Category: Hardwood Maintenance

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Hardwood Maintenance

Preventing Damage to Your New Hardwood Floors

Preventing Damage to Your New Hardwood Floors

Preventing damage to your flooring is one of the best things you can do to keep your hardwood floors in great condition for years to come. It’s unrealistic to think your floors will never get damaged, because light wear and tear is normal. However, there are a few key steps you can take to prevent more damage than necessary. 

Living Room with Hardwood Floors

Source: Unsplash

Preventing hardwood flooring damage starts even before you install your flooring. If you are in a position where you can pick your own flooring, it’s best to research what type of hardwoods will work best for your house. Some hardwoods naturally have character and more “imperfections” that are better at hiding scratches. Species like White Oak and Red Oak and Hickory are known for these characteristics, and might be a good option in high traffic areas with kids or pets. You can read more about hardwood flooring textures here. 

Understanding where species of wood falls on the Janka scale is also important. The Janka scale rates the durability and hardness of hardwood flooring, which is an important factor in understanding how different styles of floors will hold up long term. 

janka scale

Source: superiorflooring.ca

After you purchase and install your hardwood floor, moving furniture as minimally as possible is crucial. Dragging larger pieces like tables and sofas give a greater possibility of scratching. If you do see yourself having to move furniture periodically, it’s best to invest in felt pads or protectors that attach to the bottom of furniture. Even if you don’t plan on moving furniture, adding these small preventative elements can help protect your hardwoods from accidental sliding. Remember, if you do need to move a piece of furniture, you should always lift and never drag. 

It’s also critical to maintain consistent levels of moisture and humidity in your home. Excessive moisture in your home can cause your floors to expand, while too little moisture can cause hardwoods to contract and shrink. In order to maintain proper humidity levels, we recommend using an air conditioner, dehumidifier, or a humidifier in the winter. Wood species will react differently in different geographic locations, so make sure you understand what types of hardwood flooring works best for your climate before you buy. 

Other ideas to keep in mind are to try and prevent any water damage from occurring in the first place, and installing curtains to minimize sun exposure. It’s best to occasionally rearrange furniture (with protective padding!) every few years to prevent sun damage in isolated areas as well. 

Also remember to be cautious when cleaning. No vinegar and water! Some products, like Rejuvenate, have been known to destroy certain types of hardwoods. We highly recommend our very own MacDonald Easy Hardwood Floor Cleaner to ensure no damage is done to your floors. With these tips in mind, your hardwood floors should be glowing for years to come.

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Hardwood Maintenance

How To Spring Clean your Hardwood Floors

Cleaning Hardwood Floors

How To Spring Clean your Hardwood Floors

While it may be hard to think about spring with many parts of the country blanketed by snow at the moment, our clocks have officially been set ahead and spring is on the horizon. Like many people, you may be taking a look at your house and realizing that winter months haven’t been too kind to it. Maybe you’re spring cleaning your closet or maybe you realize your hardwood floors are in for a deep clean. In this article, we talk about all the ways you can safely treat and clean the hardwood floors in your home. 

First, it’s important to remember that every species of hardwood floors are different. Be sure to check with your manufacturer beforehand to ensure you’re cleaning your specific type of hardwood correctly. But for the most part, these tips are universal when it comes to cleaning hardwood floors.

Cleaning Hardwood Floors

Photo courtesy of Pexels

Cleaning Hardwood Floors

Before cleaning, dust or vacuum your hardwoods to pick up any stray dirt. If vacuuming, be sure you’re using the correct attachment so you don’t damage the floor, like the floor-brush attachment. While dusting or vacuuming can pick up stray pet hair, dust and more, it won’t deep clean months of buildup. 

For periodical (or a deep spring clean), you’ll want to use a commercial wood-cleaning liquid. There are a variety of liquid wood cleaners online, just make sure you read the instructions before treating your floor for the first time. Our highly-recommended hardwood floor cleaning products like the Easy Hardwood Floor Cleaner™ and the MacMop™ are specially formulated to safely and easily clean your floors without risk of damage to your polyurethane finished wood floor.

Whichever cleaner you choose, you’ll then want to wet and wring out a clean mop or rag and scrub your floors. Try not to saturate the floors with too much cleaner. Unlike tile, hardwood floors are porous and absorb and hold moisture easily. The greatest risk you run into here is water seeping down into the floors and causing warping, movement, or swelling. After the cleaning product is applied, you can rinse your mop with clean water and then lightly wash the cleaner off your floors. Make sure you dry any wet spots.

Cleaning Hardwood Floors

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

Removing Stains

If your spring cleaning includes removing persistent stains from your hardwoods in addition to a deep clean, you’re not alone. When water gets through the finish of the hardwood floors, it will then darken the actual wood. This means you’ll need to get through the finish layer. You can do this with a variety of tools such as steel wood, sandpaper, vinegar and even pastes. 

For more instructions, you can check out our other blog post which details how to remove every type of stain with ease. If you want to read about some of the common mistakes that happen when cleaning (and how to avoid them) check out this blog post. 

 

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Hardwood Flooring Hardwood Maintenance

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Your Hardwood Floors

When it comes to redecorating, one of the single most effective things you can do is update your flooring. Trading your old carpet for a beautiful hardwood floor can really add a splash of style to your space and instantly update the overall look and feel of your home.

But before you take the plunge and invest in hardwood flooring, it’s important that you understand the specific care requirements that come with them. Although timber flooring may seem like a low-maintenance option, a certain amount of TLC is required to keep it looking spick and span.

What’s more, you may have to throw out everything you know about cleaning too! It is all too common that those with wooden floors end up ruining them simply by cleaning them incorrectly.

While it may seem a daunting prospect to choose a flooring option that is a little temperamental, don’t reconsider just yet. All it takes is a little knowledge of how to clean your hardwood floors so you don’t make the mistake of inadvertently damaging your floors.

Here are five of the most common traps people fall into when cleaning their hardwood floors.

Using An Incorrect Vacuum Attachment

Unfortunately, not all suction tools were created equal. In reality, some vacuum attachments can have adverse effects on hardwood floors. Over time, an incorrect vacuum head can scratch wooden surfaces and leave more pesky spaces for dust or dirt to hide, all in all, making them harder to clean. In this case, definitely steer clear of any attachments that contain rotating brushes or a beater bar with stiff bristles, as these heads are too abrasive for soft wooden materials and will cause damage.

Alternatively, you should opt for an attachment which has a soft brush or felt component with less resistance. You could also consider using a vacuum with a lighter or smaller canister as these machines aren’t as heavy and are less likely to create dents or marks.

Mopping Wooden Floors As You Would Tiles

Wooden floorboards are porous, which means they absorb and hold moisture. So, it makes sense that using a wet mop to clean is a no-go when it comes to wooden flooring. The greatest risk you run into here is water seeping down into the floors and causing warping, movement, or swelling.

That said, you can still mop your floors, but it’s best to avoid mopping with a saturated brush. Instead, grab a mop that’s basically dry, or only slightly damp, to maintain that polished look. Your wood floors will thank you later!

Using Common Household Cleaners

Vinegar and ammonia-based cleaners are highly renowned in the household cleaning world, as they are known to be both cost-effective and versatile. However, using such products on hardwood floors is an absolute faux pas. While these products, will without a doubt eliminate debris or stains, they will also damage the wood’s finish by slowly eating away at the surface. 

Not only this, you should also avoid natural cleaning agents like baking soda and abrasive bottled sprays, as these cleaners will lessen the protective coating of your hardwood floors.

Opting for an oil-based cleaning product is your best bet. Oil-based cleaners are best for hardwood floors since they will not damage the wood’s appearance, prematurely age the wood, or diminish the protective surface.

If you’re unsure what cleaner to use, you should contact your flooring manufacturer who will be able to advise you on the best care instructions for your product. 

Excessive Amounts of Water Left On The Floors

Water is the enemy of hardwood flooring. Although it is impossible to avoid small spills here and there, it is important to note that excessive amounts of water can cause the wood to buckle. Not only this, exotic hardwood styles like Brazilian Cherry, Jarrah or Merbau could develop discolored patches as a result of water.

Neglecting Regular Hardwood Maintenance

After your hardwood floors are installed, you’re home free, right? Unfortunately, no! Wooden floors need long-term care to ensure they continue to look good as new. Most people don’t realize this, but sweeping regularly can not only eliminate dust but also extend the lifespan of the wood.

Also, if you begin to notice scratches here and there, it’s best to repair these floorboards as soon as you can. The sooner you attend to little problem areas, the easier the repair job will be; it’s the difference between buffing out a spot and sanding the entire board down to refinish. To this end, think about caring for your hardwood floors like you do lawn maintenance: regular mowing takes considerably less time, energy and money than tending to an overgrown jungle of weeds!

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Hardwood Maintenance

5 Reasons Hardwood Flooring Can Make Your Home More Child-Friendly

These days, hardwood flooring is a popular choice to create a timelessness elegance in any space. However, if you have children, there are an extra set of considerations you may need to think about before simply opting for a style you find aesthetically pleasing.

Hardwood flooring can sometimes be a little more temperamental than other floor surfaces such as tiles and carpet. While it’s an impossible task to keep any style of floor immaculate with children around – spills, muddy footprints and general play are all par for the course, right? –  certain hardwood flooring can be impacted by children much more than the other options.

That said, hardwood flooring can be the perfect addition to your family home (and can actually make it more child-friendly), especially if you make the right decision from the outset.

Here are the top 5 reasons you should consider hardwood flooring in your family home.

Some Hardwood Flooring Can Be More Durable Than Other Flooring Options

Durability is key when you have kids around, so choosing a wood that will stand the test your children put them through is essential.

Bamboo offers many benefits in this department; the perfect balance between stamina and style. While Bamboo has a similar appearance to timber, it is actually a harder substance, meaning that when the kids forget that the house isn’t their personal playground, there is less chance the floors will be scratched. Furthermore, bamboo is resistant to stains. Perfect for the inevitable spills that your little darlings will send its way!

But bamboo isn’t your only option. There are a number of durable hardwood flooring options which may be a good choice for you. Here’s a hot tip: before you set your sights on a wood you just love, check its Janka rating which will tell you just how durable it is. If it’s low, say no!

Lighter-Toned Woods can Disguise Dirt

You wouldn’t be alone if you thought that darker-colored woods would be perfect for hiding dirt, dust and debris. However, when it comes to hardwood flooring, the opposite applies. 

Light-colored hardwoods such as cherry or oak are a couple of options to consider for the family home because they minimize the appearance of dust and brighten up your living space. Certain light-colored options will help you maintain that effortless look without spending hours cleaning, which is a definite bonus when you’re too busy with the kids or you forgot it was your turn to host your family summer cookout!

Hardwood Floors Are Less Likely to Stain Than Carpets

With the kids running amok and that cup of juice sitting precariously close to the table’s edge, it won’t be long before it comes crashing down and spills all over your floor. This is where hardwood flooring really comes into its own, basking in its child-friendly glory! Unlike carpet, wooden floors are much less likely to stain. Simply wipe up the mess to remove any remnants of the accident!

Hardwood Floors Are a Healthier Alternative

Carpet and thick rugs collect dirt and food scraps like sponges. With hardwood floors, there are no worries that your little ones will be exposed to harmful substances trapped in the floor beneath them. After all, for most children, the floor is where they spend most of their playtime, so carpets provide the perfect breeding ground for them to get sick; hardwood flooring virtually eliminates that issue.

Not only this, hardwood floors are also a great alternative for children who suffer from allergies since they are less likely to collect pesky pollens or animal fur. If health and safety are a concern for you, hardwood floors are a great non-toxic choice for your family.

Hardwood Floors Are Easy To Clean

Let’s face it, life with kids means endlessly cleaning up after them. With that said, making decorating decisions to make clean up easier is definitely something that all parents should be thinking about. Enter, hardwood flooring.

Although hardwood flooring does come with a set of maintenance requirements, when it comes to cleaning up spills quickly, this versatile flooring option comes out on top. Unlike with carpet, you won’t be reaching for that hot bucket of water and a myriad of cleaning products when your little ones drop their cereal on the way to the table. You can simply wipe up the mess with a paper towel and run a slightly damp sponge over the area to remove any sticky residue. Easy!

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Hardwood Maintenance

How to Remove Persistent Water Stains from Hardwood Floors

If you’ve ever had hardwood floors or wooden furniture, you know about the dangers of staining. And there is nothing more dreadful to the material than water! Some of them are clear, some of them are dark, and most of them can be permanent. 

Unlike what some may believe, however, it is possible to remove them, even the older ones. Here are some of the best ways to get rid of these stains:

ATTENTION: Before starting, always make sure to clean the floors and wipe away the dust. This will help avoid any scratches or additional wear. 

Dark Stains

If water gets through the finish of the hardwood floors, it will then darken the actual wood. This means you’ll need to get through the finish layer. 

Steel wool.

This is only recommended for people that have a good eye and can use their hands well. Slightly rub the stained area in order to remove the stain. Do it very lightly. Also apply pressure to unstained areas close to the stain, blending it in so there’s not a major bump.

Sandpaper.

While the steel wool might not work for some, it’s unlikely that filing with sandpaper won’t help. Do it the same way as suggested for steel wool, filing through the stain and blending slightly to the unstained areas.

Vinegar.

An ingredient common to every household, vinegar can help remove the layers of the stain. Just soak a damp rag and put it on the stained area, leaving it there for 5-10 minutes. You might need to apply it more than once to remove it completely, or for bigger stains.

Chlorine bleach.

A more chemical and effective option would be using chlorine bleach. Since it might be a bit strong, start with a solution that’s four parts water and one part chlorine bleach. Apply it with a white cloth and let it work for around 10 minutes. Let the floor dry and see if the stain was completely removed. If not, do it again until it does, but strengthen the solution slightly every time.

Hydrogen peroxide.

Some people might not like to work with chlorine bleach, and might want another chemical option. Hydrogen peroxide might be the way to go, since it is not as strong as bleach. Do the same as you would for chlorine bleach, but instead of starting with a 4:1 ratio, do two parts water to two parts hydrogen peroxide.

Apply finish, and finish!

Now, the last step would be to apply finish that matches your floor to make it match again. Should there be any visible bumps, use 0000 steel wool to rub it away until it is evened out.

Light Stains

These are your run of the mill, superficial stains, most often ones left by moist glasses.

Pastes.

There are many products you can use to remove it in a few minutes that work as a paste. Baking soda paste (1 part water, 1 part baking soda), salt paste (salt with only a few drops of water), even toothpaste. You can rub them gently and apply nail polish once you are done.

Petroleum jelly.

Sometimes, these faster tricks might not work. Another alternative that can be easily bought is petroleum jelly. It can be applied and left to work overnight. You’ll just need to wipe it away the next morning!

With the right trick, the right amount of effort, and patience, you can get that water stain out in no time, and forget about cloths, mats, and rugs to cover them up!

Categories
Hardwood Maintenance

What Types of Hardwood Floors Are Easiest To Keep?

When looking for the perfect hardwood floors, each person has their own priorities set. For some, it’s design. For others, it might be price. Many people do have one common priority: practicality. No one wants to break their back trying to keep their hardwood floors looking new and clean. 

With the range of options out there, it might be hard to know where to begin when looking for hardwood floors that are easy to keep. But there are a few aspects that you can take into consideration when picking the right hardwood floors for your home.

Color

Even if you have a design in mind, the color wood you’ll pick can play a big role when it comes to practicality. Darker colors can scratch more easily, and any stains or dirt will be more visible without the right finish. They would be better picks for rooms where there is not a lot of walking around, or where furniture is not moved around too much.

Lighter colors, on the other hand, can hide dust or dirt very well because of the grains, and the color tone of the wood. They would not be so visible in Ash White hardwood floors, for instance. Another great option would be multi-tone hardwood floors, since it already has a naturally “stained” look to it. 

Humidity resistance

One big issue with anything made of wood is dealing with humidity. It can make wood wear out really quickly by contracting and expanding, losing its shape, form, and/or color. While there are many types out there that are resistant, some of the best options are engineered woods. The interior of these woods are produced to prevent warping. But it is important to pick an option with thicker wear layers, as they are more resistant to scratches.

Janka Hardness scale

This scale was made to identify and classify the density of the wood. The reason why this is important is because, the denser it is, the more durable it can be. This means it won’t dent or scratch so easily, making it perfect for most businesses or social spaces. The softest wood ever measured, Balsa, ranked 22 lbf (pounds-force), while the hardest one registered was Australian Buloke, at 5,060 lbf.

Finish

The finish on your hardwood floors can help keep them for longer depending on your choice. Look-wise, there are matte, satin, and gloss finishes. Glossy finishes, while not as popular anymore, are great for maintenance. 

There is another way to classify hardwood floor finishes, which is by its base. Oil-based polyurethane adds a glow to the wood while also being able to withstand the natural movement of the wood. On the other hand, acrylic urethane (also called water-based) makes the resin more resistant to wear such as scratches, but it is not as resistant to heat or solvents. Therefore, an oil-based finish can make keeping the wood easier in the long term.

It is possible to find a common ground between the design and color you have in mind and a hardwood floor option that won’t be too hard to keep! Just try to check as many items off this list, and you’ll be able to pick the option that best suits your priorities.

Categories
Hardwood Maintenance

How To Remove Persistent Water Stains From Hardwood Floors

If you’ve ever had hardwood floors or wooden furniture, you know about the dangers of staining. And there is nothing more dreadful to the material than water! Some of them are clear, some of them are dark, and most of them can be permanent. 

Unlike what some may believe, however, it is possible to remove them, even the older ones. Here are some of the best ways to get rid of these stains:

ATTENTION: Before starting, always make sure to clean the floors and wipe away the dust. This will help avoid any scratches or additional wear. 

Dark Stains

If water gets through the finish of the hardwood floors, it will then darken the actual wood. This means you’ll need to get through the finish layer. 

Steel wool. This is only recommended for people that have a good eye and can use their hands well. Slightly rub the stained area in order to remove the stain. Do it very lightly. Also apply pressure to unstained areas close to the stain, blending it in so there’s not a major bump.

Sandpaper. While the steel wool might not work for some, it’s unlikely that filing with sandpaper won’t help. Do it the same way as suggested for steel wool, filing through the stain and blending slightly to the unstained areas.

Vinegar. An ingredient common to every household, vinegar can help remove the layers of the stain. Just soak a damp rag and put it on the stained area, leaving it there for 5-10 minutes. You might need to apply it more than once to remove it completely, or for bigger stains.

Chlorine bleach. A more chemical and effective option would be using chlorine bleach. Since it might be a bit strong, start with a solution that’s four parts water and one part chlorine bleach. Apply it with a white cloth and let it work for around 10 minutes. Let the floor dry and see if the stain was completely removed. If not, do it again until it does, but strengthen the solution slightly every time.

Hydrogen peroxide. Some people might not like to work with chlorine bleach, and might want another chemical option. Hydrogen peroxide might be the way to go, since it is not as strong as bleach. Do the same as you would for chlorine bleach, but instead of starting with a 4:1 ratio, do two parts water to two parts hydrogen peroxide.

Apply finish, and finish! Now, the last step would be to apply finish that matches your floor to make it match again. Should there be any visible bumps, use 0000 steel wool to rub it away until it is evened out.

Light Stains

These are your run of the mill, superficial stains, most often ones left by moist glasses.

Pastes. There are many products you can use to remove it in a few minutes that work as a paste. Baking soda paste (1 part water, 1 part baking soda), salt paste (salt with only a few drops of water), even toothpaste. You can rub them gently and apply nail polish once you are done.

Petroleum jelly. Sometimes, these faster tricks might not work. Another alternative that can be easily bought is petroleum jelly. It can be applied and left to work overnight. You’ll just need to wipe it away the next morning!

With the right trick, the right amount of effort, and patience, you can get that water stain out in no time, and forget about cloths, mats, and rugs to cover them up!

Categories
Hardwood Maintenance

5 Reasons Hardwood Flooring Can Actually Make Your Home MORE Child-Friendly

These days, hardwood flooring is a popular choice to create a timelessness elegance in any space. However, if you have children, there are an extra set of considerations you may need to think about before simply opting for a style you find aesthetically pleasing.

Hardwood flooring can sometimes be a little more temperamental than other floor surfaces such as tiles and carpet. While it’s an impossible task to keep any style of floor immaculate with children around – spills, muddy footprints and general play are all par for the course, right? –  certain hardwood flooring can be impacted by children much more than the other options.

That said, hardwood flooring can be the perfect addition to your family home (and can actually make it more child-friendly), especially if you make the right decision from the outset.

Here are the top 5 reasons you should consider hardwood flooring in your family home.

  1. Some Hardwood Flooring Can Be More Durable Than Other Flooring Options

Durability is key when you have kids around, so choosing a wood that will stand the test your children put them through is essential.

Bamboo offers many benefits in this department; the perfect balance between stamina and style. While Bamboo has a similar appearance to timber, it is actually a harder substance, meaning that when the kids forget that the house isn’t their personal playground, there is less chance the floors will be scratched. Furthermore, bamboo is resistant to stains. Perfect for the inevitable spills that your little darlings will send its way!

But bamboo isn’t your only option. There are a number of durable hardwood flooring options which may be a good choice for you. Here’s a hot tip: before you set your sights on a wood you just love, check its Janka rating which will tell you just how durable it is. If it’s low, say no!

  1. Lighter-Toned Woods can Disguise Dirt

You wouldn’t be alone if you thought that darker-colored woods would be perfect for hiding dirt, dust and debris. However, when it comes to hardwood flooring, the opposite applies. 

Light-colored hardwoods such as cherry or oak are a couple of options to consider for the family home because they minimize the appearance of dust and brighten up your living space. Certain light-colored options will help you maintain that effortless look without spending hours cleaning, which is a definite bonus when you’re too busy with the kids or you forgot it was your turn to host your family summer cookout!

  1. Hardwood Floors Are Less Likely to Stain Than Carpets

With the kids running amok and that cup of juice sitting precariously close to the table’s edge, it won’t be long before it comes crashing down and spills all over your floor. This is where hardwood flooring really comes into its own, basking in its child-friendly glory! Unlike carpet, wooden floors are much less likely to stain. Simply wipe up the mess to remove any remnants of the accident!

  1. Hardwood Floors Are a Healthier Alternative

Carpet and thick rugs collect dirt and food scraps like sponges. With hardwood floors, there are no worries that your little ones will be exposed to harmful substances trapped in the floor beneath them. After all, for most children, the floor is where they spend most of their playtime, so carpets provide the perfect breeding ground for them to get sick; hardwood flooring virtually eliminates that issue.

Not only this, hardwood floors are also a great alternative for children who suffer from allergies since they are less likely to collect pesky pollens or animal fur. If health and safety are a concern for you, hardwood floors are a great non-toxic choice for your family.

  1. Hardwood Floors Are Easy To Clean

Let’s face it, life with kids means endlessly cleaning up after them. With that said, making decorating decisions to make clean up easier is definitely something that all parents should be thinking about. Enter, hardwood flooring.

Although hardwood flooring does come with a set of maintenance requirements, when it comes to cleaning up spills quickly, this versatile flooring option comes out on top. Unlike with carpet, you won’t be reaching for that hot bucket of water and a myriad of cleaning products when your little ones drop their cereal on the way to the table. You can simply wipe up the mess with a paper towel and run a slightly damp sponge over the area to remove any sticky residue. Easy!

  

Categories
Hardwood Flooring Hardwood Maintenance

5  Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Your Hardwood Floors

When it comes to redecorating, one of the single most effective things you can do is update your flooring. Trading your old carpet for a beautiful hardwood floor can really add a splash of style to your space and instantly update the overall look and feel of your home.

But before you take the plunge and invest in hardwood flooring, it’s important that you understand the specific care requirements that come with them. Although timber flooring may seem like a low-maintenance option, a certain amount of TLC is required to keep it looking spick and span.

What’s more, you may have to throw out everything you know about cleaning too! It is all too common that those with wooden floors end up ruining them simply by cleaning them incorrectly.

While it may seem a daunting prospect to choose a flooring option that is a little temperamental, don’t reconsider just yet. All it takes is a little knowledge of how to clean your hardwood floors so you don’t make the mistake of inadvertently damaging your floors.

Here are five of the most common traps people fall into when cleaning their hardwood floors.

  1. Using An Incorrect Vacuum Attachment

Unfortunately, not all suction tools were created equal. In reality, some vacuum attachments can have adverse effects on hardwood floors. Over time, an incorrect vacuum head can scratch wooden surfaces and leave more pesky spaces for dust or dirt to hide, all in all, making them harder to clean. In this case, definitely steer clear of any attachments that contain rotating brushes or a beater bar with stiff bristles, as these heads are too abrasive for soft wooden materials and will cause damage.

Alternatively, you should opt for an attachment which has a soft brush or felt component with less resistance. You could also consider using a vacuum with a lighter or smaller canister as these machines aren’t as heavy and are less likely to create dents or marks.

  1. Mopping Wooden Floors As You Would Tiles

Wooden floorboards are porous, which means they absorb and hold moisture. So, it makes sense that using a wet mop to clean is a no-go when it comes to wooden flooring. The greatest risk you run into here is water seeping down into the floors and causing warping, movement, or swelling.

That said, you can still mop your floors, but it’s best to avoid mopping with a saturated brush. Instead, grab a mop that’s basically dry, or only slightly damp, to maintain that polished look. Your wood floors will thank you later!

  1. Using Common Household Cleaners

Vinegar and ammonia-based cleaners are highly renowned in the household cleaning world, as they are known to be both cost-effective and versatile. However, using such products on hardwood floors is an absolute faux pas. While these products, will without a doubt eliminate debris or stains, they will also damage the wood’s finish by slowly eating away at the surface. 

Not only this, you should also avoid natural cleaning agents like baking soda and abrasive bottled sprays, as these cleaners will lessen the protective coating of your hardwood floors.

Opting for an oil-based cleaning product is your best bet. Oil-based cleaners are best for hardwood floors since they will not damage the wood’s appearance, prematurely age the wood, or diminish the protective surface.

If you’re unsure what cleaner to use, you should contact your flooring manufacturer who will be able to advise you on the best care instructions for your product. 

  1. Excessive Amounts of Water Left On The Floors

Water is the enemy of hardwood flooring. Although it is impossible to avoid small spills here and there, it is important to note that excessive amounts of water can cause the wood to buckle. Not only this, exotic hardwood styles like Brazilian Cherry, Jarrah or Merbau could develop discolored patches as a result of water.

  1. Neglecting Regular Hardwood Maintenance

After your hardwood floors are installed, you’re home free, right? Unfortunately, no! Wooden floors need long-term care to ensure they continue to look good as new. Most people don’t realize this, but sweeping regularly can not only eliminate dust but also extend the lifespan of the wood.

Also, if you begin to notice scratches here and there, it’s best to repair these floorboards as soon as you can. The sooner you attend to little problem areas, the easier the repair job will be; it’s the difference between buffing out a spot and sanding the entire board down to refinish. To this end, think about caring for your hardwood floors like you do lawn maintenance: regular mowing takes considerably less time, energy and money than tending to an overgrown jungle of weeds!

Categories
Hardwood Flooring Hardwood Maintenance

6 Things You Need To Think About Before Installing Wooden Flooring

When it comes to remodeling your home, wooden flooring can beautifully transform your space like nothing else. That said, many people don’t fully understand the implications of their design choice when making it; namely that you can’t just pick any old wood and be done with it!

Choosing your flooring is a little more complex than just picking out the type you like the look of. But with a little knowledge under your belt, you’re sure to find a flooring option you love which is fit for purpose too.

Here are 6 things you need to think about before you choose your flooring. 

 

  1. Your Specific Circumstances

Depending on your living habits, your floor might take an awful beating, so it’s important to choose a wood that can withstand your lifestyle. Those with young children or pets, or those who have a lot of traffic through their house should opt for a hardier wood, like White Oak or Australian Cypress.

Likewise, if your floors barely see a high heel, paw or toy, then a softer wood like American Black Walnut or Beech are options for you. 

If you’re unsure of the durability of a specific wood, you can check out its Janka rating or discuss your options with a local flooring consultant who will be able to give you recommendations on suitable woods for your lifestyle.

 

  1. The Type Of Look You’re Going For

Once you’ve narrowed down your search by the wood strength, you need to consider the type of look you’re going for. While you may love one style in the showroom or online, you must think about how it will fit with your overall aesthetic; it may not have the desired effect in your space. 

As a rule of thumb, darker woods create a sophisticated edge and suit larger homes while lighter woods are great for a modern, fresh vibe.

It’s also really important to pick a wood that doesn’t clash with the cabinetry, fittings and overall style of your room. Taking home a sample piece of flooring can help you establish whether a certain wood type will work or not.

 

  1. The Lighting Inside Your Home

Design elements aside, lighting is another crucial factor in choosing a flooring option. Dark woods lend themselves to spaces that have a lot of natural light and lighter colored cabinets, trimwork and décor. Conversely, if you don’t have a lot of natural light and your design aesthetic is on the dark side, a lighter flooring can not only compliment your other design choices but also ensure the room doesn’t appear smaller than it actually is.

 

  1. General Maintenance And Upkeep

Hardwood flooring isn’t just set and forget. The upkeep of your floor is something you need to be aware of before installing it. When you install your floor, a protective coating will be applied to the surface to ensure the longevity of the boards, but over time this will fade, and you will need to recoat them. 

Although you won’t have to do this too often over the lifetime of your floors, the frequency in which you do this will depend upon how much wear your floors endure and how well you upkeep them in terms of day to day maintenance.

That said, general maintenance is generally quick and easy, but it’s something you must be diligent about. While vacuuming and sweeping should be part and parcel of your floor cleaning routine, mopping should not. Applying steam or excessive wetness to your floors can damage their finish so wiping up spills with a damp cloth as soon as they occur is essential. Any cleaning product you use on your floor should be fit for purpose. 

 

  1. Whether You Want To DIY

When it comes to installation, you have two options; to DIY or not! Obviously, professional installation will save you time and effort, but doing it yourself will undoubtedly save you money. Before you balk at the idea of installing your own flooring, it’s not as difficult as you may think. While it may seem a daunting prospect, with the right training and support (usually provided by your floor supplier), it can be a piece of cake! 

 

  1. The Most Important Thing To You

Essentially, choosing your wood comes down to you deciding what the most important factor is to you. By doing this, you can dramatically narrow down your search and pick the right wood for you quickly, rather than aimlessly wading through a myriad of options. You can spend hours trying to decide which way you should go and you’ll usually always have to compromise somewhere. Outlining your main requirement can really help you feel more comfortable in choosing a floor that doesn’t tick absolutely every box! 

If your main concern is budget, opt for a cheaper wood. If longevity and hardiness are paramount, choose a wood in line with this, and so on!

Happy wood hunting!

 

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