Timber is an excellent choice for floors because it’s durable, comes in a range of grades and colours, and can be resurfaced as wear and tear takes its toll. Compared to carpet, timber floors are an easy floor surface to clean and maintain, too. If you’ve chosen timber floors for your property, here are some maintenance tips to keep your timber flooring looking like new.
Cleaning Timber Floors
Timber floors can acquire dust, grime and general smudges from footprints or spills. If you have a pet that likes to shed hair, timber floors will show the hair in the form of ‘tumbleweeds’ or balls of fluff in the corners and crevices of your floor. The best way to remove the dirt, dust and hair from your floor is to vacuum. Ensure the head of your vacuum cleaner is suitable for timber floors. A vacuum cleaner head that sucks rather than revolves is best to avoid scratching the timber floor.
Alternatively, an electrostatic mop (think ENJO, Norwex or Vieda) will pick up dust and hair on the timber floor. Old pantyhose wrapped around a broom head can have the same antistatic effect, with the fibres attracting the dust and hair particles from the floor.
Once the floors have been vacuumed or swept, a damp mop can be used to wash the floor to remove grime and footprints. Only use water and a pH neutral cleaning product that is suitable for timber floors. Avoid using household detergents or methylated spirits as these can remove the varnish that protects the surface of the floors.
It’s also recommended not to use polish or wax products as these can make the floor surface very slippery. Avoid wet mops and steam cleaners as the water will seep into the joints and cracks and warp the floor boards.
Protecting Timber Floors
Timber floors can be easy to scratch, so it’s important to ensure felt pads are added to the legs of furniture. Anything that sits on the timber floor needs to be inspected to ensure it won’t leave a mark if moved.
Protect timber floors by placing mats and rugs around the house. This will defend the timber from heavy traffic, while offering a simple way to add colour and style to your home.
Keep pets’ claws trimmed to avoid scratches. Long claws can scratch the timber floor and make the finish look dull. Keeping your pet’s nails trimmed and blunt will save your timber floor.
Prevent Warps and Cupping
Any type of liquid will seep into timber floors and cause it to warp or cup. To avoid this, clean any water spills with a paper towel.
If you have indoor pets, consider moving their water bowls outside or to an area where their water can’t be dripped or splashed on the floor.
Consider putting mats in the kitchen and bathroom to catch any water spills or splashes.
Prevent Denting
Always remove high heel shoes when walking on timber floors. The points of the heels can cause dents in the timber surface. Ask guests to remove their shoes to avoid indentation into the floor.
Furniture can also dent the timber floorboards. To protect the timber floor from furniture dents, consider adding pads or mats under the offending furniture.
Avoid Sun Damage
If your timber floor is in direct sunlight, the sun will cause the floor to fade. Protect your floors from the sun by placing rugs in the areas that catch the light. Alternatively, you can add curtains or blinds to the windows to prevent the sunlight from streaming in.
The best benefit of having a timber floor is the option of re-sanding and repolishing it when the surface becomes increasingly scratched or dented. This is a big process as it requires removal of furniture from your home, but it’s a choice other flooring materials can’t offer.
If you are considering a hardwood timber floor for your property, contact the team at Bennetts Carpets. The friendly team can show you the range on offer, while answering any timber flooring maintenance questions you may have.
Need information about timber flooring maintenance? Contact the team at Bennetts Carpets today!
