Wooden floors are timeless, durable, and elegant, adding warmth and elegance to any home—but only if they’re cared for properly. Many people believe they’re cleaning their floors the right way, but expert advice suggests otherwise. What if we told you that your age-old method might be doing more harm than good?
So before you go back to your usual wooden floor care approach, here’s expert advice on the dos and don’ts of wooden floor maintenance.
Caroline Hughes, a professional cleaner with over two decades of experience, has seen the ins and outs of some of the most opulent homes. Through her years of expertise, she’s identified a critical error many homeowners make, a seemingly innocent act of cleaning that can lead to disastrous results, including ‘swelling, warping, and even long-term structural damage’ to wooden floors.
The problem she pointed out is the overwatering of wooden floors through traditional mopping. With this practice, she says, excess moisture is introduced to the wood. Water is wood’s natural enemy, and when it seeps into the planks, it can cause irreversible damage.
Over time, the wood absorbs the water, which can lead to the planks expanding, distorting, and losing their structural integrity. This not only affects the appearance of your floors but can also result in costly repairs down the line.
As an alternative, Hughes recommends ditching the bucket and embracing a more wood-friendly approach. Her method of choice involves using a microfibre mop that’s only slightly dampened with a specialist wood cleaner.
This technique, she says, ensures that dirt and grime are lifted without drenching the wood in water. The microfibre material is gentle yet effective, picking up particles without scratching the surface or leaving behind a soggy mess.
Meanwhile, when selecting a cleaner, Hughes advises against the common supermarket multi-purpose options as these could strip away the protective finish of your floors, leaving them vulnerable to damage. Instead, she suggests a pH-neutral wood cleaner, which is the secret weapon used by luxury homeowners to maintain their floors’ shine and durability.
Vacuuming is also a crucial step in the care of wooden floors, but it must be done correctly. Hughes emphasises the importance of using a soft-bristle attachment to protect the wood from scratches.
‘Dust and grit are the biggest enemies of wooden floors because they act like sandpaper underfoot. I always tell my clients … to vacuum daily using a soft-bristle attachment,’ she says.
Polishing can also enhance the natural beauty of wooden floors, but moderation is key. A light application of polish every few months can rejuvenate the wood’s glow, but overdoing it can lead to a sticky, unsightly residue.
‘The wealthy know that less is more when it comes to wood care,’ says Hughes.
Hughes also shares ‘one rule that almost every luxury homeowner follows,’ which is to never wear outdoor shoes on wooden floors. ‘High heels, street grit, and even pet claws’ can cause scratches and scuffs that are difficult to repair. By leaving your shoes at the door instead, you can significantly extend the life of your floors.
Remember, caring for wooden floors doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By adopting these expert-approved methods, you could ensure that your floors stay in top condition, reflecting the care and love you put into every inch of your home. So, put away that mop and embrace a new era of wooden floor care that’s both effective and gentle.
With the right care and attention, your wooden floors can remain a timeless and elegant feature of your home for many years to come.
Do you have other tips in maintaining wooden floors, or mistakes in wooden floor care that your fellow readers can learn from? Share them with the YourLifeChoices community in the comments below.
Also read: Wooden utensils in the dishwasher is a no-go: Here are steps you can do instead
