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Timber floors are a beautiful addition to your home and enclosed deck that can give it a unique look and feel. Many prefer the natural look of timber. A wide selection of species and finishes is available. All of them require special maintenance to keep them looking their best.
Importance of Maintaining Timber Floors
One of the main benefits of timber flooring is its durability and long lifespan when it is cared for properly. It can add value to the property and adds a natural touch to the interior design. Timber flooring can cost between $20 and $150 per square metre, making it worth the time and effort to take care of your investment.
Maintaining your timber floors is not just about keeping them looking their best, but it also helps preserve them. Sand and salt from shoes, spills, and dirt can become embedded in the wood grain and cause scratches, stains, and warping. Direct sunlight and the use of steam or wet mops can cause the floor to curl on the edges or crack.
This can lead to the need to replace the boards. Unfortunately, because of the wood patterns’ uniqueness, it can be challenging to find an exact match to your wooden gate designs. Also, timber floors tend to take on a patina as they age. Newer replacement material will always make any repairs obvious, unless you strip, sand, and refinish the entire floor. Here are some tips on cleaning and maintaining your timber floors to keep them looking their best.
How to Clean Your Timber Floor
When it comes to cleaning your timber floor, you are most likely to ask what to use when you clean it. The answer depends on the type of finish that you have. Using the wrong product for the kind of finish can damage your floor. Select cleaning products are made for polyurethanes, hard wax oils, penetrating oils, and laminate products. Many recommend using white vinegar or dishwashing detergent, but these products can damage these types of floor finishes.
Some products claim to put a wax coating on your floors to make them look new again. You should always use these products with caution because they can destroy the finish on our floor, especially if it is oil-based. You should always consult the finishing product manufacturer as to what type of cleaning product to use when cleaning floorboards.
Here are the steps for cleaning your timber floors.
- Remove the furniture from the area.
- Vacuum the floor to remove any loose dirt. Don’t forget the edges and corners.
- Mix the wood floor cleaner in a bucket according to directions on the package.
- Mop the floor, wringing out as much water and floor cleaning solution as possible so that the mop is damp but not wet.
- Allow the floor to dry and replace any furniture or rugs.
How to Maintain Your Timber Floor
Aside from regular cleaning, there are some things that you can do to prevent damage and keep your floors looking like new for as long as possible. Timber floor maintenance involves attention to protecting the floor from damage. Here are a few tips.
- Install protection felt pads on the feet of tables and chairs.
- Placemats to trap dirt on the inside and outside of doors.
- Clean up any spills promptly to not cause water damage or leave stains.
It is recommended that you thoroughly clean your timber floors at least two or three times a year. It would help if you mopped the high-traffic areas several times a week to keep them looking their best. It is a good idea to completely strip and refinish your timber floors and reseal them, or have a professional do it for you.
Keeping your timber floors clean and well-maintained will give your home a welcoming feel and make your floors last for many years. The most important consideration is making sure that you use a product made for your type of sealant and mix it according to the directions. Following these simple steps will help you get the most out of your timber flooring and the most enjoyment from your home.
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