Getting timber flooring in your house can be up there with buying a new car or a pool in terms of life achievements, and it has all kinds of practical benefits too.
It’s easy to clean, it keeps temperatures down in the Australian summer, and it looks and sounds great to walk on. So with all that investment in your new floor, how do you keep it looking great for years to come?
Let’s take a look at some of the top tips for caring for your new timber flooring.
Clean it gently
Cleaning a wood floor is very important because it stops larger debris from getting stepped on and scratching the floor, and it stops finer debris from slowly eating away at the surface, but it’s important to do it right.
You can’t just clean the floor the way you would a laminate or linoleum floor, and you need the right tools.
Vacuuming the floor is always a good start, but remember to get a vacuum designed for wood floors with the right attachments, otherwise, you run the risk of scratching the floor yourself.
You should also make sure to use microfibre cloths, soft-bristled brushes and PH neutral spray because all of the alternatives can damage your new surface with their harsh effects.
Keep it dry
One of the biggest causes of damage to a wood floor is moisture ingress, which can both stain the surface and cause the wood itself to swell and split if left to sit for too long.
The best way to get around this problem is to make sure you mop up and clean any spillages as quickly as possible and not to let them sit for too long on the surface.
This applies to everything from spilt cups of water to muddy boots because even small amounts of water can contain acidic or alkaline compounds which can eat away at the surface and leave it pitted or scratched.
Treat it gently
It’s easy to forget about your floor once it’s laid and go about your life as you did before, but that can damage your wood floor in the long term.
It’s important to remember things like felt protector pads to put on the feet of your furniture so that they don’t scratch and damage the wood, as well as to remember not to drag heavy objects across your floor or to wear heavy footwear on it either.
These are all very small changes to make to the way you live and work in your house, but that could end up making a really big difference to the longevity of your new wood floor.
Ask the experts
At Totally Flooring, we’re experts in timber floors of all kinds on the Gold Coast, and we’re fully prepared to help and advise you all through the process of getting your floor fitted.
From specifying the type of finish to fitting and aftercare, we can be there throughout the whole process. Give us a call today to find out how we can make your wooden floor dreams come true!
