LOOKING AFTER A HARDWOOD FLOOR

25 February 2010
LOOKING AFTER A HARDWOOD FLOOR

Whatever the wood, whether it’s cherry, oak or maple, a hardwood floor looks fantastic – and like everything of high quality, it needs to be cared for.

The different woods used for flooring are all tough and hardwearing, which is what makes them fit for the purpose. However, they can still get scuffed and scratched and they do need looking after.

Cleaning

Hardwood floors need cleaning just like any other surface, but the wrong techniques could actually damage them. First of all, sweep up all the major dirt and grit. Don’t use a brush that might scratch; use something with relatively soft bristles. Having done this, you can now mop the floor. Avoid oil-based and chemical cleansers as these can damage the wood.

Maintenance

The sun’s rays can fade the colour of wood, but you can protect it from this with the use of a water-based urethane finish. Alternatively, or in addition to that, curtains and blinds can block direct light.

Water is a major danger for hardwood floors. If the floor gets damp, it will lose its sheen and may distort. Wipe spills with a dry cloth before they stain.

Other measures that can be taken to ensure your floor retains its look are to place floor mats for people coming into the house and to avoid dragging furniture around, which may scratch the surface.