Out of all the different types of floor that you can choose from, there is a general agreement that timber flooring requires the most upkeep. After all, to keep a floor as good looking as hardwood floors tend to do, you are going to have to put a little bit of extra care into it. By comparison, carpets usually need just regular vacuuming, as annoying as that might be. Tiled floors rarely need any special upkeep or maintenance, and vinyl floors often need less than that. On the other hand, timber floors need to be cleaned regularly, sealed, and sanded on occasion.
When it comes to cleaning your hardwood floor, there are a few things that you need to consider beforehand.
How Do You Get Your Floor Clean?
First and foremost, you will need the right supplies. This means that you will want to know where you can find timber suppliers Melbourne residents prefer before you begin cleaning, although this is the easiest part of the process. Once you know where you can get the supplies you need, there are a few things to keep in mind. For one, you will need to clean the floors regularly so that they do not become scuffed or stained. In areas of the house where there is a lot of foot traffic, you will want to clean the floor on a daily basis, sweeping/vacuuming daily and mopping once or twice a week. In less-used parts of the house, you can get away with mopping the floor once a month or even once a season.
You should always use the recommended cleaning product for your floor. This is usually a product that has been tested and cleared to safely clean your floor without any issues. If that is not possible for you, then you will want to make your own solution so that you don’t void the floor’s warranty. About 60 ml of a mild pH-neutral soap in a bucket of water should work well for this purpose. You should never use oils, waxes, or other furniture sprays as these can make the floor slippery and harder to apply coating too. You also shouldn’t use ammonia, alkaline, or abrasive cleaners as these will scuff the floor’s finish. The same applies to using lemon juice and vinegar in large quantities, although it is fine when used sparingly.
Why Is This Important?
Unlike most other kinds of floors, hardwood floors often have a finish applied to them to give it an extra shine and to protect the wood itself from mould, mildew, and generally being scuffed. Because of this, you will want to be extra careful not to damage that finish and most harsh floor cleaners can downright remove the finish on the floor.
By using mild cleaners on a regular basis, you can keep your hardwood floors looking fresh and slick.