Wide plank hardwood floors add undeniable grandeur to any home. Their beauty creates a sense of luxury and timeless elegance that elevates any space. However, this beauty also comes with the responsibility for properly caring for it. At Bingham Lumber, your trusted flooring experts in Brookline, NH for over 50 years, we have the knowledge to help keep your wide plank floors looking their best.
Understanding Your Finish is Key
The first step to take for proper care is to fully understand the type of finish applied to your wide plank floors. Here is a quick rundown of the most common finishes.
- Polyurethane: The most popular choice offering excellent scratch and moisture resistance. Regular cleaning with a hardwood floor cleaner is perfect to maintain its beauty.
- Hardwax Oil: The most natural finish delivering a matte look with a slightly textured feel. This finish requires specific cleaning solutions and occasional reapplication of oil to maintain its protective properties.
Crafting a Cleaning Routine
Next, let’s look into the nitty-gritty of cleaning wide plank floors.
- Every day you should vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove dirt and debris. This will prevent scratches from accumulating grit.
- Every week you should be deep cleaning your floor. Use a damp microfiber mop specifically designed for hardwood floors. Dampness is the key because using excessive moisture can damage the wood.
- Avoid harsh chemicals, vinegar, soap-based cleaners, and abrasive scrub pads. These are the enemy of beautiful wood floors. Stick to gentle, hardwood-specific products.
Extra TLC Means Lasting Beauty
- Spills: Act fast to blot up spills right away with a clean, absorbent cloth to prevent them from soaking into the wood.
- Furniture: Invest in felt pads for furniture legs.
- Climate Control: Wood expands and contracts with changes in humidity, so maintain a consistent humidity level, ideally between 30% to 50%.
- Sunlight: Remember that excessive sunlight can fade hardwood floors over time.
- Scratches and Dings: Minor scratches can usually be buffed out with furniture polish specifically for hardwood floors.
- Stubborn Stains: Do not use harsh chemicals. For tough stains, consult your manufacturer’s recommendations or you can contact us at Bingham Lumber for support.
Bingham Lumber is passionate about helping our customers achieve their flooring dreams. If you’re unsure about your flooring finish, need cleaning products, or simply have questions about the maintenance of your wide plank floors, don’t hesitate to visit our store, or contact us. Our friendly staff is always happy to offer expert advice and ensure your investment continues to be vibrant.
