Many people think that timber floors are difficult to care for, but in fact, they are very easy to clean. Most timber floors have a polyurethane coating, which protects them from water damage. Here are some tips for keeping your timber floors clean and in good condition.
1. Vacuum Regularly
Most dirt can easily be removed from a timber floor through regular vacuuming. Use a vacuum with a long floor brush. If you use an upright vacuum, switch off the rotating brush so the bristles don't scratch the floor.
2. Blot Up Spills Right Away
Even though most timber floors have a protective coating, they are still vulnerable to water damage if you leave liquid sitting on the surface for a long time. Always mop up water, wine, sauce, and any other spills as soon as they occur. You can blot them up with a paper towel or an absorbent cloth to prevent the liquid soaking into the floor.
3. Mop Floors Every So Often
When your timber floors start to look less than perfectly clean due to dirt that you cannot remove simply by vacumming, it is time to mop the floor. The best type of mop to use on a timber floor is a microfiber mop. You should work your way around the floor, dampening and mopping dry one area at a time. Do not apply too much water to the floor or use any harsh cleaning chemicals.
4. Remove Scuffs
If you drag furniture across your timber floors, you could scuff the surface. Thankfully, scuffs are generally quite easy to remove. You can remove light scuffs by buffing the floor with a cloth or even a clean tennis ball. Heavier scuffs can be removed by applying baking soda to a damp paper towel or damp cloth and scrubbing at the mark until it is no longer visible.
5. Refinish to Remove Scratches
Timber floors are in general quite scratch-resistant thanks to their protective coating, but it is possible to accidentally scratch them. If you do manage to scratch a timber floor, you can quickly remove scratches by sanding down the floor and reapplying the protective coating.
Removing scratches is a relatively straightforward job if you are used to working with timber floors, but you might prefer to hire a contractor to remove the scratches from your timber floor if you are not sure how to carry out the repair.