Wood floor cleaning – Avoid surface abrasions

The history of hardwood floors is centuries old, and wood was once seen as an absolute luxury, affordable only by the high class rich in society.  Nowadays, hardwood floors are much more affordable and are increasingly common – but if they seem to add a touch of class to an area, there may be a historical pretext. They’re traditional and functional—as well as having finishes highly valued for their rich historic character and warm beauty. Little wonder then why the phrase “hardwood floors” is such a magnet in the housing market.

Hardwood is generally chosen for aesthetic reasons, it is simply a beautiful floor.  It is easier to maintain than, say, carpet – but requires more maintenance than natural stone or ceramic floors.  The floor will require periodic cleaning and care if it is to keep its finish and following a few simple tips should help reduce the risk of staining and marking over time.  Normally simple mopping will be sufficient but it is important that the floor is properly sealed before cleaning as liquids can cause warping in the wood, and can seep into joints causing damage over time.

Many hardwood floors are now finished using a surface finish called polyurethane, which produces a glossy and polished finish. Polyurethane looks like a plastic coating over the wood and is extremely hard wearing so it should offer lasting protection and aid your cleaning efforts.  Another finish, called penetrating seals, consists of wax or oil finishes that penetrate the wood and protect from within.  If you are not sure which type of sealant is appropriate for you, you would be well advised to contact a wood floor cleaning specialist for advice.

Although you may have sealed the floor, you will still need to protect it from surface scratching which can be caused by dirt, sand and grit particles usually walked in on the soles of shoes.  The quickest and most effective way to clean hardwood floors is by using a slightly damp mop. Before mopping, make sure that you have removed all surface dust, dirt and grit from the floor using a soft broom or by vacuuming. Then, simply mop, rinse and repeat as much as necessary. Scratches to the floor can also be caused by incorrectly moving heavy objects and furniture, or by dragging chair legs, so add padded tips is possible and lit instead of dragging.

It is important to clean regularly and seal periodically and also to remember what has been applied to the floor.  If your floor does get scratched or marked – you will not be able to effectively clean it and will need to contact a professional wood floor cleaning company to enquire about a surface sanding and re-polishing service.