If you have wood flooring laid, but don’t really have an idea on how to deal with annoying scratches, stains and discolouration. Don’t worry, we’re here to educate you on what might be damaging your precious wood floors. Do your research now and learn how to take care of your lovely wood flooring so it lasts and always looks wonderful.

Light Exposure

There are lots of materials that fade under harsh sunlight, and unfortunately wood is one of them. If you’ve already laid your wood floor in an area that is exposed to lots of sunshine, then there’s not really much you can do but sand it down and refinish it.

However, if you’re still looking for your dream wood flooring, then take this into consideration. Of course, this is easier said than done, but if you can avoid too much sunlight then we’d strongly recommend that you do.

Cleaning

Cleaning is part of our weekly routine and our floors need regular attention to keep them looking hygienic. Although wood flooring is relatively easy to keep clean, you do need to be aware of certain factors.

Do not use a steam mop on your wood floor as this can cause it to warp and swell. As well, mop as dry as you can to avoid your floor being exposed to too much water. Another thing you need to be careful is what cleaning chemicals you use. We’d always recommend purchasing a specialist wood floor cleaner as it’ll give you peace of mind and is guaranteed to be compatible.

Vacuuming and sweeping are another thing that can be damaging your wood floors. Some vacuum ends are sharp and can cause scratches, as well as some brooms having hard bristles. Read what the manufacturer of these products have said when it comes to wood and use them in a gentle fashion. 

Consider Which Room

Although wood is incredibly durable and is likely to last a lifetime, it is not the best at holding up to scratches, stains and water as we’ve already established. Therefore, the best way to avoid this is to keep pet’s claws trim, don’t drag anything sharp and heavy across it, put furniture pads under the legs and clean any water spillages straight away. Placing mats by entrances will encourage people to remove their shoes and reduce stones and dirt getting trodden in. Another factor to consider is high heels as well- you’d be surprised at the aggressive indents they can make on a wood floor! With this being said, we wouldn’t opt for wood in rooms such as the kitchen and bathroom, due to them having high exposure to these elements.

Sand Down and Refinish

It’s true that even after all these precautions, things do happen. Perhaps wood flooring’s best feature is its ability to be sanded down and refinished, depending on wear layer and thickness. This will eradicate any scratches, stains and any general wear and tear. Along with wood floorings impressive longevity and being able to sand it down, gives it an incredibly long life-span.

It is also important to note that when sanding wood floors, it's essential to wear protective gear, such as KN95 masks, to protect yourself from any dust or debris that may be released during the process. This will protect your lungs from harmful particles and help keep the air in the room clean and safe to breathe.

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.