Wood flooring might be one of the more expensive options on the market, but it’s one of the most luxurious, durable, and desired materials to have in a home, or any building, for that matter. There are various types of wood flooring, which makes it easier for people who might not be able to afford some of the more expensive real wood options to get their hands on wood flooring. Engineered wood flooring, for example, is often slightly cheaper than solid hardwood. Whatever option you select, there are some essential maintenance tips to consider to preserve the quality and lifespan of the material. Read on to find out more.

Don’t Leave Water Or Dirt On The Wooden Surface

If you take anything away from this article, it’s not to leave water, dirt, or debris sitting on the surface of wooden flooring. Whether you opt for engineered wood flooring or solid wood, any variation doesn’t mix well with water and dirt. There’s no denying that you can’t avoid water or debris altogether – to a certain extent, splashes of water won’t cause damage to wood flooring. But it’s essential to wipe up even splashes of water swiftly to minimize the risk of damage to the floor. 

Soaking wood flooring in water can cause what’s known as swelling. To prevent swelling, especially when mopping, use a microfiber cloth that uses an average of 20 times less liquid than standard mops. Mopping using a damp microfiber cloth is the gold standard for cleaning wood flooring. 

Make Daily Maintenance A Priority

Sweeping or dusting daily should become a priority. Dirt and debris sitting on the surface of wood flooring can tarnish the finish, leave stains, or even cause unwanted scratches on the surface. Dusting using a microfiber duster is the best option as the microfibers work well to pick up debris that might have settled into the grain, and they’re gentle enough not to damage the surface.

Make Weekly Maintenance A Priority

Once a week, experts recommend that owners of wood flooring mop or vacuum, although mopping is the better option on wood floors because it’s less abrasive than a vacuum might be. Sometimes, the hard plastic bottoms of vacuums can damage the varnish, whereas the microfiber cloths mentioned above are less likely to do so. Always ensure you sweep the floors before using a microfiber mop to remove any dirt or debris and prevent the mop from spreading said dirt and debris around.

Use The Right Cleaning Products

Some experts say that warm water is enough to clean real wood flooring, but there are products specifically made to clean wood flooring that maintain it far better. But it’s essential to learn what products are suitable for what finishes, as there are multiple variations of wood flooring. The flooring manufacturer can often guide buyers in the right direction for cleaning products and typically sell them in conjunction with the flooring. 

One essential consideration is to steer clear of harsh cleaning chemicals that will destroy the varnish and potentially alter the color of the flooring, also known as hazing. According to experts, avoid any product that promises to polish, shine, or rejuvenate wood flooring. Instead, speak to the manufacturer or seller directly for recommendations, or research your chosen material and the best products for cleaning it.

Resurface When It’s Needed

One of the perks of wood flooring is that it can be refinished every three to five years. Refinishing wood flooring means recoating the top layer to rejuvenate and restore it to its former glory. Over time, wood flooring will haze and lose the initial sparkle it once had and pick up a scratch or two along the way, even with the best care and maintenance. A professional will sand down the surface to remove the top layer of damaged or worn-down material to reveal a fresh layer of wood. They will then re-apply a new layer of lacquer or oil to achieve the desired finish. 

Wood flooring requires a little extra TLC compared to other materials, but the finish is one of the best on the market. It’s luxurious, classy, and has a longer lifespan than other materials homeowners might be interested in buying. There are tons of wood flooring options, including cheaper options than engineered or solid wood flooring.