Wilmac Flooring

6 Ways You Could Be Damaging Your Wooden Flooring

Wooden floors are durable, natural and timeless, and with proper care can last a lifetime. However, we can also be the cause of our floors not lasting as long as they should, causing damage in ways we may not even realise. That’s why we have put together this guide of 6 ways you could be ruining your beautiful flooring without even knowing it: 

Too much water 

Even if your floor is sealed with a water-damage protective layer, or has been treated with oil, or varnish it can still be subject to moisture damage. Using a traditional string mop can often mean far too much water is used on the floor, which can cause your floor to warp and discolour. Instead, using a flat mop with a microfibre sponge head and wringing it out before using will ensure the mop is damp to the touch and won’t cause damage to the floor. 

Using the wrong products

Regular cleaning of your wooden floors is essential, however, you should make sure you are using the correct products to ensure your flooring lasts for years to come. It is best to use specific products designed for hardwood floors, or diluted mixtures to ensure they are not too hard on your wooden floors. 

Wearing shoes inside 

Wearing any footwear in the house is one of the main causes of damage to wooden flooring. To reduce damage, make use of doormats at exterior doorways to wipe off any dirt or grime that could be brought into the house and scratch the floor. If you have any high-traffic areas in your home, adding a rug or carpet can reduce the amount of damage done to your wooden flooring. A rug will catch any small debris rather than landing on the wooden flooring and causing scratches.  However, the best way to keep your flooring in tip-top condition is to always take off your shoes inside your home. 

Using a vacuum before sweeping

Even if your vacuum cleaner has an attachment for hardwood flooring, always try to sweep or dust first. Using a vacuum cleaner straight away can result in pushing around dirt or grime that gets stuck to the bristles of the vacuum, causing scratches on your floor. Instead, start with a soft bristle broom to remove surface dirt before reaching for the vacuum to get any remaining dirt or dust. 

Untrimmed pet nails 

When you let your pet’s nails get too long, they can easily leave scratch marks on the floor. The same can be said for nails that are freshly trimmed and sharp. To stop your pet’s nails from scratching your floors, be sure to have them regularly clipped and buffed. 

Spilled liquids

Spilling drinks or other liquids can leave permanent stains on wooden flooring if not cleaned. This can also cause liquid to enter the seams and result in moisture damage such as warping, or moulding. Wipe up any spillages as soon as possible to avoid any staining of your wooden flooring. 

If you properly care for your flooring, you won’t need to fork out the money to replace it should you want to sell your home, or make a repair that could have been avoided. Keeping your flooring in its best condition means you will get a long life out of your flooring, keeping you and your wallet happy.