Maintenance & Cleaning
Using proper cleaning methods is the key to a durable floor. Often the person doing the cleaning doesn't know which are the right products to use. Reading labels in the supermarket is a common approach
that can convince one to buy unsuitable products. The manufacturer of the finish that is on your floor should be able to provide you with cleaning instructions.
Water is extremely damaging to wood. Protection from water is one of the reasons to safeguard your floor with finish. Excessive moisture will cause wood to swell and over an extended period of time, rot. A dry method of cleaning is advisable, using water as sparingly as possible. Another concern is the type of water we use to clean our floors with. Most tap water has high levels of minerals that leave deposits in
between boards and in the small indentations of the wood grain.
This is what floors look like after years of damage by water through mopping/washing.
Proper System
1. Vacuum with brush attachments (daily, weekly, bi-weekly) to pick-up the dust that returns no matter what one uses to prevent it. A dry, soft brush, dust-mop or broom works well too.
2. Clean up any spills or food immediately. For troublesome spills use a small amount of detergent/cleaning solution diluted in water, to remove the culprit(s). Let the water naturally soften the spill. Use a soft cloth or sponge to mop up the excess water/liquid. Make sure to promptly wipe any wet areas as dry as possible.
Common Mistakes
1. Wet-mopping with tap water and a bit of washing up liquid. This method is proven to accelerate the demise of any wooden floor. Always wipe dry excess liquid when cleaning wooden surfaces. It is not
recommended to flood wooden floors with water.
2. The dangers of using Paste Wax, Liquid Wax or Furniture Polish. Liquid Wax or Furniture Polish are products that seep through the finish and leave oil deposits deep inside the wood. Surfaces with liquid wax on them cannot be re-finished with a different finish without first sanding the liquid wax off completely. Sanding off liquid wax uses about ten times the normal amount of sandpaper. This also applies to paste or bees wax although these do not seep into the wood in the same way as liquid waxes.
3. Never Drag Heavy Furnishings Across the Wood. Sliding chairs about on a wood floor can scratch or dent the floor. One way to protect your floor is with felt furniture glides. It's important to get the right kind of glides for long-term sliding. Rolling heavy furniture or appliances on hard wheels, can dent or mark wood.
4. Avoid Walking On Wood Wearing High Heels. You don't wanna know why, just don't do it!
5. Be aware of sand/dirt/grit.
Sand, dirt and grit can accumulate under shoes and when dragged around on a wood floor can act as an abrasive.
Pets
Like your friends and family, your animals can test the durability of your floor. Dogs are exceptionally tough on wood. The larger the animal, the faster damage can occur. Long claws and frisky canine nature can cause an infinite barrage of scratches. We think cats are tougher on upholstery. Persistent animal urination can seriously damage wood. The effects of which result in black stains. In severe cases the only method to repair the damage may be to replace the damaged areas followed by re-sanding and finishing.
How long between re-coats?
The method used to clean a floor seriously affect longevity. Heavy traffic areas (kitchens, hallways, entryways, bathrooms, etc.) wear through faster. Extra protective measures should be taken in these areas. To give a general idea: if a floor is maintained properly it can go 3 - 5 years between re-coating; If it is wet-mopped daily it can become grey and unsightly within 6 months!
E-mail Fab Floors at: fab.floors@virgin.net
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