In order to keep your wooden floor looking great, you have to take care of it. Here I've listed ways to make it's life longer and a few tips for easier cleaning.
1. Clean the spill
Of course sometimes you'd drop a cup or accidentally spill water but know that you have to clean it right away. The moisture can damage your floor.
2. Protect the floor
You might not believe it, but the weather plays a big role. In the winter, the heat from the air-conditioner can make the floor shrink and pull it apart. Make sure you keep an average temperature in the room.
3. How to clean the wooden floor
The most efficient solution here is to look at the finish. This will help you decide on what cleaning solutions you should use. Here are some tips on cleaning different types of floors.
Varnished, Lacquered, Oil-Treated, Shellacked, Untreated Floors
What to do:
1. It's best if you use the product that the manufacturer's listed and recommended on the back of the detergent. This is probably the most suitable cleaning solution for your wooden floor.
2. It's better to apply liquid wax or paste wax on the floor than water-based or acrylic wax. The last two can ruin the floor by making it white. Liquid wax is easy use but it leaves less protection. Your best choice is paste wax.
3. The most efficient way to keep your wooden floor looking fresh is, of course cleaning it. Focus the most on the areas that get the most traffic. Clean it regularly and don't let it collect too much dust.
How to clean the floor
Firstly, vacuum the floor to remove dust. Then strip the old wax (using a stripper) and let the floor dry. Apply a thin coat of wax and again, let it dry.
Surface-sealed Floors
What to do:
1. Just like with the shellacked and oil-treated floors, use products that are recommended by manufacturer.
2. Do not use furniture spray (the floor will get slippery) or oils (they don't fully absorb in the wood).
3. Don't think that water and vinegar will do a good job at cleaning the floor. Using that often can damage the floor and ruin the brightness of the wood.
How to clean the floor
Pour water and cleaning solutions in a bucket and dip the mop. Clean the whole house and make sure you squeeze out most of the water. Then go over the floor again with clean water.
A few tips on how to maintain a nice looking floor:
1. Don't put cleaner directly on the floor.
2. Be careful when moving furniture. Try not to leave scratches on the wood.
3. Clean spill and liquid drops right away. Water is very harmful to this covering.
4. Place mats in the kitchen, bathroom and other areas, where there's higher chance of food and water stains. This will prevent water spills falling directly on the floor.
5. Wipe off your shoes before you walk in the house. That way you won't bring as much dirt inside.
1. Clean the spill
Of course sometimes you'd drop a cup or accidentally spill water but know that you have to clean it right away. The moisture can damage your floor.
2. Protect the floor
You might not believe it, but the weather plays a big role. In the winter, the heat from the air-conditioner can make the floor shrink and pull it apart. Make sure you keep an average temperature in the room.
3. How to clean the wooden floor
The most efficient solution here is to look at the finish. This will help you decide on what cleaning solutions you should use. Here are some tips on cleaning different types of floors.
Varnished, Lacquered, Oil-Treated, Shellacked, Untreated Floors
What to do:
1. It's best if you use the product that the manufacturer's listed and recommended on the back of the detergent. This is probably the most suitable cleaning solution for your wooden floor.
2. It's better to apply liquid wax or paste wax on the floor than water-based or acrylic wax. The last two can ruin the floor by making it white. Liquid wax is easy use but it leaves less protection. Your best choice is paste wax.
3. The most efficient way to keep your wooden floor looking fresh is, of course cleaning it. Focus the most on the areas that get the most traffic. Clean it regularly and don't let it collect too much dust.
How to clean the floor
Firstly, vacuum the floor to remove dust. Then strip the old wax (using a stripper) and let the floor dry. Apply a thin coat of wax and again, let it dry.
Surface-sealed Floors
What to do:
1. Just like with the shellacked and oil-treated floors, use products that are recommended by manufacturer.
2. Do not use furniture spray (the floor will get slippery) or oils (they don't fully absorb in the wood).
3. Don't think that water and vinegar will do a good job at cleaning the floor. Using that often can damage the floor and ruin the brightness of the wood.
How to clean the floor
Pour water and cleaning solutions in a bucket and dip the mop. Clean the whole house and make sure you squeeze out most of the water. Then go over the floor again with clean water.
A few tips on how to maintain a nice looking floor:
1. Don't put cleaner directly on the floor.
2. Be careful when moving furniture. Try not to leave scratches on the wood.
3. Clean spill and liquid drops right away. Water is very harmful to this covering.
4. Place mats in the kitchen, bathroom and other areas, where there's higher chance of food and water stains. This will prevent water spills falling directly on the floor.
5. Wipe off your shoes before you walk in the house. That way you won't bring as much dirt inside.