Tips for Solid Wood Care

Wooden flooring can transform your home, not only is it impressive but it will last for a very long time, providing that you care for your floor properly.

Controlling traffic

Control the amount of wear that your floor is subjected to by laying down a rug or a mat in high traffic areas. This will protect your floor from potential long-term wear and tear. If you have wooden flooring near your front door or in a hallway then a mat is the best way to control traffic and the impact it will have upon your wooden floor. Shoes can bring in dust and dirt that could scratch the floor and fall in-between the boards. Use a mat or rug that has been made for a wooden floor, mats with rubber backs can cause damage to the wood.

Pets

Your pet’s claws can be very damaging to the floor. Cats are well known for scratching to keep their claws filed down. Prevent this by providing your pets with a scratch post and also taking them to the vets to make sure that their claws are trimmed. Do not attempt to cut your pets claws at home as you could potential cause them harm and cause infection.

Moping

Never attempt to wet mop your wooden floor with excessive amounts of water. This will cause the wood to swell and splinter. Always use a hard wood floor cleaner to clean the floor. Use a cloth to clean the affected area. Make sure to clean up spills as soon as they happen to prevent moisture damage to your wood. Make sure the mop is well rung out and clean length ways across the planks.

Controlling dust and dirt

Regularly clean your floor with a soft brush to remove dust and dirt, buff over afterwards with a cloth. As soon as you see dirt gathering between the boards, remove it with a brush or vacuum to prevent any build up.

Cover your furniture

Protect your floor by attaching pads to the bottom of your furniture legs. This will prevent any denting or scratching to your floor. These are widely available at DIY shops.

Sun damage

The sun can play a part in fading your flooring. Reduce your floors exposure to the sunlight by closing blinds or curtains when you can.

Sweep with a soft brush

Use a soft brush rather than a coarse brush. This will prevent any scratching. Softer bristles are also easier to get in between the boards to remove extra dust and dirt.

Do not use

Never use ammonia cleaners or oil soaps on your wooden floor. Always use cleaning solutions that have been designed specifically for solid wooden floors.

Treating long term damage

If your wooden floor needs treatment for long-term damage then you may consider a process called screening and recoating. This takes off the finish that is already on the flooring. It then applies a new coating of urethane. If your floor is particularly damaged then it may need to be re-sanded and recoated. This should be done as a final option.