Wooden floors are a timeless choice that adds warmth and character to any space. With proper care and maintenance, these floors can retain their beauty and functionality for decades. However, neglect or improper handling can lead to damage those compromises both the appearance and longevity of the flooring. Here’s a comprehensive guide by Mr Sander® on how to care for and maintain your wooden floors, ensuring they remain in pristine condition for years to come.
Preventive Measures for Floor Care
The best way to maintain the quality of your wooden floors is by taking preventive measures. These small but significant steps can prevent potential damage and extend the life of your flooring.
- Entrance Mats: Placing entrance mats at doorways is a simple yet effective way to reduce the amount of dirt, grit, and moisture that enters your space. This helps protect the surface of your wooden floors from scratches and stains caused by outdoor debris.
- Furniture Pads: Furniture legs can easily scratch wooden floors, especially when they are moved around. By attaching felt pads to the bottom of furniture legs, you can minimize the risk of scratches. Additionally, placing rugs under heavy furniture can provide extra protection against indentations and surface damage.
- Sunlight Exposure: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause wooden floors to fade or discolour. To prevent this, consider using curtains, blinds, or UV-protective window films to control the amount of sunlight that reaches your floors. Regularly repositioning rugs and furniture can also help distribute sunlight exposure more evenly across the floor.
- Immediate Clean up: Wooden floors are particularly vulnerable to water damage. It’s important to clean up any spills—whether they’re from food, drinks, or other liquids—immediately to prevent moisture from seeping into the wood and causing stains, warping, or mould growth.
- Plant Pots: While plants can add a touch of nature to your space, placing plant pots directly on wooden floors can lead to water stains and damage from soil. To avoid this, use plant stands or trays that elevate the pots and catch any excess water.
- Humidity Control: Wood is sensitive to changes in humidity, which can cause it to expand or contract. Maintaining the recommended humidity level for your specific type of wooden floor is crucial in preventing issues such as warping or cracking. In areas with extreme humidity fluctuations, investing in a humidifier or dehumidifier may be necessary to keep your floors in optimal condition.
Everyday Maintenance Tips
Routine maintenance is key to preserving the beauty and durability of your wooden floors. Incorporating these practices into your regular cleaning routine will help prevent damage and maintain the floors’ finish.
- Grit and Dust Removal: Dust, dirt, and grit can act like sandpaper on your wooden floors, gradually wearing down the finish. Regular sweeping or vacuuming with a soft brush attachment is essential to remove these particles. Avoid using upright vacuums, as their wheels can cause scratches and dents in the wood.
- Mopping: When mopping wooden floors, use warm water and tackle small sections at a time. It’s important to wring out the mop thoroughly to avoid excess moisture, which can damage the wood. After mopping, make sure to dry the floor immediately to prevent any water from seeping into the wood.
- Proprietary Cleaners: If you choose to use a proprietary cleaner, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Always use clean mopheads or pads, and replace them when they become dirty to avoid spreading dirt across the floor.
Special Care for Different Finishes
Different types of wooden floor finishes require specific care to maintain their appearance and durability. Understanding the unique needs of your floor’s finish will help you provide the best care possible.
- Oiled Floors: Oiled floors are popular for their natural look, but they require regular re-oiling to maintain their protective layer. The oil penetrates the wood, nourishing it from within, but the surface can dry out over time. Reapplying oil as needed helps preserve the floor’s lustre and enhances its resistance to wear and tear.
- Hard wax Oil: Hard wax oil combines the natural appearance of an oiled finish with a protective ‘wear and tear’ layer, making it suitable for high-traffic areas. Over time, the surface may begin to fade, indicating the need for a top-up application to restore its original appearance.
- Lacquered Floors: Lacquered floors are highly durable and easier to maintain compared to oiled finishes. They can withstand heavy foot traffic and are resistant to spills and stains. If the floor starts to look dull, applying a diluted ‘refresh’ coat can rejuvenate the finish without the need for sanding.
- Buffing: After applying oil or hard wax, buffing the floor helps enhance the finish and ensures even absorption by the wood. Using a semi-professional buffer or a heavy buffing block generates heat during the process, which helps spread the treatment evenly and achieves a smoother, more uniform finish.
Restoration and Repair
Despite your best efforts, wooden floors may eventually require restoration or repair due to wear, damage, or aging. Professional restoration services can breathe new life into your floors, making them look as good as new.
- Full Sanding and Restoration: When wooden floors become overly worn or damaged, full sanding and restoration may be necessary. This process involves stripping away the old sealant, sanding down the surface to remove imperfections, and applying fresh treatments to restore the floor’s original beauty and durability.
- Addressing Woodworms and Gaps: Over time, wooden floors may develop gaps between the boards or suffer from woodworm infestations. Filling gaps with timber strips or a resin-wood dust mixture can restore the floor’s integrity and prevent further damage. Woodworm treatment may also be required to protect the floor from structural damage caused by these pests.
Proper care and maintenance are essential to preserving the beauty and functionality of your wooden floors. By following these expert tips, you can ensure that your floors remain in excellent condition for years to come. At Mr Sander®, they understand the unique needs of wooden floors and offer tailored advice and services to help you maintain them. Whether you need routine maintenance, special care for different finishes, or professional restoration, the experts are all equipped to assist you every step of the way.
For a free assessment or more information on the services, contact Mr Sander® today. They are well committed to helping you protect and enhance the value of your wooden floors.
