Many homeowners choose wood for their new floor because it will add character and beauty to any room. Wood gives a feeling of warmth and space and suits both new and period homes. It is a highly durable and versatile choice of flooring, but it must be cared for correctly.
If you are used to simply running a vacuum over carpets or mopping tiles with a lot of water, you will have to make some changes to your cleaning routine. Wooden flooring needs a little more effort and care to protect it and keep it looking its best.
Here are four ways in which you can look after your wooden floor and protect it from wear and tear. Simply follow these ideas and you will soon notice a difference.
1. Watch out for pets
When you have invested in Wood Flooring from a supplier such as irwintiles.ie/, you can keep it in top condition by preventing damage from pets. If you haven’t bought yours yet why not take a sneaky peak and see what’s on offer.
It will help if you keep your dog’s nails clipped short and filed evenly. However, cats have been known to cause even worse damage to wooden floors; claw caps could be a good choice.
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2. Remove shoes indoors
According to Carolyn Forte, the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, simply taking off your shoes will go a long way toward protecting your floor. The grit carried in on shoes is very abrasive and causes fine scratches. High heels can cause severe damage as the small heel digs into the floor surface.
3. Use rugs and carpets
Rugs and carpets cover the top layer of the wooden floor, protecting them from damage. They can be especially useful in areas that are used frequently, such as hallways. They can be used under furniture to prevent damage by sofa feet and table legs.
Something as simple as a door mat will catch a lot of dirt and grit before it even enters the house. It can be a good way to remind guests to remove their shoes.
4. Restore and protect when needed
To maintain the lustre and shine of a wood floor, you will have to do more than simple cleaning. It will be necessary to lightly sand and recoat the floor every five years or so. Once a year, strip the old layer of wax and apply a new one.