For homeowners considering or already enjoying solid wood flooring, the question of maintenance is an important one. How do you ensure that your investment retains its beauty and good condition for years to come? While many of us enjoy the look of solid wood flooring, we don’t want to spend hours caring for it. Fortunately, solid wood flooring might not actually require as much maintenance and effort as you think.
Here at Mulveys, we understand the appeal of solid wood floors and the importance of proper maintenance. Whether you’re contemplating the switch to wood or seeking guidance on preserving your existing solid wood flooring, we’re here to offer expert advice. In this guide, we will share some of our essential tips for caring for solid wood flooring that aren’t too time-consuming and will ensure your floor remains in good conduction for years to come.
Sweep or Vacuum Regularly
Maintaining the pristine appearance of wood floors all year round requires regular sweeping or vacuuming. Over time, dust, dirt, and debris inevitably accumulate, potentially leading to scratches and wear. By sweeping or vacuuming them regularly, you can prevent such buildup and preserve the floors natural appeal. Remember to opt for a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum with a hardwood floor attachment to avoid scratching the delicate wooden surface.
Use a Microfiber Mop or Cloth
For a more thorough clean of a wooden floor, using a microfiber mop or a dampened cloth with a mild wood floor cleaner is advisable. Microfiber is both gentle and effective at lifting dirt and grime from the surface of your floors without causing any harm or damage. We would advise to steer clear of leaving floors wet, as excessive moisture can cause issues on wooden floors, leading to warping, cupping, and buckling. Ensure thorough drying after cleaning.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
When tending to wooden floors, it’s important to steer clear of harsh chemicals. While they may offer a deeper clean, they can ultimately damage the finish or discolour the wood. Opt instead for gentle, pH-neutral cleaners specifically formulated for wood floors to ensure safe and effective cleaning. Harsh chemicals such as ammonia or bleach can strip the protective layer, leaving floors vulnerable to damage.
Use Mats or Rugs
A proactive measure you can take for wooden floors is to strategically place mats or rugs at entry points or areas of heavy traffic throughout your home. This serves to trap dirt and moisture from shoes, thereby reducing the risk of scratches and water damage. Mats and rugs function as a protective barrier, preventing abrasive particles from being tracked onto your floors and minimising wear and tear over time. Regularly shake out or vacuum these mats to eliminate trapped dirt and debris.
Use Felt Pads or Coasters
Another effective preventative measure is to utilise felt pads or coasters to safeguard wooden floors against scratches and dents caused by furniture legs. These protective pads provide a cushioned barrier between the furniture and the floor, reducing the risk of damage when moving or rearranging furniture. Make it a habit to periodically inspect and replace worn or missing pads to maintain optimal protection.
Wipe Up Spills Promptly
Accidents are inevitable, but prompt action is essential to prevent staining or water damage. Allowing spills to linger on wooden flooring can result in potential staining. Utilise a soft, dry cloth to soak up spills, followed by a damp cloth if necessary. Refrain from rubbing or scrubbing the floor, as this can exacerbate damage by pushing the spill further into the wood grain.
Protect from Sunlight
Preserving its natural appeal requires protection against UV damage, which can mar their appearance over time. Employ curtains, blinds, or UV-blocking window films to limit direct sunlight exposure to your flooring through windows. Sunlight can cause wood flooring to fade or discolour, which highlights the importance of proactive measures to maintain their design, look and feel.
Regularly Rearrange Furniture
Periodically rearranging your furniture aids in distributing weight and wear evenly across the floor, and minimising the appearance of indentations or wear patterns. Avoid leaving heavy furniture in one spot for prolonged periods, as this can result in permanent damage to the fibres. By regularly rearranging furniture, you can extend the lifespan of the floor and preserve their appearance for years to come.
How Can Mulveys Help?
At Mulveys, we pride ourselves on offering first class solid wood flooring solutions. Explore our comprehensive array of solid wood flooring options on our website, where you’ll discover a host of flooring choices waiting to improve your living environment. Whether you prefer a light, warm, or dark brown hue, we offer a diverse range of styles to seamlessly align with your home’s interior decor, including both herringbone and narrow plank pattern selections. Additionally, we offer luxurious finishing touches such as hardwax oiled, natural oiled, unfinished, or UV satin lacquered.
Choose from an array of stunning options like the White Oak 125mm RL UV, White Oak Herringbone ABC Unfinished, White Oak Tumbled Herringbone Double Smoked & Oiled, and many more choices. Also, solid wood flooring comes in thicknesses of 10mm and 18mm. To explore our flooring options available at Mulveys, visit our website. Should you require any further information or assistance regarding our solid wood flooring options, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated team.