One of the best flooring options available today is hardwood timber. It adds a gorgeous traditional style that enhances the overall aesthetics of your home. But it's essential to learn necessary care and maintenance practices when choosing timber flooring. Proper cleaning practices are imperative to keep your timber floors sparkling and last for many years.
However, most people do it all wrong and end up damaging their floors. Here are four cleaning mistakes you need to avoid to prolong the life of your hardwood timber flooring.
Using Improper Vacuuming Equipment
Not all vacuuming equipment works the same. Some will have harsh effects on your timber flooring. With time, wrong vacuuming equipment can cause scratches that in turn hide dirt and dust. Inevitably, this makes your floors much harder to clean.
To prevent this, avoid equipment with rotating brushes or stiff bristles that are abrasive. Alternatively, consider equipment with a softer brush that is less resistant. Also, use a lighter piece of vacuuming equipment with a smaller canister. It is less bulky and doesn't leave dents on the timber flooring.
Using Conventional Household Cleaning Agents
Most households use ammonia-based and vinegar cleaners since they are cheap and versatile. But you should never use these products on your hardwood timber flooring. While they can effectively eliminate dirt and stains, they contain chemicals that eat away at the wood. Also, avoid cleaning agents such as baking soda which can weaken the hardwood coating.
Alternatively, consider using oil-based cleaners. These cleaners don't damage the timber flooring or deprecate its protective coating. When unsure about the appropriate cleaning agent to use, get help from your local flooring contractor for the best available options.
Cleaning Timber Flooring Like Tiles
Unlike tiles, timber flooring is porous and can absorb moisture and water. The biggest mistake you can make is cleaning your timber floor with a wet mop. Doing this causes water to seep into the timber and results in warping or swelling.
The best way to clean your timber flooring is by using a dry mop and oil-based cleaners. Alternatively, you can apply oil-based cleansers with a slightly damp mop to give your floor a polished look.
Leaving Excess Water on Timber Floors
Finally, the last mistake you can make is leaving excess water on your timber flooring. Water is not suitable for timber. While you cannot escape few water spills here and there, it's essential to note that excess amounts can seep into and buckle the wood. Depending on the timber type, dark patches can also form after water spills on the timber. Always carry out regular maintenance and cleaning to wipe up any spills on your timber flooring.
For more information on timber flooring, contact a flooring supplier.