If you recently had a timber floor installed, you might wonder how to clean and maintain it easily amidst your busy schedule. You can keep hardwood timber floors looking great with essential equipment like a broom and mop. However, some products can damage timber floors, so read on if you want to keep your timber flooring looking as lovely as it did the day it was installed.
Simple rules of timber floor cleaning
1. Clean regularly
Most good wood floors, like Godfrey Hirst quality floors, are designed with easy care and maintenance in mind. Quick-Step has a sophisticated structure that makes them highly durable. But even so, it’s always a good idea to clean wood regularly with a microfiber cloth or a vacuum cleaner.
2. Maintain the proper humidity
The proper humidity is a vital part of your floor’s lifespan. Humid, warm air can make the wood planks expand. Dry, cold air can make them shrink. The ideal humidity for your wooden floors is considered to be between 40 to 60%. So check your indoor hygrometer and place a humidifier or dehumidifier if need be.
The basics of cleaning timber floors
Timber floors not only look great but are also surprisingly simple to clean. Dust and dirt are often accessible to spot on timber floors and sit on top of the floor surface rather than becoming trapped in the wood. The best way to clean timber floors is with a mop, and we recommend you do so weekly using only a dry mop. It is best not to use too much water on your timber floors, so a damp mop can be used each month or so to loosen up any dirt. This is the case for both internal timber floors and decking timber.
Using a vacuum on timber floors
While your mop should collect dust from your floors, if you have noticed grit and sand on your timber floor, it is best to sweep up these particles with a clean, soft broom and dustpan. Sand and dirt can cause scratching to your timber floor if not removed. It is possible to use a vacuum on timber flooring. However, ensure your vacuum is in good condition, and there is no damage or wear to the soft bristles. Exposed metals inside the vacuum can cause scratches on timber. Always ensure the brush is complete and clean before vacuuming your timber floor.
Before your timber floor is cleaned
As you clean your timber flooring, you will need to prepare the area so you can access as much of the surface as possible. The first job is to remove as much as possible from the floors. This means picking up any loose items and storing them away. Small furniture items should also be moved into a different room if possible. Moving large furniture items can be difficult and isn’t necessary whenever you want to clean the floor. In many cases, cleaning can occur around big pieces. However, this will result in a subtle difference in the appearance of cleaned areas.
What to do with rugs when timber floor is cleaned
Rugs must also be rolled up and moved out of the room to enable your hardwood flooring to be cleaned properly. Rugs will need to be kept rolled and not placed back onto the freshly cleaned timber floor immediately following the cleaning, especially if a damp mop has been used. It is also a great time to have floor rugs sent for professional cleaning.
Cleaning problem areas on timber floor
Acidic liquids like red wine, tomato sauce or pet urine can damage the finish on timber floors and should be cleaned up as soon as possible once you notice them. It is better to dry such spills with a clean towel and avoid vigorous scrubbing, which can move the acid around the floor’s surface.
Although it is tempting to use cleaning products to soften a stain, it is best not to use anything other than water. Do not add acidic-based products, as this will only deepen the staining. If the acidic liquid has been present for some time and has become dried up, you may need to use some water to help lift the spill. Other problem spills include cooking oils, grease, lotions, and other beauty or hygiene products. Clean up spills of these products as soon as possible to add longevity to your timber flooring installation.
What not to use on timber floors
Avoid using any chemicals, even natural products like vinegar. Bleach can damage the finish and seep into natural wood, causing it to become discoloured. Again, the best thing to use for cleaning timber is just water- applied to a damp mop. You don’t need to make the surface very wet to get a good clean and shine, and using steam mops is not recommended.
Many suppliers use protective products on hardwood flooring. Clever Choice uses all Australian sourced timbers, and each style has a protective finish applied; typically, seven layers of a UV-treated lacquer. Cleaning Clever Choice timbers is a breeze because of their stable surface and reliable finish. These products provide moisture protection for eight hours should there be a spill, are scratch-resistant and come with a 30-year warranty in the average residential setting.
What to do after a timber floor is cleaned
The longer you can avoid walking on a timber floor after cleaning it, the better. Ideally, it will be at least an hour before anyone walks on a freshly cleaned timber floor. Pets should be kept away from the area as well to avoid scratching. Most timber flooring products nowadays are treated to avoid scratching.
Quick-Step is a popular choice for quality timber in living areas, kitchens and bedrooms. Quick-Step uses patented Surface & Edge Protect+ technology on their engineered timber floors to protect natural materials from scratches and stains. Their extensive range can suit various styles and decors, the most popular choices being Pure Oak, Natural Oak or Blackbutt timber. Quick-Step is also known for its commitment to sustainability and using recycled materials when possible, making its products an excellent choice for the environmentally conscious.
Specifications to clean timber flooring
Timber suppliers such as Quick Step, Godfrey Hirst and Australian Select Timber will provide specific instructions for cleaning their timber floors.
We are your local timber flooring store with the latest products, trends, and stock options from many local timber suppliers. Contact us today to discuss your timber flooring needs and get your free measure and quote.
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