Interior Design

If you have installed wood flooring in your house it would mean that you have made quite a handsome investment. Obviously you would want to have value for your money. The good thing about wood flooring is that, with a little bit of care, you can have great flooring for at least three decades. One that is natural and regal at the same time. A floor that will complement almost any kind of furniture and décor. In the following section of the article we will provide you with a few basic tips on how to take care of your wooden flooring.

Know Thy Enemies

Dirt and Grit

The polish on the floor is absolutely essential to the look of it. And dirt and grit on it would be like rubbing sandpaper on it causing scratches and dents. Cleaning and wiping helps, but the first thing you should do is put effective doormats at the entrances so that the dirt from shoes gets trapped in it.

Water

If water, or for that matter any other spill, stands on your floor long enough then it can warp the floor. So it is advisable that you wipe the floor as soon as you can if something spills on to it.

Furniture Legs

Dragging furniture on the floor can cause scratches to the surface. It makes sense to lift the furniture up and then move it. Proper padding to the legs of the furniture also helps.

Wrong Cleaners

Neutral pH cleaners are the ones that you should be using when cleaning the surface of the wooden floor. They won’t react with the material and will not alter its nature. Avoid oil soaps at all costs ‘coz they tend to build up a layer which will cause difficulty at the time of maintenance and polish.

UV Effect

Long exposure to direct sunlight may lead to discoloration of the floor. Use curtains and blinds to avoid the sunrays.

Tools to Clean

Brooms: The ones with fine exploded ends are ideal for trapping the dirt and the grit. The broom can serve as your primary tool and can be used regularly. The more often you clean the less will you have to clean at one go.

Canister Vacuums: There are vacuums which come with specific bare floor attachment. Such vacuums, called canister vacuums are ideal to get the dirt and dust out of every single corner. A weekly cleaning with the vacuum should be enough.