SUZIE STOKES
Monday 7th of February 2022
Timber Floor Cleaning Tips
- Â A hardwood timber floor will look better for longer if it is kept as clean as possible. To remove surface dirt and grit, regularly vacuum, with a soft bristle head or an electrostatic attachment, or sweep with an electrostatic mop. Keep door mats clean.
- For stubborn dirt, damp-mop the floor using a well rung mop. The use of a pH neutral floor cleaner can help remove stubborn dirt.
- Never clean a floor with common household detergents, polishes, steel wool pads, wax, or similar products. These products can be too abrasive and scratch the surface or may make a floor dangerously slippery. Some products may leave a film of silicon or wax on the timber which may hamper recoating of your floor in the future. Never use Methylated Spirits or Kerosene, as any type of petroleum distillate will degrade the coating and irreversibly dull the floor. Only use a pH neutral floor cleaner as per manufacturer’s instructions.
- Use only quality lint free floor mops and thoroughly wash new mops to remove any lint.
- Wipe up spills and leaks promptly with a dry cloth or dry paper towel. For sticky substances, moisten the cloth slightly.
- Steam mops are not recommended for cleaning timber floors. Steam (moisture) is forced into the joints of the timber and any small, breaks or cracks on the timber floor surface which could result in unusual reactions in the timber such as cupping. The heat from the steam mop could also cause damaged to the coating on the floor.