Hardwood flooring is known for its elegance, beauty and luxuriousness, and you will find keeping it looking fresh and clean extremely easy if you follow this simple advice:
Tip 1: Preventing Damage
The best way to look after your hardwood floor is to prevent dirt and dust from accumulating. Follow some simple steps like:
• placing doormats at entry doors to catch any dirt, grit or water from outside.
• asking family, guests and visitors to remove outdoor footwear before walking on your floor can really help to prevent unwanted dirt or damage.
• never wear footwear with sharp spikes (stiletto heels or football boots) when walking on your floor.
• always lift and carefully place down heavy objects and furniture. Never drag them across your floor.
• use felt protector pads on the bottom of your furniture to minimise the risk of any scratches occurring.
Tip 2: Sweep your Floor Regularly
Sweep your floor on a daily basis. This will let it continue to look as beautiful as the day it was installed. Use a soft bristle brush to remove any visible dirt and dust from the surface of the floor. A vacuum cleaner can also be used but ensure that you have the correct attachments designed specifically for wooden floors, otherwise it may scratch or damage your hardwood.
Tip 3: Clean your Floor
After sweeping your wooden floor you should also remove more stubborn stains or dirt. Do this by using a wooden floor cleaner. Always try to clean the floor in the direction of the grain. Ideally a PH neutral wooden floor cleaner should be used along with a microfibre mop. This will help to ensure that your floor is clean and streak free. Alternatively, water and a damp mop can be used but make sure that the mop is fully wrung out. If the mop is wet, the excess water can damage the floor if it is left to soak in.
Tip 5: Remove Spills
Water spills or accidents should be wiped away immediately. If the water is left to penetrate into your wooden floor it could cause it to warp, swell and distort.
Tip 6: Refresh and Revive your Floor
If your floor starts to lack it lustre, products are available to refresh and revive the surface of your hardwood. Bona Wood Floor Refresher helps to restore the beauty and sheen of your floor. It is quick and easy to apply with a microfibre mop and will leave your floor looking shiny and new.
Tip 7: Products to Avoid
Avoid using the following products on your hardwood floor:
• Furniture polish should never be used as it can leave a slippery residue.
• A steam mop should never be used to clean any type of hardwood floor as the steam could penetrate into the wood and cause irreparable damage in the form of discoloration, warping and distortion of the planks.
• Products that are abrasive, acidic or contain ammonia can damage or scratch hardwood flooring.
