Solid wood floors are expensive but if you treat them right, they will last as long as your home does. However, if you do the wrong thing, you could end up making a very expensive mistake that you have to live with for years to come. Here’s what you need to know.
Keep it dry(ish)
Wood is porous and even if your wood has been varnished, waxed or treated in some other way, too much moisture won’t do it any favours. If you happen to have a spillage, clean it up as soon as you can. Likewise, when you are cleaning a wood floor, use as little water as you possibly can while still cutting through any dirt and grease. One way to do this is to use a floor cleaning spray and a microfibre cloth or mop that has been dampened then wring out until it is almost dried.
If your wooden floor is treated with oil, you need to choose an oil based floor cleaner to stop it from drying out.
Spray, don’t pour
Spray cleaners help you to get maximum cleaning power with minimal waste, and they help you to avoid using too much liquid, too. A good, economical, way of doing this is to bulk buy floor cleaner and decant a small amount mixed with water into a spray bottle.
Make your own
The opinion on white vinegar is very much split; some cleaning gurus say that it is the best thing for any surface, including wooden flooring, while others say that it will ruin the lustre of wood. To play it safe, make sure you dilute your white vinegar to one part vinegar and at least five parts water. You can always add a sprig or two of pine, or some sliced lemon and leave it for a couple of weeks for an extra fresh smell. Add your solution to your spray bottle, spray a small amount at a time and buff straight off with a just slightly damp microfibre cloth.
Stay on top of it
The best way to keep any flooring looking great is to keep on top of it. Some people don’t like hard floors as they show the dirt, but this is dust and dirt that would just sink into your carpet otherwise! Daily sweeping, vacuuming and mopping will help you to keep your floor in tip top condition.
Repair scratches
Once your floor becomes scuffed and scratched, it is somehow easier to let the cleaning and care routine lapse. If you notice scratches and scuffs, call a wood flooring specialist to come and clean and treat your floor so it looks as good as new again.
If you want to find a floor specialist or a deep cleaner near you, take a look at our directory of trusted, local traders. For more tips, follow us on Facebook or Twitter.