Taking Care of Your Wood Floor

image of a floor being cleanedA wood floor — especially one crafted from vintage, reclaimed, wide-plank lumber – is not only a thing of beauty, it’s one of durability when properly cared for. Wood flooring that has received a quality finish using an appropriate finishing product is relatively easy to care for and will provide many years of use and pleasure.

A little knowledge goes a long way in maintaining your wood floors, so get to know your specific type of flooring and finish and rely on the manufacturer’s or supplier’s instructions for proper care. Research your particular finish so you’ll know which cleaners can be used without damaging your floor or finish. Never use cleaners designed for other surfaces such as tile, lineoleum, or laminate on hardwood — these will dull the surface or cause it to become overly slippery,

Sweep your floors regularly with a soft broom – this will not only keep them clean but also naturally buff the surface of the flooring and keep it from scratching – and use a dry towel whenever possible to wipe up messes and spills. Use as little water as possible and immediately wipe up any wet spots. Do NOT use oil soaps because they will leave residue, build up, and eventually dull the surface, making refinishing difficult.

Remove solid material such as dirt, grit, sand as quickly as possible — their abrasive textures scratch and dull the floor’s finish. Invest in a good vacuum with a bare floor attachment to safely remove dust and dirt without damaging your floor and, if possible, leave your shoes at the door to prevent dragging in any extra grime.

In high traffic areas, such as entrances and hallways, consider using area rugs to cut down on wear and tear to your floor. Install felt feet to the bottoms of all furniture to prevent scratching. Lift furniture when moving it instead of dragging – if you move it often, invest in a set of slipmats or floor sliders for furniture.

Prolonged exposure to the sun is bad for wood flooring and furniture alike. Consider installing sheer curtains to cut down on exposure to the sun’s damaging UV rays which can discolor and fade your wood floor.

At Bingham Lumber, we finish on all of our custom flooring, allowing the natural colors, characteristics, and features to shine through and give a natural finished look. We offer a variety of finish options, including but not limited to – Waterlox Tung Oil, Rubio Monocoat and Bona products.

If you like to know more about the proper finish, care, and maintenance of wood floors, we’d be happy to answer any of your questions.