Wood flooring is demanding. All flooring has an element of maintenance demand, but hardwood flooring had to take it to the next level. And considering the cost of purchase and installation, it bodes well for people to avoid cleaning mistakes that will ultimately shorten the lengthy lifespan and potentially cause unsightly damage. To prevent you from investing literally thousands of pounds and throwing it down the drain, we’ve comprised an article with the common cleaning mistakes and some helpful tips along the way.
The Wrong Cleaning Products
Solid wood flooring – click here for examples – has a lifespan of well over ten years when it’s maintained correctly, but one of the quickest ways to diminish that lifespan is with the wrong cleaning products and tools. During the installation process, you should have it explained to you what products are correct for your flooring type.
Many people use harsh chemicals to clean their wood flooring, which can damage the surface over time. Instead, use a mild cleaner specifically designed for wood floors, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Believing Water Works
Water is the enemy of wood flooring. A whole host of issues arise if you let your wood flooring get wet, and even worse, god forbid, don’t effectively clean up spillages. It might happen over time of neglect, but the moisture can cause the wood to expand, resulting in the floorboards warping or buckling.
You might also notice cupping, which causes the wood to swell at the edges, resulting in cupping, where the edges of the board are higher than the centre. And don’t be surprised if the consistent moisture exposure promotes the growth of mould and mildew – unpleasant smells and health risks will be coming your way.
Never clean using a mop and bucket, and keep any cleaning with moisture to a minimum. If you have to deal with any spillages, ensure it’s cleaned up effectively with a good cleaning product – wood flooring is durable, but it won’t last forever if you leave that red wine you spilt to dry.
Neglecting Regular Cleaning
Other types of flooring don’t warrant the same regular cleaning as solid wood, but it’s a precious surface that can easily scratch if you neglect a weekly mop. Crumbs and dirt that naturally collect as you go about your daily life can and do scratch the surface, and it’s usually an unsightly white or dark scratch that seems like stand out like a sore thumb. For the sake of a few minutes mopping each week, it’s worth it. Always ensure you’re using the right tools to sweep your floor – a hard-bristled brush will do more harm than good. A microfibre mop or brush is what you should look for.
An investment in solid wood flooring is one you won’t regret. The natural, bold aesthetic it brings is unrivalled, but you must take the time to keep it that way. After around ten years, if you notice the flooring is looking a little worse for wear, you can explore refinishing it.