How to clean your wood floors. The do’s and don’ts
Posted September 29, 2020 by Litchfield Floor Renovations
Flooring is an essential component of any property domestic or commercial and should be able to withstand a high level of impact over the years. If you have recently had your wooden floor restored, a quick and simple cleaning routine can help you protect your investment by keeping your floor looking pristine for as long as possible.
However, with so many different methods of cleaning and products crowding the market, it can be difficult to know what to use to best protect your floor. As your local flooring experts, we have put together some handy dos and don’t to help you maintain your floor in its current condition for as long as possible.
Things to do
1) If possible, vacuum your floor once a day using the brush attachment. This dry cleaning method is ideal for ridding your floor of crumbs, grit and general debris.
2) Use professional hardwood floor cleaners and a light damp sponge for scruffs and spills.
3) If you spill any liquids on your wooden floor, you should mop the spillage up as soon as possible to prevent water sitting on the flooring boards and potentially causing damage
4) Before you buy any products to clean your floor, try and identify if your floor has a hard or soft oil finish, as this will alter the type of treatment you should use on your floor to remove stains. If you are unsure how to identify what finish your floor has, there are many tutorials available on Youtube.
5) Before you apply any products to your hardwood floor, ensure you read the manufacturer’s instructions for use. Before using a new product on your wooden floor we would recommend doing a test patch on a small area, ideally out of sight.
Things not to do when cleaning your floor
1) Avoid using excess water when mopping or wiping your floor. If your wood floor gets too damp it could swell, expand or warp.
2) Use vinegar, ammonia or all-purpose cleaners. These products can cause your polished floor to dull over time.
3) Let dirt, grit, dust or sand to build up on the floor as it will make it harder to clean in the long run. We would always recommend giving your floor a quick sweep daily, or at a minimum when anything is spilt.
4) If you notice a stain or imperfection on your floor, do not use sand-paper of similar materials in attempt to remove the stain as this could cause further damage to your floorboards.
At LFR we are specialists in restoring and repairing all types of wood flooring. Contact us today to discuss the nature of your problem and find the right solution for you and your floor.
