When it comes to caring for solid wood flooring, little maintenance is required. However, to help you get the best performance, we’ve compiled this handy guide to give you some helpful hints and tips.
As a premium quality flooring range, solid wood is manufactured from a single piece of timber such as Oak or Walnut. Offering superior strength and durability, solid wood flooring not only looks amazing but will withstand the test of time too.
Adding true authenticity and pure elegance to any room setting, solid wood flooring is a popular choice among homeowners. The ability to be sanded and refinished means you can restore or enhance its classic look. Renowned for add value to your home, wood flooring is a wise investment.
Top 5 Tips to Care for Solid Wood Flooring
- Check the room suitability before fitting
- Regular maintenance will protect its longevity
- Clean up spillages as quickly as possible
- Avoid excessive sunlight
- Prevent scratches with felt pads, trim claws and no high heels!
Room Suitability for Solid Wood Flooring
Solid wood flooring is the marine of the flooring industry; manufactured from 100% natural hardwood, it will outperform its rivals on density, strength and longevity.
Coping well under pressure, solid wood is perfect for areas which experience a heavy footfall such as hallways and stairs.
However when it comes to excessive moisture, humidity or temperature fluctuation there are areas of the home to avoid fitting solid wood. We advise taking a quick peek at our room suitability chart before fitting.
Regular Maintenance Regime for Solid Wood Flooring
A regular cleaning routine will help keep your solid wood flooring looking perfect. However, it is important to make sure you’re using the right cleaning agent to protect your flooring’s finish.
Oiled flooring ranges must be cleaned with an oil-based cleaner to nourish the wood and preserve the finish. To be safe, we advise using specialist wood floor cleaners where possible.
Some household cleaning agents contain harmful chemicals which can affect the appearance of your flooring. Bleach, in particular, is a very powerful detergent with the ability to permanently deface your flooring, leaving a white film over the surface. If at all unsure, check the labelling or ask a professional before applying.
Our Complete Clean, Care & Revive Kit is made especially for real wood flooring. Watch the video to find out more about how it can help you get the best our of your floor!
Which Cleaning Agent is best for Solid Wood Flooring?
The Impero Universal Floor Cleaner is a great all-round specialist wood flooring cleaner, suitable for all solid wood flooring types. As a highly concentrated, natural detergent, it performs well on lacquered, oiled and unfinished flooring.
How to Apply Cleaning Agent to Solid Wood Flooring
To achieve a professional finish we recommend using a flat-headed spray mop.
Quick and easy to use, simply fill the liquid compartment with your Impero floor cleaner and squeeze the trigger to release.
The integrated spray system evenly distributes the cleaner for the perfect coverage, whilst the machine-washable microfiber cleansing pad makes easy work of capturing any stubborn dirt. Eliminating the need to carry additional equipment, the all in one spray mop takes the effort out of cleaning.
Treating Spillages and Avoiding Excessive Water
As previously mentioned, solid wood flooring does not deal well with water.
As the biggest threat to solid wood, it can cause the flooring to lift, warp or even crack. We strongly advise against fitting in a bathroom or kitchen due the high risk associated with these areas.
All spillages need to be tended to as quickly as possible. We advise using a dry microfiber mop (spray mop) as opposed to a regular string head. These will not carry excess water or drip across your flooring.
Protecting Solid Wood Flooring from Excessive Sunlight
Excessive sunlight can cause fading and discolouration of hardwood floors. Care should be taken to ensure your solid wood is not overexposed.
Blinds are the perfect solution; whilst serving their functional purpose they are also great for shading your flooring too.
Preventing Scratches in Solid Wood Flooring
All wood flooring ranges are susceptible to scratches. Whilst some people think they add to the character, others will try their utmost to prevent them.
These simple steps will help you keep solid wood flooring scratches under control…
Take caution
Particularly important when cleaning. Avoid the use of abrasive materials such as steel wool and scouring pads.
Be attentive when using the hoover too as debris can get caught in the wheels causing accidental scratches during use. We advise using a microfiber mop instead (also known as a spray mop) to avoid unnecessary damage.
Remove the risk
High heels and pet claws are two of the biggest causes of scratches on solid wood flooring.
Keeping pet’s claws trimmed and asking guests to remove their shoes will keep scratches at the minimum.
Extra protection
Felt pads are a cost-effective way of softening the impact of furniture on your solid wood flooring. The prevent the build-up of friction or accidental damage when moving. Door mats are also great for preventing excess dirt or debris being trodden across your flooring.
Use a wood flooring wax
An appropriate wood flooring wax reduces the appearance of any scuffs or scratches, as well as give your flooring added protection.
Reduce the appearance of scratches on a wood floor (left) by using a reviving wax
Our Impero Elite Reviving Wax is perfect for use a couple of times a year to get the best out of your wooden floor!
Repairing Solid Wood Flooring
One of the beauties of solid wood is the ability to sand and refinish to remove any surface damage. Although, the number of times depends on the thickness of the solid wood plank.
For less intense damage, wood flooring repair kits are available. As a more cost-effective solution, these contain hard wax sticks which are great for masking the damage whilst blending to your wood tone.
When it comes to solid wood flooring care, there are many ways to get the best out of your floor. For more advice, call our helpful experts on 03308 088 777.
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