MAINTAINING HARDWOOD FLOORS
Firstly, you need to establish before deciding on how to clean your wood floors is what type of finish is on your floors. Surface finishes can be Lacquered, Varnished, UV finished, Oiled or Hardwaxed. Most surface finishes will have a shiny finish of some kind depending on whether the finish is Satin Matt or Matt.
If you can feel the grain of the wood then you most likely have a penetrating instead of a surface finish.Oils and waxes penetrate the wood and protect it from the inside out. Surface finishes cover the wood with a clear finish that keeps anything from damaging the wood. (Please note that ammonia is especially bad for oils and waxes. Ammonia will cause oil and wax to weaken, soften and turn white).
It is worth remembering that when cleaning your wood floors that you are cleaning the finish and not the actual wood so knowing about your finish is important. Because the finish is so important, some manufacturers will not guarantee their product if you use anything other than their cleaners. If your floor is still under warranty, be sure you read the maintenance criteria before putting any cleaners on the floor. Generally, in our experience such maintenance criteria rarely exist and one is left to fend for themselves. If in doubt Call or Email us.
One trick employed by the experienced wood fitter to determining the condition of your wood floor is to put about 2 tablespoons of warm water on the most worn part of your floor. If that water soaks in and turns a dark colour, your floors are in need of refinishing. If your floors soak up the water but leave a lighter spot, you probably need to begin considering refinishing. The third option, the water doesn’t soak in and just beads on the top, means you are in good shape and should just do regular cleaning.
In principle, it is recommended you use SAICOS WASH CARE on a regular basis. This allows the product to build up a dirt repellent finish which is also anti-slip and dries non-streaky. If finished with Hardwax oils every three to six months use SAICOS WAX CARE (available in colourless, and white) which will feed the wood and build up the anti-slip properties as well as help remove stubborn marks and refresh your wood floor.
STEAM MOPS
We have had a number of enquires about using steam mops to clean wooden floors.
The answer is simple:
NO!
For a start water is Woods worst enemy and under no conditions should a wood floor be steam moped. In fact, a number of wood and laminate floor manufacturers will void your warranty if you use a steam mop and damage your floor.
We came across a great analogy :
"Would you use a hand held steam cleaner to clean your beautiful wooden dining table or your £25,000 Grand Piano ? Of course not. So why use steam or water on your fabulous hardwood flooring?"
We will be happy to discuss this further if necessary - just call us.
CLEANING YOUR FLOOR
Cleaning wood floors is easy. Regular maintenance includes sweeping with a soft bristle broom or dusting with a dry microfiber mop. If the floor has beveled edges use a vacuum. Clean the floors periodically with a professional wood floor cleaning product (Wash Care).
Recommended Maintenance Schedule
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Daily Sweep or dust mop
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Weekly Vacuum using the bare floor setting
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Monthly Clean with recommended wood flooring cleaner
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Every 6-12 months Use a Maintenance oil, Wash Care oil , Wax Care or a Refresher
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Every 5-10 years Intensive cleaning and Recoat with the appropriate finish
DO'S AND DON'TS
Don’t wax a wood floor with a urethane finish
Do use cleaners that won’t leave a film or residue (Use Wash Care to clean all types of wood floors and laminate flooring)
Don’t use ammonia cleaners or oil soaps on a wood floor — they’ll dull the finish and affect your ability to re coat later.
Do use a professional hardwood floor cleaner to remove occasional scuffs and heel marks (just spray some cleaner on a cloth and rub the stained area lightly eg: Wax Care or Wax Care spray)
Don’t wet mop or use excessive water to clean your floor (wood naturally expands when it’s wet and can cause your floor to crack or splinter).
Do clean sticky spots with a damp towel or sponge
Don't use steam mop on your wood floor even though it is advertised that you can
Do minimize water exposure and clean spills immediately
1. Ultra Violet (UV) light
UV light (which is part of sunlight) has an effect on wood and also many wood finishes. If it is exposed to significant amounts of bright light a wood floor will fade. Part of the natural beauty of a hardwood floor is the fact that its appearance will change over time, but to stop any uneven patches on your floor be sure to move rugs around, and consider blinds on windows that receive plentiful sunlight.
2. Furniture & Shoes
Furniture legs (wood, metal or plastic) may scratch your floor; furniture with metal or hard plastic casters on may dent it. We recommend using non-marking rubber casters, barrel-type roller casters, and felt pads to protect the floor. And beware of shoes, especially high heels. Grit can be caught in the tread of shoes, and heels with a worn protective cap will dent even the hardest of floors.
3. Food and Drink
Should go without saying, but don’t leave wet food or drinks on the floor for any period of time. Wipe up any food or drink that gets spilt quickly. If you need to use a moist cloth or mop for a sticky spill, use a paper towel or dry cloth to wipe dry afterwards.
4. Maintenance
Vacuum dust or sweep regularly, probably daily, to remove dirt and grit.
Do not use a vacuum with a revolving brush.
Never use excessive amounts of water only a slightly damp mop.
Micro Mops and wood floor cleaner are ideal, spray cleaner onto mop.
Special polishes are available to protect the floors finish.
Oiled finishes may require more attention but are easier to spot repair
5. Long Term
Hardwood floors can be sanded and new coats of oil/ lacquer applied, this is not usually required for many years with proper maintenance. New coats of oil can also be applied without sanding off the original finish.
Pour a few drops of water onto your floor if it forms beads the finish is fine.
If the water takes a little time to soak in and slightly darkens the wood, further coats of oil can be applied
If the water soaks into the wood quickly and leaves a dark spot, sanding and finishing may be required.
At least every couple of years completely clean the floor and if required apply another coat of oil or lacquer to manufacturer’s instructions.
