Why Maintenance is Essential

To prevent hardwood floor damage, experts and manufacturers suggest numerous treatments. Yet even with regular maintenance, all hard wood floors will begin to deteriorate over time. Damage can range from fading, in high traffic areas, to extensive warping and cracking from moisture exposure. Treatment—whether by waxing or power sanding —ensures a good aesthetic, a sanitary floor and a safe, inhabitable space. Typically, maintenance depends on a few key factors: type of finish, wood grain and the extent of damage.

Damage Prevention & Simple Treatment

Following simple maintenance steps will help ensure that a hard wood floor looks its best. While regular sweeping is recommended on a daily (or at least weekly) basis to prevent soot from seeping into the wood, experts recommend utilizing a dry or damp mop instead of a saturated mop. Water tends to expand wood grain and may warp the floor, especially on unfinished surfaces. To avoid denting, consider using vacuums that feature brush attachments rather than machines with beater bars. Additionally, although covering floors will delay fading from use and sunlight, the World Floor Covering Association suggests avoiding mats with rubber backing and those that are non-ventilated, as these textiles will tear at the surface of the wood, and that’s why using services like Resin Flooring Installation UK is great for this.

As a general rule, experts recommend avoiding all oil-based soaps and waxes, specifically on polyurethane treated floors. Oil based wax sprays that accumulate create an unwanted film and a slippery floor, and may actually affect the re-coating process. Instead, a neutral pH cleaner is sufficient for most hardwood floors. For light treatment, a finish may be applied to fix fading. It is advised to apply coatings an hour apart. Additionally, finishing should be reserved for spot treatments for smaller areas of the wood surface.

Replacement of the wood may be necessary if the damage is too extensive. Some may opt to cover the wood with other materials like vinyl or carpeting or to replace the floor. Either way, consulting a contractor is recommended.