Maintaining your Real Wood Flooring
Maintaining real wood flooring requires minimal effort, but to ensure optimal performance, follow these tips and guidelines. The ability to sand and refinish hardwood floors allows you to restore or enhance their classic look.
General Cleaning
Regular cleaning is essential for keeping your real wood flooring in perfect condition. Use the appropriate cleaning agent to protect the finish. For oiled floors, use an oil-based cleaner to nourish the wood and preserve its finish. Avoid household cleaning agents with harmful chemicals, particularly bleach, as it can permanently damage your flooring. When in doubt, check the label or consult a professional. We recommend using a highly concentrated, natural detergent suitable for lacquered, oiled, and unfinished flooring.
*Note: Damp cleaning should be done occasionally. Ensure your mop is not too wet by wringing out excess water. A microfiber mop is highly recommended. Never use a steam mop on hardwood flooring.
Regardless of the finish, remove daily dirt by sweeping with a soft-bristled brush and vacuuming. This prevents loose dirt and debris from scratching the flooring, keeping it looking its best.
Maintenance & Up-Keep
Proper maintenance is crucial for preserving the appearance and extending the life of your hardwood flooring. Areas with heavy foot traffic require more frequent maintenance. Consider external conditions to prevent damage and reduce cleaning time.
Dirt is typically brought indoors by foot traffic, and if trapped under sliding furniture, it can scratch the floor. Use protective felt pads on furniture feet to prevent damage. For existing scratches, a wood floor repair kit can help remove visible damage.
Preventing Scratches In Wood Flooring
All wood flooring is susceptible to scratches. To keep scratches under control:
- Avoid using abrasive materials like steel, wood, and scouring pads.
- Remove shoes indoors and keep pet claws trimmed.
- Use wood floor wax to reduce the appearance of scuffs or scratches.
- Sweep debris with a soft-bristled brush.
- Never drag furniture across the floor.
Oiled Wood Flooring
Proper care for oiled wood flooring immediately after installation ensures a lasting finish. The right maintenance makes the floor easier to clean and more durable. Oiled wood floors have a natural matte finish, as the oil nourishes the wood and adds protection. Re-oiling can maintain the floor's original color and hide/prevent scratches without sanding.
After Installation Care
Thoroughly clean your oiled floor immediately after installation and maintain a regular cleaning regime. Use a soft-bristled broom and vacuum to remove surface debris and loose dirt. A mild cleaning detergent is recommended for footprints and light stains.
Wax revivers provide optimal protection by creating a robust barrier against spillages and wear and tear. Suitable for both solid and engineered wood, use a wax reviver for periodic maintenance of lacquered or oiled wood.
Maintaining Your Lacquered Finish
Lacquered wood floors have a subtle glossy finish that adds a touch of luxury and extra protection from wear and tear. A lacquered finish is easier to clean than an oiled finish but shows scratches more easily and is harder to refinish.
When applying a fresh coat of lacquer, clean the floor first to remove any stubborn dirt. Apply a new coat two to three times a year, depending on wear and foot traffic.
Unfinished Wood Flooring
Unfinished wood flooring is treated and ready for you to add your own finish, allowing for personalisation.
Important To Note:
It is only recommended to sand Engineered Wood 2 to 3 times in its lifetime and only if the top layer is 5mm or more. If your Engineered Wood flooring has a thin top layer then we would strongly recommend against sanding
