Many problems that occur with wood floors have to do with moisture. This can be caused by changes in climate, improper MC (moisture content) of the wood used or even water damage.
Other concerns include scratches from shoes, pebbles sticking in shoe soles and furniture dragging. Taking care of your floors can prevent these problems and keep them looking beautiful for years.
Keep It Clean
Wood floors require regular maintenance to keep them clean and looking great. Sweeping and vacuuming (preferably using a soft brush attachment that will not damage your wood floor) is essential on a daily basis to remove grit and other debris that can scratch or dull the surface of your flooring. Vacuuming every week is also a good idea to prevent a build up of dirt and dust that can exacerbate allergies or worsen respiratory conditions.
Another tip from our experts is to use a cleaner specifically designed for wood floors, such as the Marldon products we carry here at Havwoods. These cleaning products are formulated to leave wood floors clean without damaging or dulling the sealant.
It’s also wise to avoid using soap, oil-soap detergent, vinegar, harsh cleaning products, steel wool, or scouring pads as these can all negatively impact your hardwood floors. Doorway mats are also a helpful tool to catch dirt and dust that would otherwise make its way onto your wood floors.
Polish It Regularly
As with all materials, wood floors will show signs of wear and tear over time. However, unlike many other floor coverings, wood can be renewed through a process of sanding and recoating. Keeping up with regular cleaning and polishing will reduce the need for such a procedure as well as preserve your hardwood floors’ natural sheen.
Sweep, vacuum (with the hard floor attachment) or mop your wood floors weekly to prevent abrasive dust and grit from scratching the surface. Also, place rugs at the doors to trap dirt and debris before it enters your home and be sure to remove shoes with sharp attributes such as high heels or cleats to help prevent scratches.
When it’s time to polish, empty the room and use a Bona applicator pad to spread a thin layer of cleaner/polish over your floors. Allow the floor to dry for an hour before allowing light traffic and a full day before moving furniture back in.
Prevent Scratches
When wood floors go long periods of time without a proper cleaning, ground-in dirt, grime and dust can become ingrained, dulling their natural beauty and degrading the quality of the material. In addition, if dust particles are not regularly removed, they can aggravate allergies and respiratory conditions.
While regular cleaning won’t prevent scratches completely, it can help minimize them. Add felt pads to the bottoms of furniture legs to prevent scratching; use doormats at every entrance to catch grit and pebbles, which can cause dents; and ask guests, family members, and employees to remove shoes when entering rooms with wooden flooring.
A combo of baking soda and olive oil can also minimize nicks and scratches on wood flooring, especially unfinished or recently-sanded surfaces. Vacuum the floor first, then apply a thin coating of the mixture to affected areas and buff it in gently with a soft cloth. Repeat as needed for a refreshed look that is less likely to attract scratches and scuffs.
Keep It Dry
The most important thing you can do for your wooden floors is to clean them regularly. Sweeping and vacuuming can prevent large build-ups of dirt, dust or moisture, which will damage the finish or promote rot and mold growth.
After a heavy rain, mops and towels can soak up any puddles on the floor. A wet vac can pull up larger amounts of water, but it’s best to keep going until there is no more visible liquid in the vacuum container. Scrubbing and a dehumidifier can help remove any remaining moisture, as well. Moisture that remains can lead to warping, discoloration, fungus growth and stubborn stains.
Try to maintain a humidity level between 35% and 45% year-round. This will help your wooden floors last longer. Placing small area mats near entryways and requesting that everyone in your home or business take off their shoes before walking on wood floors will help prevent the majority of dirt and grime from scratching and staining. Furniture pads can also be used to protect the legs of tables and chairs, which can scrape and scuff wooden flooring.