Congratulations on your choice of new timber floor. Below are some steps to maintain your timber floor so it will last and look great.
Please take care when cleaning your timber floor. Use approved cleaning solutions sparingly, excessive moisture and timber do not mix well. When cleaning a solid or engineered timber floor, use a specific timber floor cleaning solution that is attached to a static mop. When cleaning a laminate floor, use a laminate floor cleaner attached to a static mop. Clean up spills immediately.
Regular vacuuming or sweeping helps minimize tracking in dirt or grit, which can damage the surface of your floor. Doing this once or twice a week will help keep your floor in great condition. Use floor mats at external doors to help prevent dirt, sand, grit and other substances being tracked onto your floor. Use non staining mats on your floor. Do not use rubber-backed or latex-backed mats as they could stain or damage your floor.
Steam mops must not be used.
A combination of sunlight and heat will cause fading and discoloration. Close curtains or blinds where extreme sunlight hits the floor. Be aware of UV damage from the sun. Consider UV protection on windows, or use sun shades or block out blinds to minimize the effect of UV.
When placing furniture, lift it rather than drag it. Use felt pads under all furniture legs to prevent scratching. Most hardware stores sell them. When moving heavy items that cannot be lifted, use runways. Place something soft on the floor first. Foam matting or soft clean carpet face down. Then place a sheet of ply or MDF over that, and move the item onto that and into place. Then remove the ply and foam.
Avoid wearing stiletto heels - or shoes in general - on your timber floor as they can damage the surface.
If you have pets, maintain their claws to prevent scratching the timber surface.
Changes in humidity and temperature can cause timber to move, resulting in timber cupping or crowning. This can be minimized by keeping your room within temperatures between 18-25 degrees C with relative humidity levels between 30-70%. This can be achieved by using dehumidifiers or other systems that control humidity.
