With many us spending more time indoors than ever before and our homes not only now a place to relax, but also to work, it goes without saying floors are a continuous hotspot for dirt and grime. The good news is wooden floors are extremely easy to clean and maintain, they don't trap the dirt as much as carpets do and can last for decades if looked after properly. Here is some simple advice and tips on how to keep your hardwood flooring looking clean and fresh, and ensure it stands the test of time.
How to clean your wooden floor
To clean your wooden floor the best brush to use is a microfibre dust mop or a vacuum cleaner as using a normal bristle brush will just move the dirt around to only settle back down again. We recommend brushing your floor each day, or every other day to remove any small surface dirt or dust. It is important to note though that you use the right attachment for your vacuum cleaner for a cleaning a wooden floor. Be mindful of the beater bar in your vacuum which is the part that is covered in bristles and spins around as this can scratch the polyurethane coating of the floor. Most vacuums come with an attachment specifically used for cleaning hardwood floors or can be purchased separately.
Once your floor has been swept, you can then clean it to remove any surface stains or marks. This only needs to be done about once a week, or when you notice any surface stains. To clean your floor, it is best to use a microfibre mop and PH neutral cleaning spray. We recommend Bona www.bona.com or Ciranova products, in particular Ciranova's Flooring Soap as this has been designed to work with our products, will bring out the natural beauty of the wood and doesn’t contain harsh chemicals like some traditional household cleaners. You can find more information about Ciranova products and purchase these via their website
Always try to clean your hardwood floor in the direction of the grain. You should never use furniture polish as this will leave a slippery residue, or use a steam mop as the steam will penetrate the wooden floor and can cause damage over time. Some products like Ciranova Flooring Soap require diluting with water to clean hardwood flooring, but always use cool or lukewarm water.
How to maintain and protect your wooden floor
An important part of maintaining the beauty of any wooden floor is to protect it from unwanted damage. One of the most important things to remember is to wipe away any spills immediately. The top layers of lacquer or oil will protect your floor initially, but if the liquid is left to soak into the wood then it can cause irreparable damage. Another way to maintain your flooring is to protect it from scratches and dents. Small marks and indentations are inevitable, but there are things that you can do to prevent deeper, larger scratches. Firstly, remove footwear before walking on your wooden floor. Outdoor footwear is likely to have dirt and grit on the bottom that can easily scratch your floor if walked on. Ideally leave shoes and boots in a porch, garage or cupboard, but alternatively invest in a door mat or shoe rack by your door. If you notice any stones or grit on your wooden floor, remove them straight away.
To prevent furniture or heavy objects from scratching your floor always pick up heavy objects to move them, rather than dragging them. Anti scratch felt protector pads are a wise purchase. These can be applied to the bottom of furniture and act as a soft barrier between the wooden floor and the heavy object.
To recap, here are our top tips for cleaning and maintaining your wooden floor:
Sweep away dust and dirt regularly with a microfibre brush
Wipe away spills immediately
Clean your floor using a microfibre mop and wooden floor cleaning spay
Never use a steam mop, boiling hot water, furniture polish or abrasive products
Remove footwear before walking on your floor
Use felt protector pads and never drag heavy objects across the floor
Following this advice will prolong the longevity of your hardwood flooring and keep it looking beautiful for many years to come.