How to Maintain a Wood Floor
Wood floors are eye-catchers. Depending on the kind of wood, the color and the finish, along with the room decor, a well-maintained wood floor is a distinctive asset to the warmth and feel of a home. Caring for wood flooring is more time consuming than cleaning other surfaces, but for many the rewards are worth the effort. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Knowledge of the wood flooring in the home
- Wood filler/shims/screws along with carpenter's glue and tools for repairs
- Finishers such as wax and polyurethane
- Cleaning tools such as vacuum/mop/cloth
Instructions
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Know your floor. Determine the kind of wood, the age and condition of the wood and the finish.
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Repair any splintered, squeaky, or warped boards. For small gaps, use wood filler that matches the color of the floor. You might need to remove squeaky boards with pliers and then re-lay them with new nails. If you have access to the floor from underneath, you can apply a wood shim with carpenter's glue to support the squeaky area. For additional support, insert a small screw at an angle through the joist, shim and into the subfloor. Warped floors also can be addressed from underneath by affixing a screw to pull down the floor panel. If this is not possible for you to do or if your efforts are not successful, contact a professional carpenter.
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Finish the floor to protect it. Wood can have an artificial finish such as polyurethane. You might need to repapply this every three or so years, depending on the foot traffic and visible scratch marks. You can also buff and wax an unfinished floor once or twice a year.
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Repair deep scratches. Fill them with floor finish that you apply with an artist's brush. You might need to apply several coats to gradually build the level up to the surface.
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Decide which cleaning methods to use. Conventional cleaners might contain harsh chemicals that are not good for the floor or the environment. Natural cleaners involve liquids, which can damage wood floors. The best methods are a vacuum or sweeping/mopping with a gentle cloth or fabric. Do this often.
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Tips & Warnings
Dirt, sun and traffic are the enemies of wood floors. Try not to track in dirt or grit. Remove shoes or wear indoor footwear only. Don't drag objects across the floor. Draw blinds or drapes to prevent direct sunlight that will age the floor. Clean up liquid spills immediately.
