Timber is one of the most striking flooring products. It is particularly popular in Australia and there is a very good reason for this. Timber floors embrace natural colours, as well as durability and longevity. Put simply, timber is one of the best flooring products available. But to get the most out of your timber floor, you will need to maintain it well.
Unlike some other flooring products, such as tiles, timber requires a unique approach to maintenance. This checklist is designed to help you keep your timber floor well maintained. However, for the best results, you should contact a flooring specialist for advice and timber restoration services
Vacuum your Timber Floor Frequently
It might seem like a simple solution, but frequently vacuuming your timber floor is one of the most important maintenance steps you can undertake. Vacuuming your floor frequently ensures that there is minimal dust and grit on the surface. This is important because dust and grit are abrasive. If your timber floor has a fine layer of dust or grit, then it will wear away at the protective layer over time. Eventually, the timber itself will become affected. Timber that has been compromised in this manner is more prone to rot or discolouration.
Do Not Place Furniture on a Freshly Varnished Timber Floor
If you have just had your timber floor varnished, then you will no doubt want to keep that shine for as long as possible. The best way to do this is to avoid placing furniture in freshly varnished areas straight away. The varnish will need time to set properly and harden before you return items of furniture to their previous positions. In addition to this, the varnish will need to cure. Curing takes much longer – sometimes as long as two weeks. During this time, we recommend that you avoid covering the newly restored floor with a rug. Rugs are a great way to protect your timber floors, but they can also smother the varnish, which will impede the curing process.
Mop your Timber Floor With a Soft and Damp Mop
Unlike tiles or polished concrete, timber floors are not entirely abrasion resistant. They are incredibly durable, but without proper care, they can deteriorate. That is why you need to take a few extra precautions when mopping. We suggest using a lint free, anti-static mop. When you wet the mop, you will also need to ring it out thoroughly; you don’t want the mop to be too wet.
Use a pH Neutral Floor Cleaning Solution
Varnishes are an integral part of any timber floor. The layer of varnish that you apply to the timber both protects it and enhances its appearance. However, varnishes are often oil based and can be susceptible to solvents and overly acidic or basic cleaning solutions. If you clean your timber floors with a product that is too harsh, you risk dissolving or compromising the varnish. This can lead to further problems with the timber itself, so it pays to take care. There are pH neutral solutions available that are specifically designed for timber floors. If you ask an expert, they will be able to provide you with more advice on what works, and what doesn’t.
Avoid Excessive Moisture on your Timber Floor
Finally, you should take great care to avoid wetting your timber floors. Timber is absorbent and if water is allowed to sit for too long, it will make the timber floorboards swell. In turn, this makes the boards bow and distort. You will then be left with an uneven and structurally compromised timber floor. To avoid this, remember to wring out your mop thoroughly and wipe up any liquid spills immediately.
 For all your flooring and carpet needs, contact the experts at Ashmore Carpets today on (07) 5526 8611.
