Tips to Clean Your Floating Timber Floors
Have your floors been looking a bit dreary recently? Have you made attempts to clean them, but you are worried about ruining the surface? Curious how the pros manage to make the timber floors shine without leaving a mark? There’s no need to worry. Floating timber floors provide sophistication, beauty, and modernism to any place; however, keeping them looking like new needs the proper know-how and skills.
The cleaning of these items is relatively easy and inexpensive. Even if you are facing daily grime, persistent scuff marks, or a desire to achieve that polished “new floor” appearance, this guide will address best practice techniques from experts on how to clean floating timber floors. Let’s safeguard your asset and enhance the appeal of your beautiful flooring – starting today!
What Are Flooring Timbers Used For?
Floors made of timber that ‘float’ are not glued or nailed down to the subfloor. Rather, the timber is made up of planks that are designed to interlock and ‘float’ above the cover underlay. Due to this construction, the floor can expand and contract freely with temperature and humidity changes. These floors are usually made out of laminate or engineered timber, which makes distinctive care crucial during the Bond Cleaning Toowoomba process to avoid damage.
Timber Floor Care Instructions
When cleaning floating timber floors, there are four rules to follow. Firstly, do not use water in excess. Water can seep in between the boards and cause swelling, warping, or lifting. Secondly, avoid any strong chemicals. Such chemicals will strip away the floor’s protective coat and leave unattractive marks. Thirdly, select tools that are soft for cleaning. Hard brushes or scouring pads will scratch the surface which makes the floor look worn out. Finally, spills should be cleaned immediately. Liquids left sitting on the surface will eventually seep through the seams and damage the flooring.
Maintaining the Floor’s Shine for Days
Undoubtedly, having a daily consistent cleaning schedule enables the floor’s appearance to remain immaculate. Start with sweeping or vacuuming regularly. Dust and grime accumulated over time acts like sandpaper underfoot and slowly wears down the protective finish. Ensure the soft-bristle broom or vacuum uses the hard-floor setting. Avoid using a vacuum with a rotating brush as this will scratch the timber.
Dirt can be kept out of your house by putting floor mats at all entrances. Also, rugs in areas with a lot of foot traffic, like hallways and living rooms, act as a barrier which reduces the damaging impact done to flooring, therefore prolonging its durability.
Weekly Cleaning: Mopping Done Right
Your floors will continuously appear new and fresh with a weekly mop routine, in addition to preventing the floor from being overly wet. To begin, decide which mop is most suitable for your needs. It is highly recommended to use microfiber mops for floating timber floors since they are soft, don’t damage the surface, and their absorbent nature allows them to trap dust.
Mild cleaning solution can be prepared by taking warm water and adding a few drops of pH-neutral floor cleaner, or for other suggested alternatives adding a half a cup of vinegar in a bucket of water will suffice as long as the vinegar is accepted by your floor’s polish.
Instead of putting the mop in water, gently apply the cleaning liquid to the mop or the floor one little bit at a time. While mopping, always wipe along the way the hardwood wood grain to help remove the dirt. Right after mopping, start drying the surface with a clean towel before any moisture can stay.
Spot Cleaning: Managing Daily Messes
Concerning spills (even on a timber floor) – you should be proactive if you wish to minimize long-term ramifications. Blot any area of spill with a clean, dry cloth if you see one. Avoid rubbing as you may spread the oil and let it leak to more parts of the floor.
You can get gum or wax off different surfaces by putting ice cubes on them. Once hardened, gently lift them off with a plastic scraper. These sticky marks can also be removed using a clean tennis or microfiber ball.
For greasy or oily marks, a slightly damp cloth with light dish soap will suffice. Do not forget to go over the area one last time with a dry cloth to avoid leaving moisture behind.
Monthly Deep Cleaning for a Refresh
While routine sweeping and light mopping are intended to ease the dirt, over time grime and build-up dirt demand a much deeper cleaning. Make it a point to deep clean your floors once a month. Vacuum thoroughly to get rid of any debris and then apply wood cleaners that are approved by the flooring brand.
Avoid soaking the floor when applying the cleaner and use a microfiber mop. Buff the floor with dry microfiber pad to eliminate any remaining residue, restoring its shine. Consider employing professional cleaners biannually if high foot traffic or pets are present in your home.
Shielding Your Timber Floors: Expert Recommendations
Protective felt pads placed beneath the legs of chairs and sofas can be incredibly useful in preventing scratches to the wood surface when furniture is moved.It helps to lift heavy objects instead of dragging them, so the floor looks cleaner.
Maintain a safe indoor temperature with the help of a humidifier or dehumidifier; try to keep the air humidity between 45% and 60%. This lowers the timber’s tendency to damage itself with swelling and shrinking. Do not use steam mops, the heat and moisture can damage the timber.
Do not apply polishes or waxes to the floors unless they have been customarily approved for your flooring type. Such products tend to result in edges or dangerously slippery surfaces.
Final Thoughts
Mastering the art of cleaning floating timber floors does not require expensive tools or services, just the right techniques and habits. Choosing the correct products, caring for your timber floors routinely and learning the floor type will keep them well maintained.
If you want your flooring to last, you should remember to keep up with maintenance. After learning all the expert tips, it’s time to start giving your floors the proper attention. Do you have any unusual cleaning techniques for timber floors? Share your tips in the comments to help other people maintain their homes!