If you want a classy, unique look for your home, you might consider installing timber floors. Like any other wood flooring, this kind of wood can be breathtaking, but not when it is dirty or scratched. Knowing the proper maintenance for this type of flooring is important if you want to keep it attractive for as long as possible.
You might prefer a wood floor over carpeting because it is less likely to get permanently stained, and offers an exceptional, shiny look that most other homes do not offer. However, you will have to take some steps to keep the luster around for long. The first step is to keep dirt and dust off the timber floors, as either one easily scratches the surface. Keeping the area clean is a bit different than cleaning tile, though.
Your first purchase after the floor should be an electrostatic mop, which sweeps the area without scratching it. You can also use a vacuum cleaner, as long as you are sure that it does not scratch the floor as you move it along. Unlike when dealing with tile or other flooring, you should not use a typical wet mop or water-based cleaners to keep the area spotless. This is because excess water that stays on the surface for more than a couple minutes can damage the timber floors greatly.
Instead, clean up spills with a very lightly moistened cloth. For larger spills, you can use a sponge mop with some water mixed with methylated spirits, which can help dry up the water quickly. In essence, you can use a small amount of water for stubborn spills, but you need to limit the time that it touches the flooring in order to decrease the chances of permanent damage.
Water and water-based cleaners are not the only enemies of timber floors. A good way to limit damage due to dirt and dust is to place small rugs at the entrances of the house, which can help limit the dirt that gets tracked inside. You should also consider outfitting chairs with protective covers for the legs so that the floor does not get scratched as they are moved. Additionally, encourage guests to remove their shoes upon entering, especially if they are wearing high heels, as these can leave small dents.
In most cases, the beauty of timber floors is worth the maintenance required of them. It is not necessarily more work than other surfaces, just different work. As long as you can commit to buying a few products that are specific to wood flooring, it should be easy to keep the surface looking new and shiny.
Author Resource:
Timber Floors in Albany are the best. They are 100% vertical grain, 100% free of knots, consistently of even coloration and are offered in various types of hardwood. To know more, visit http://www.albanywoodworks.com