Timber Flooring Maintenance Tips

A timber floor represents a long-term investment. It is a feature addition to any home that imbues a sense of warmth and welcoming. With proper care and maintenance, a timber floor should continue to look good and wear well for many years.

Boral Timber has a few tips to help protect and preserve timber flooring:

• Clean Regularly
  A timber floor will look better for longer if it is kept as clean as possible. Regularly vacuum with a soft bristle head or an electrostatic attachment or sweep with an electrostatic mop. For stubborn dirt, mop the floor using a well wrung mop. To avoid constant cleaning, place dirt trapping floor mats at all entryways to minimise dirt and grit entering the home. 
   
• Avoid Moisture 
  Too much moisture can cause timber flooring to swell and cup. Make sure to dry floors immediately after mopping with a clean cotton towel, to remove excess moisture. Steam mops are not recommended for cleaning timber floors. Clear up any spills immediately as they can also stain the floor if left too long. 
   
• Steer Clear from Abrasive Cleaners
  Never clean a floor with common household detergents, polishes, steel wool pads, wax or similar products. Do not use Methylated Spirits or Kerosene, as any type of petroleum distillate will degrade the coating and irreversibly dull the floor.
   
• Sunlight is Damaging
  Direct sunlight can be harmful to timber floors, causing discolouration over time. If certain areas of the floor are constantly exposed to sunlight, consider covering this space with a rug or keeping the blinds down or curtains shut for part of the day.  
   
• Minimise Scratches 
  Fit protective pads to the base of chairs and tables so floors do not get scuffed. If you have furniture with castors use barrel castors rather than ball castors, however make sure they are not metal. Also take off high heeled shoes while at home as these can dent the floor’s surface.