Hard floor cleaning – Hardwood cleaning tips

Hardwood flooring offers a richness and warmth and outstanding natural beauty and if carefully cared for will last a very long time.  It is not a cheap option, but with maintenance it will prove to be a solid investment, if you know how to look after it correctly.

There are several tips as to how to look after your floor and here we will focus on the ‘do not’ list – focusing on that fact that prevention of damage is the best way to maintain the floor.  There are several elements with which care should be taken:

Dirt and grit: Surface scratching can look unpleasant, but even the smallest scratch can have the more serious consequence of actually damaging the wood's surface, or exposing it if the wood has a quality sealer applied.  Once this occurs, it will be far more prone to staining from spills or general dirt buildup.  Most dirt and grit that can cause these surface scratches is introduced into the area on shoe soles, and placing doormats at entrances and regularly sweeping are two simple ways to reduce this risk.

Spillages: Exposed wood can stain very quickly if liquid such as coffee or wine is spilt.  However, even water can seep into gaps between the wood and cause damage over time.  Even if a quality sealer has been applied, it is highly advisable to clean up spills as soon as they occur to reduce their impact.

Cleaners: There are many ways to clean hardwood floors, but generally, a damp mop can be effective, or neutral-pH wood cleaners that will not cause any marking or discolouring.  Oil-based cleaners should be avoided, as they can complicate matters when a sealer is being applied.

Furniture and heavy objects: Dragging chairs and furniture (or other heavy objects) can cause dents or deeper surface scratching, which can be problematic.  Objects should be lifted and not dragged wherever possible to avoid this eventuality, and felt pads can be applied to points and edges.

There is, of course, the possibility that over time a sealer will suffer from general use and traffic and need to be reapplied.  In this case, you would be advised to consult a hard-floor cleaning specialist, who can recommend the right type of sealer for you.  In these cases, it is very useful to know what has previously been applied to the floor.