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Domestic hardwood flooring cleaning tips and advice

Solid hardwood flooring has proven to be both a very durable and resilient type of flooring, performing excellently in many areas of your residential home, including making suitable floor coverings for areas such as your hall, kitchen, dining rooms and even conservatories

But as with any type of flooring, a resilient floor will last longer and perform better when it is regularly cleaned and maintained.

Planning a cleaning programme.

When planning a cleaning program, consider the amount and type of usage the surface will be subject to, as this will determine the cleaning and maintenance needs of your solid hardwood floor.

The type, style, colour and pattern of the floor also contribute to the frequency and intensity of maintenance needed. Solid-coloured floors tend to show scuffs, scratches, dirt and general wear more than patterned floors, especially those in light shades.

Once you determine the wear your resilient floor must endure and examine factors such as colour and traffic pattern, you will be able to address your individual cleaning needs.

Practices to help your solid hardwood flooring

Light daily sweeping, dust mopping or vacuuming will prevent dirt and grit from being ground into the floor. If the floor is diligently swept daily, a light weekly cleaning with a damp mop may be enough to remove all the dirt.

For more resistant soils and weekly cleanings, wet mopping will be required. Frequency of mopping will depend on the colour of the floor and the nature and amount of soiling. Regular swabbing of entryways using a commercial-grade cleaner will help extend the life of the floor.

When choosing a floor detergent, look for a product that is low foaming and a general detergent that may be used in automatic scrubbers. Also look for one with a neutral pH level to remove dirt and protect the polish.

Techniques

Apply cleanser with a sponge mop. After the soil deposits have been loosened from the floor, mop up excess detergent and water. Rinse with clean, warm water to remove all residues, since any detergent film remaining will cause stickiness and will trap tracked-in dirt.

Be aware! - Do not flood your wooden floor because excess water may harm floor seals and adhesives and keep off the floor until completely dry.

Scuffs and Marks

Periodic buffing with a slow speed buffer will remove most scuffmarks and light scratches. Buffing also will add lustre while dislodging dirt and blending touch-up spots with the original finish.

Difficult scuffmarks not removed by mopping or buffing can be removed using a nylon-scouring pad. Use a solution of neutral floor cleaning detergent, rub gently and rinse well.

Floor Finish and Lustre

Over time, high traffic areas will lose their lustre and gloss so touch up worn areas before the finish film wears through completely to prevent permanent damage or staining to the floor surface.

Never apply finish to a dirty floor because it will trap the dirt under the surface. Mop the floor if it has been exposed to traffic since the last finish application.

Be certain no floor cleaner is left on the wooden surface before applying the finish. Applying a finish over a cleanser film reduces the water resistance of the finish and may leave it spotted.

Good polishes contain high-performance acrylics and a high solid percentage. High solids allow for easy application, excellent levelling and buffing results, and dry bright without buffing.

Once the floor is thoroughly cleaned, apply a light coat of polish to restore its lustre. To apply, pour liquid into a clean, shallow pan. Dip in a sponge mop and wring out gently, leaving it saturated with finish.

Apply finish to the floor by mopping in one direction to ensure a thin, even coat on the floor. Most finishes dry in about 30 minutes. To apply additional coats, make sure the first layers are completely dry.

Do not in any circumstances force-dry the floor as it may lead to a powdering of the finish, spoiling the finishing look.

Removing Build Up

Occasionally you may need to strip old layers of floor finish and apply a fresh coat.

Never use the same equipment for applying finish as you have used for removing it. Even small traces of stripper will prevent the new finish from adhering properly.

Floor stripper or other products that are ammonia-free, fast acting and detergent-enhanced (allowing the chemicals to strip efficiently without harming the floor) are good product choices. Quality strippers will also be easy to use and won't require use of abrasive pads or brushes. They will have a high solid content for increased protection of the floor surface.

Dilute a solution of stripper as directed and mop onto the floor. Let stand for 10 minutes and mop to remove the solution and unwanted build up. Rinse and dry fully, and then apply a fresh coat of polish as directed above.

If you require a professional UK service to restore your solid wooden floor, no matter what the condition, contact us and we will be happy to quote to refurbish and bring your natural solid hard wood floor back to life.