Essential Tips for Maintaining and Caring for Your Timber Floors

Timber floors are stylish and timeless, making them a great option as they elevate the aesthetics of your home and also give you a long-lasting flooring opinion. But these floors also leave evidence of dirt, debris, or even pet hair. That’s why your floors can greatly benefit from regular care and maintenance.

Let’s dive deeper into understanding some of the easy and top tips to care for your timber floors:

Regularly Clean the Floors

One of the essential tips for caring for your wooden floors is to regularly clean them. Firstly, you need to make sure that you have access to most of the floor. Pick up any items that are lying on the floor and store them elsewhere when you are cleaning. You can also move your furniture or other heavy items so that you get access to as much flooring as possible. Dirts are easily visible on timber floors. That is why it is best to clean it with a mop.

Remember that dampening the floor too much can cause damage to the floor. Use an antistatic mop as it can collect grit as well as dust. Make sure the mop has a non-scratch, microfibre fabric that can help in protecting the wood. Wring out the mop to make sure it is as dry as possible to avoid any wet patches. However, steam cleaning is not recommended as it can cause the finishes to peel, fade or whiten. You can opt for professional cleaners who can ensure your timber flooring in Wellington gets the necessary care it deserves.

Maintain the Right Humidity

Humidity plays a large role in ensuring the longevity of your timber floors. Humid or warm air can make the wooden planks expand whereas cold or dry air can make them shrink. Maintain an appropriate indoor environment and make sure there is enough airflow in your home. You can use a dehumidifier or make use of curtains, blinds, and patio roofs to filter sunlight.

Vacuum the Floors

Vacuuming is a great way to take care of your floor. It can help in removing even the specks of dust and debris from your home. However, you need to make sure that your vacuum is in good condition so that it does not damage the floor. Exposed metals inside the vacuum can cause scratches on timber. Always check if the brush is complete and clean before you follow this cleaning method.

Take Care of Accidental Spills Immediately

Accidents can occur anytime. Your timber floor can come into contact with acidic liquids like red wine, tomato sauce, or even pet urine which can cause damage if not immediately cared for. Take immediate action by cleaning the spills with a dry towel instead of scrubbing the area.

You may have heard about using baking soda and vinegar or lemon juice as an alternative to cleaning timber floors. However, avoid using any acidic-based products for cleaning as it can damage the sealer coating of your floor. It is also best to avoid using alkaline or ammonia as it dims the glossiness of the floor or even causes scratches. It is best to use water or a damp cloth to clean the area and then allow it to dry.

Be Aware of Using Cleaning Products

You cannot use just any cleaning products to clean your wooden floors. Do not use detergents or any household cleaners that are not specifically designed for timber floorboards as the harsh chemicals in them can cause permanent damage. If you have a stubborn mark that isn’t easily coming off, you will need to treat it separately. You can use warm water and a tablespoon of methylated spirits to clean any mark or stain on the floor.

Sanding and Polishing the Floorboards

Even with the correct care and maintenance, your timber floor can become damaged or scratched over time. In this circumstance, you can opt for sanding and polishing your floors which can elevate the appeal of the entire floor. Moreover, you can choose from a wide range of stain colours to match it or complement the floors with the aesthetics of your house.

Alternatively, you can also recoat your floors every two or three months. Although good timber can last up to 20 years with the right maintenance, taking additional measures is necessary apart from regular cleaning and vacuuming. You can coat the floor by applying sealer to protect the surface of the hardwood floors. It’ll cover the pores on the wood, keep the material durable and maintain its fine look. Choose between water-based and oil-based sealers. The former dries easily and is suitable for expensive and exotic wood while the latter can take longer to dry but provides a shiny effect.

Bonus Tips to Protect Your Timber Floors

• You can use mats at the front and back of your house to trap dirt from your shoes so that they do not reach your floors.
• Remember to leave your shoes at the door, especially if you wear high heels or sports shoes. These can inflict unnecessary damage and scratches on the floors.
• You can also use carpets or rugs to protect your floor. Keep them in common areas such as the living room to ensure your floors are clean and remain dirt-free. However, you would still need to regularly clean and vacuum your carpets and floor to maintain a spotless home.
• Use protective pads under heavy furniture like sofas or wooden tables. It can protect your floors from scratches.
• If you have pets, groom them regularly so that they have shorter nails. This will prevent your pets from leaving scratch marks on your timber floor.
• Keep your house ventilated so that air can flow throughout the room. It will prevent excess humidity and moisture from directly impacting your floorboards and stop them from swelling.

Thus, follow these essential tips for making sure your timber floors are in top condition. Apart from regular cleaning and maintenance, you can add rugs or protective pads to avoid any marks on the floor. Remember to keep the house ventilated and also sand and polish your floors to increase their longevity.