Timber floors can be both stunning and long-lasting if properly cared for. Unfortunately, if not taken care of regularly, they may scratch or etch quickly.
Maintain the look of your hardwood flooring with these easy steps. Regular cleaning, mats at exterior doors and rugs in high traffic areas will help keep them looking like new.
Basic Cleaning
Timber floors add a classic charm to any home, but they can also become a source of frustration when they start showing dirt, grime and stains.
Maintain the condition of your hardwood floors by performing a regular cleaning regimen that includes sweeping, mopping and vacuuming. These simple steps will help guarantee that the wood finish remains in top condition.
Sweeping your timber floor on a weekly basis helps to collect any grit that has been tracked in from footwear, which could damage its coating. An antistatic mop is an efficient means of collecting dirt and particles; it should be used alongside a broom or dustpan for thorough removal of particles.
Mopping your timber floor on a fortnightly to monthly basis will help maintain its shine. To do this, use either a neutral PH wood floor cleaner, or one recommended by your timber flooring manufacturer.
For optimal cleaning results, utilize a quality microfibre cloth when mopping your timber floors. This cloth won’t damage the surface and allows you to get into hard-to-reach places for thorough cleanups.
You should also refrain from using traditional abrasive household tools and hard brushes when maintaining your timber floors. Doing so could scratch the coating, making the floor appear dull.
Vacuuming is an efficient way to remove dirt and grime from your timber floors, but it’s best to use a vacuum with a soft head. This will guarantee there are no scratches on the surface when using the machine.
Another helpful tip for maintaining your timber floors is using door mats at the entrance of your house to prevent dirt and grime from being tracked in. Not only will this make the floor appear neat and clean, but it also helps reduce odours caused by shoes or other objects.
You can place rugs in high traffic areas to protect your timber floors and prevent scratches. However, make sure these rugs are kept rolled up and out of the way immediately after cleaning your timber floors to prevent them from getting dirty again.
Advanced Techniques
If your timber floor has scratched or dented, there are several advanced techniques you can use to fix the issue. These include sanding, applying wood filler and replacing damaged planks.
Scratches and dents on timber floors can be caused by dropped objects, damaged shoe heals or soles, abrasive particles or everyday use and tear. It is important to address these problems promptly in order to extend the life of your timber floors.
Light scratches on a hardwood floor can easily be repaired with fine, lightweight sandpaper. Next, use a rag or cloth to rub the sanded area with mineral spirits.
Once sanded, apply a lighter-colored wood filler in the direction of the wood grain and allow it to dry before sealing it with polyurethane for seamless integration with the floor.
If your gouges in wood are deeper, you can try a heat-and-moisture treatment. Place a damp cotton cloth over the affected area and heat with an iron to soften it; this will allow the wood to expand back into its original shape.
For more serious damage, it may be necessary to replace damaged planks or entire sections of flooring with new ones. While this can be costly, hiring a professional to handle the repair could be less expensive than investing in materials for yourself.
One thing to keep in mind is that hardwood floors often darken over time, even in finished floors. This is an inevitable process with many types of hardwood due to oxidation and exposure to sunlight.
Maintain the optimal appearance of your timber floor by having it professionally refinished at least once annually. This should be done by an expert who specializes in cleaning hardwood floors.
In addition to refinishing, it’s essential to regularly oil your wood floors. Doing so will shield them from staining and other damages caused by spilled liquids like red wine, tomato sauce, or pet urine.
If you want to maintain the oiliness of your floors, apply a water-based cleaner that does not contain vinegar or any acidic ingredients. This will shield them from spills and scratches without harming their sealer coating.
Scratches and Dents
Wood flooring can be incredibly durable, yet still susceptible to minor damage like scratches, dents and gouges. Thankfully, there are several refinishing techniques you can use to keep your timber floors looking beautiful and long-lasting.
Scratches can be caused by a variety of things, such as pets’ nails or furniture movers. To prevent scratches from happening, attach furniture pads to the legs of your furniture so they don’t scratch the floor when moved or bumped into.
Dents are a common issue, particularly when heavy objects like bookshelves or pianos sit on the floor for an extended period of time. You can prevent denting by spreading out the weight with cardboard or felt pads so it doesn’t affect one area of your hardwood flooring.
You can also repair a dent with the help of a clothes iron. This will bring back damaged fibers into alignment without causing additional harm to your hardwood flooring.
However, you should exercise caution when using this technique. Avoid damaging the wood by pushing too hard or overheating the floor.
Furthermore, you should only use this method to repair minor dings in the wood. If the damage is extensive, recoat the entire floor may be more effective.
One solution for fixing dents is to fill them in with wood putty. This can easily be found at your local hardware store and costs only a few dollars to fix.
Once the putty has dried, lightly sand it to match your floor’s colour. Once repairs have been made, apply a coat of refinishing varnish for an immaculate shine that looks brand-new.
Finally, you can try to repair small dents using a simple technique called “blushing”. This involves adding water to the dent and pressing a hot iron onto it.
This method usually works well for small dents in wood, but be mindful not to push too hard or overheat the floor. Furthermore, only use this technique on minor dings as overuse can damage your hardwood flooring.
Refinishing
Timber flooring is an enduring, beautiful option that can last decades with proper care. However, wood floors do age over time and need regular upkeep to stay looking their best.
Maintain the aesthetic of a wooden floor by using one of several refinishing techniques. A full refinish involves sanding down the surface and applying another coat of polyurethane (or other finish) for protection.
If you’re debating whether or not to refinish a hardwood floor, why not try partial refinishing instead? Not only does this save time and money on the project, but it’s less damaging to the floor in the long run as well?
A partial refinish can be as straightforward as sanding and buffing the floor to create a uniform surface, remove any dust particles, and prepare it for sealant application. After applying two coats of sealant and buffing again, you’ll have created an elegant, shiny surface that repels dirt and grime.
Another option is to sand and re-stain the timber with a new color. This can be achieved using various stains and dyes, giving your floor an entirely new appearance without having to replace it completely.
When sanding down a hardwood floor, it is essential to carefully cover all areas with the sander. Doing so will enable the sander to get all the way through the surface and prevent further damage such as scratches.
Additionally, you should sweep up any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the floor. Doing so helps you avoid having to sand again later and makes the refinishing process much smoother.
Finally, before beginning to refinish your hardwood floors, it is essential to take all furniture and other items out of the room. This will make the job go much smoother and keep your floors looking their best even after you’ve finished refinishing them.
