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Wood flooring has that warm, natural look, but it comes with a sensitive side. Follow these pointers from Grant Aslett to keep it at its finest:
- True grit, sand and soil. Sand, grit and foreign matter are the number one enemy of wood floors. Combined with walking, running, sliding, dragging things across the floor, etc., it becomes perfect sandpaper to grind, dull, or scratch the surface and finish. It is not always a crime to get dirt on the floor — the crime is not getting it off. Get into the habit of sweeping, dust mopping or vacuuming daily.
- Water. Water can be very damaging to wood, if used improperly, but remember too that wooden ships last hundreds of years. The degree to which you can use water depends on the integrity of the finish. Wood floors, if finished properly, can be mopped and cleaned with cleaning solutions and water.
- High Heels. High heels are trouble on the hoof for most wood. Millions of beautiful wood floors are dimpled with those tiny spikes, which are permanent damage. It seems impossible that a 105-pound woman armed with a pair of fashion footwear can exert as much force as an automobile or an elephant. Tests show that the pressure at the point of contact is as much as 2,000 pounds — that is from a common high heel in good repair. If one is worn or damaged so the nail is exposed it can exceed a force of 8,000 pounds per square inch.
- Furniture. Furniture can sit in one place for ten years and not do any harm, but that one time you drag a couch or entertainment center across the floor can cause more permanent and severe damage than a year or two of foot traffic. Get plenty of friends with good backs when moving. Always lift when moving or use a dolly.
- Dropping dings. Any object weighing a couple of pounds or even ounces that falls to the floor will dent it. And sharp objects can cut it. Accidents will happen. My kids are famous for carrying things bigger than they are … give them a hand. Watch out for chairs that fall over easily — dishes, heavy cleaning gear, toys, decorative metal objects, sports equipment….
- Spills. Spills will happen and a properly finished wood floor can take them, but don’t let them stay. Spills that remain (especially pet accidents, food, cleaners, alcohol, oil, blood, etc.) can and will create a chemical reaction that can permanently damage the wood or its finish. Often an ice cube or two will miss the cup and scoot across the wood floor. Be aware of potential problems like this and keep an eye open.
- Sun. The sun is great for wood when it is still alive and growing, as it is for most living things. But once that wood is cut into board feet, direct sun rays can fade and discolor it, and this includes the wood in floors. Some older varnishes and other finishes will also yellow in the sun. Sunlight is okay, but use a sheer liner inside your drapes. It will direct the ultraviolet rays away.
- Harsh cleaners and other concoctions. One of the worst things we can use on wood floors is vegetable oil soaps. They can build up and cause havoc when it is time to put a maintenance coat of permanent finish on the floor. The best cleaner for finished wood flooring is a neutral pH cleaner.
- Buildup. Letting your wood floor go without proper cleaning will eventually cause buildup of dust, dirt, grease, wax, etc. Buildup makes a floor look bad and can cause yellowing of the finish. And before long it will mean a need to strip or deep clean your wood floor. Good regular maintenance and keeping wax off non-traffic areas is your best defense against buildup.
- Vacuums (with beater). Beater bars or brushes on a vacuum are only great for carpets. Used on wood, the rotating bar or brushes can cause dents. Be careful of thresholds between carpets and wood floors.
Oops … one more! - Mats and Rugs. Mats are one of the most important preventative measures. Interior mats finish taking dust and dirt off the foot, plus absorb moisture. But they can also be a potential problem. Some mats and throw rugs have vinyl, plastic or rubber backs that can trap and keep moisture under the mat on the floor for weeks. Pick them up often and check for moisture.
Excerpted and condensed from Grant Aslett’s, The Guide to Easy Hard Wood Floor Care & Maintenance, published by Marsh Creek Press.
10 Truths About Wood Floors: Created on April 14th, 2004. Last Modified on January 21st, 2014
