Hard floor cleaning – Hardwood cleaning tips

Hardwood flooring offers richness, warmth, and outstanding natural beauty. If carefully cared for, it will last a long time. It is not cheap, but with maintenance, it will prove to be a solid investment.

There are several tips for looking after your floor. Here we focus on the ‘do not’ list, emphasising that preventing damage is the best way to maintain it. Several elements require care:

Dirt and grit: Surface scratching can look unpleasant, but even the smallest scratch can damage the wood's surface or expose it. Once this happens, it becomes more prone to staining from spills or dirt buildup. Most of the dirt and grit that cause these scratches come from shoes and pets. Placing doormats at entrances and regularly sweeping are simple ways to reduce this risk.

Spillages: Exposed wood can stain quickly if liquids like coffee or wine are spilt. Even water can seep into gaps between the wood and cause damage over time. Please clean spills as soon as they occur to reduce their impact.

Cleaners: There are many ways to clean hardwood floors, but a damp mop or a neutral-pH wood cleaner is generally effective and will not leave marks or discolouration. Oil-based cleaners should be avoided as they can complicate sealer application.

Furniture and heavy objects: Dragging chairs, furniture, or other heavy objects can cause dents or deep scratches. Objects should be lifted, not dragged, whenever possible to avoid this. Felt pads can be applied to points and edges.

Over time, a sealer may wear and need to be reapplied. In this case, consult a hard-floor cleaning specialist who can recommend the process and the correct sealer. It is useful to know what was previously applied to the floor.