediately using a dry cloth. This will prevent water from seeping into the wood and causing damage.
Prevent Scratches by Using Furniture Pads
Preventing scratches is key to keeping your timber floors looking beautiful for years to come. One way is to place felt pads or furniture coasters under the legs of heavy furniture. This will distribute the weight of the furniture and prevent it from leaving marks on the floor. Additionally, do not drag or slide furniture across the floor, as this can cause damage.
If you have pets, it’s a good idea to trim their nails regularly to minimise scratches on your floors. Another option is to place rugs or runners in pet play areas. Lastly, place mats or rugs at entryways to help trap abrasive dirt and debris from shoes.
It is important to ensure that your protector pads or mats do not contain rubber, as this can cause a reaction with the finish, resulting in irreparable staining of the timber.
Minimise Sunlight Exposure to Prevent Sun Damage
Exposure to direct sunlight can cause your timber flooring to fade and lose its colour over time. To start with, minimise exposure to sunlight by using blinds, curtains, or UV-resistant window film to block harmful UV rays.
Additionally, ensure that you rearrange furniture and rugs periodically to ensure even exposure to sunlight and prevent uneven fading. This will help maintain the beauty and durability of your timber flooring for a long time.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
In addition to daily cleaning and preventive measures, timber floors benefit from periodic maintenance to keep them in top condition. So, it’s crucial that you hire professional floor maintenance services periodically to deep clean, sand, and refinish your timber floors.
Professional sanding and polishing can effectively remove surface imperfections, scratches, and wear, while fully restoring the natural beauty of the wood.
Use Protective Coatings
Protective such as polyurethane helps seal and protect the surface of your timber floors from moisture, stains, and wear. These coatings help to seal the surface of the timber and prevent damage caused by spills, scratches, and other types of wear.
A professional wooden floor polishing team, like Abacus Flooring, will provide you with expert advice on the best type of flooring protection for your floorboards. We utilise the highest quality floor finishes and polishes to meet your needs and keep your floors looking immaculate.
Ready to maintain the timeless elegance of your timber flooring? For expert advice and professional maintenance services, contact Abacus Flooring in Sydney, Northern Beaches, and North Shore today. Let’s ensure your floors stay stunning for years to come!
