Wood is a very popular material when it comes to floorings, especially within homes. Timber floors provide this delicate touch and elegance that adds warmth to your home’s interiors. They are durable and can last for decades when properly cared for.
However, the littlest things or actions can actually ruin them in the long run. Fortunately, there are simple steps that you can take to avoid these damages and preserve your wooden floor for as long as you would like.
6 Things That Ruin Your Timber Floorings
Like any other material, when it is not properly taken care of, wood can be damaged even just by the little things or habits we do everyday.
1. Excess Moisture and Liquid Spills
Liquids and moisture are wooden floors’ biggest enemies. May it be from leaky ceilings, pipes, spills, or even wet shoes, the tiny amounts of water and moisture can seep into the wood.
This extra moisture and liquid can make the timber warp, swell, and support mould growth which can weaken the timber and sacrifice the floor quality and durability after some time.
2. Heavy Furniture and Sharp Objects
Dragging heavy furniture like tables, cabinets, and sofas around the house can cause scratches, and dents on timber floors. Sharp and small objects like knives, forks, even your high heels, and pet claws can create noticeable marks on your floors after a while.
If your floor already has some scratches and visible dents, Floorsanding NZ is one of the most trusted floor restoration specialists in Auckland that can help you bring your floor’s glory back.
3. Strong Chemical Cleaners
Not all cleaning products are created equally safe for all kinds of surfaces. Harsh chemicals like bleach and ammonia can strip off the protective finishes of the floor which can cause discoloration and structural issues to your floors.
Besides that, everyday products like vinegar and pet urine contain acid which can etch into the wood’s surface, causing permanent damage to its color and material.
4. Exposure to Direct Sunlight
Prolonged and direct exposure can actually damage your wooden floors as it can cause fading and discoloration on some parts, creating an uneven look.
When this happens, professional sanding and refinishing is needed. Visit our website to know more about our services.
5. Dirt, Dust, and High Foot Traffic
Everyday dirt and dust may seem small and harmless, but it can actually create tiny scratches on the surface of your floor.
These tiny particles can be dragged by your feet or shoes all over the house scratching the protective finish off your wooden floors over time.
6. Lack of Proper Floor Maintenance
The lack of regular and proper floor maintenance can weaken the durability of the timber. Regular sanding and refinishing of the floors can avoid stains, and visible scratches and wear on the floors.
Ways to Take Care of Your Floors
While these little things can damage your wooden floors, there are also simple yet effective steps you can follow to take good care of it.
Clean regularly
The smallest dust and dirt can eventually cause scratches and dents on the timber. But through regular sweeping and vacuuming, you can avoid the potential damages of these particles to the floor.
Wipe liquids immediately
If you accidentally spill something on the floor, don’t wait for it to be absorbed by the material and wipe it right away.
Also, avoid wet-mopping and use a damp cloth or microfibre mop instead.
Use wood-safe cleaning products
Wood is a durable yet fragile material. So when cleaning, be sure to use products that are designed for wood to avoid any possible damage to your floors.
It is also best to avoid using abrasive scrubbing pads and ask your flooring experts before trying new products on your floors.
Protect high-traffic areas
Foot traffic can eventually tire out your floors. Avoiding this is quite simple, just place rugs or runners on the busiest areas of the home like the hallways and living rooms.
You could also use felt pads under the legs of heavy furniture to keep them from scratching or marking the floors when rearranging them.
Lastly, if you have pets, ensure that their nails are trimmed regularly to minimise scratch damage on your floors.
Control sun exposure
Both prolonged and direct exposure to sunlight and UV can harm the wood. You could reduce sun exposure through blinds or curtains on your windows, and placing rugs over sunny areas.
Other than that, you could also rearrange the furniture more frequently to even out the fadings on your floors.
Schedule a regular professional maintenance
Professional maintenance provides you with the peace of mind that you deserve. Schedule a professional to recoat the floors every 3-5 years, depending on the visible fadings and scratches on the floors.
Following these steps will not only extend the lifespan of the floors, but also maintain their timeless beauty and elegance.
How Professional Floor Care Can Make a Difference?
Although preventative steps help, even the most careful homeowners can’t avoid all the scratches and dents on their floorings.
Unlike DIY fixes, professional floor specialists have the right tools, skills, training, and expertise to restore your floors efficiently and safely.
Here’s how expert care can actually make a difference:
- Precision floor sanding – Professional sanders like Floorsanding NZ use heavy-duty equipment and materials to achieve a perfectly even surface ready for a new finish.
- Custom solutions and services – Every wood requires unique attention and solutions. Professionals have the knowledge and skills to assess each type of wood and the level of damage.
- Long-term investment – Professional maintenance is a valuable investment for you and your home. While it might have an expensive initial cost, you are getting your money’s worth in the long run.
With Floorsanding NZ, Your Wooden Floors are Taken Care Of
Protecting your wooden floors against everyday hazards like moisture, dirt, chemicals, and sunlight can give you a wonderful and stylish floor you can enjoy for years to come. Don’t wait until the damage becomes permanent, contact Floorsanding NZ today and get the care that you need.