Real wood flooring is a beautiful and durable choice for any home. It adds warmth, character and value to your space. However, real wood flooring also requires proper care and maintenance to keep it looking its best and to prevent damage from wear and tear. In this blog post, we will share some tips on how to care for real wood flooring, covering topics such as polishing, colouring, sunlight, pets, moisture and furniture.
How to Polish Real Wood Flooring
Polishing real wood flooring is a good way to enhance its shine and protect its surface from scratches and stains. Polishing should be done every few months or as needed, depending on the traffic and condition of your floor. To polish your real wood flooring, follow these steps:
- Vacuum or sweep your floor to remove any dust or debris.
- Choose a suitable polish product for your type of wood and finish. Read the instructions carefully and test it on a small inconspicuous area first.
- Apply the polish evenly and thinly with a microfiber cloth or a mop, following the direction of the wood grain. Avoid over-applying or leaving puddles of polish on the floor.
- Let the polish dry completely before walking on the floor or moving furniture back. This may take several hours or overnight, depending on the product and the humidity level.
- Enjoy your shiny and smooth floor!
How to Maintain the Colouring of Real Wood Flooring
Real wood flooring can change colour over time due to natural ageing, exposure to sunlight, oxidation and staining. Some colour changes are inevitable and can add to the charm and character of your floor. However, if you want to preserve or restore the original colour of your real wood flooring, here are some tips:
- Protect your floor from direct sunlight by using curtains, blinds or UV-resistant window films. Sunlight can cause fading or darkening of your wood, depending on the species and finish.
- Use rugs or mats in high traffic areas to prevent wear and tear that can affect the colour of your floor. Choose rugs or mats that are breathable and colourfast, and avoid rubber or vinyl backing that can trap moisture and cause discolouration.
- Clean up spills and stains as soon as possible with a damp cloth and a mild cleaner. Avoid using harsh chemicals, bleach or ammonia that can damage or alter the colour of your wood.
- Refinish your floor when it shows signs of dullness, scratches or fading. Refinishing involves sanding off the old finish and applying a new one. You can also choose to stain your floor with a different colour if you want to change its appearance.
How to Deal with Pets and Real Wood Flooring
Pets can be a joy to have in your home, but they can also pose some challenges for your real wood flooring. Pets can scratch, stain or urinate on your floor, causing damage or odour. Here are some ways to prevent or minimize these problems:
- Keep your pets’ nails trimmed and filed to avoid scratching your floor. You can also use nail caps or soft paws that cover their nails with plastic or rubber tips.
- Train your pets to use a litter box or a designated area outside for their bathroom needs. If they do have an accident on your floor, clean it up immediately with an enzyme-based cleaner that can neutralize the odour and bacteria.
- Place mats or rugs under your pets’ food and water bowls to catch any spills or drips. You can also use waterproof mats or trays under their beds or crates to protect your floor from moisture or dirt.
- Vacuum or sweep your floor regularly to remove any pet hair, dander or dirt that can accumulate on your floor. You can also use a damp mop with a mild cleaner once in a while to sanitize your floor.
How to Deal with Moisture and Damp on Real Wood Flooring
Moisture and damp are enemies of real wood flooring. They can cause warping, buckling, cracking or mould growth on your floor. Moisture and damp can come from various sources, such as spills, leaks, humidity, condensation or flooding. Here are some ways to deal with moisture and damp on real wood flooring:
- Wipe up any spills or leaks as soon as possible with a dry cloth or paper towel. Do not let water sit on your floor for too long.
- Fix any plumbing issues that may cause leaks under or around your floor. Check for signs of water damage such as stains, swelling or softness on your floorboards.
- Control the humidity level in your home by using a dehumidifier, an air conditioner or a ventilation system. The ideal humidity level for real wood flooring is between 35% and 55%1.
- Avoid using steam cleaners, wet mops or excessive water to clean your floor. Use a damp mop or a spray cleaner instead, and dry your floor thoroughly afterwards.
- If your floor is exposed to flooding, act quickly to minimize the damage. Remove any standing water with a wet vacuum or a pump, and use fans, dehumidifiers or heaters to dry your floor as fast as possible. You may need to remove some floorboards to allow air circulation underneath. You may also need to replace or refinish your floor if it is severely damaged.
How to Prevent Furniture Damage on Real Wood Flooring
Furniture can cause scratches, dents or marks on your real wood flooring, especially if it is heavy or frequently moved. Here are some ways to prevent furniture damage on your real wood flooring:
- Use felt pads, glides or casters on the legs or feet of your furniture to reduce friction and pressure on your floor. Replace them regularly if they wear out or fall off.
- Lift your furniture instead of dragging or sliding it when you need to move it. Ask for help if the furniture is too heavy or bulky for you to lift alone.
- Use area rugs or mats under your furniture to provide extra cushioning and protection for your floor. Choose rugs or mats that are breathable and colourfast, and avoid rubber or vinyl backing that can trap moisture and cause discolouration.
- Rearrange your furniture once in a while to avoid creating permanent indentations or marks on your floor. You can also rotate your rugs or mats to distribute the wear and tear evenly.
Conclusion
Real wood flooring is a valuable and attractive feature in any home. However, it also requires proper care and maintenance to keep it in good shape and to extend its lifespan. By following the tips above, you can polish, protect and preserve your real wood flooring for years to come.
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