At Funky Flooring, we’ve spent decades working with wooden floors of every type, from classic oak to exotic hardwoods. Over the years, we’ve learned that caring for wooden floors with proper maintenance not only preserves the beauty of your floors but also significantly extends their lifespan.
Whether you’re a homeowner, a property manager, or an interior designer, these tips will help you keep your wooden floors looking pristine for years to come.
Top Tips for Wood Floor Maintenance
1. How should you clean your floors?
Dust, grit, and debris are the enemy of wooden floors. Even small particles can scratch and dull the surface over time. Our team recommends:
- Sweeping or vacuuming daily using a soft-bristle broom or vacuum head designed for hardwood floors.
- Damp mopping weekly with a well-wrung microfibre mop to remove stubborn dirt, avoiding excessive water which can damage the wood.
“I’ve always found that a quick daily sweep prevents the long-term wear I see on neglected floors,” says one of our experienced flooring specialists.
2. How can you protect floors from scratches?
Scratches and dents are inevitable in high-traffic areas, but there are ways to minimize them:
- Use felt pads under furniture legs.
- Place rugs or runners in hallways and entrances.
- Avoid walking on floors with high heels or heavy shoes that can dent the surface.
“I once saw my dad’s beautiful oak floor ruined by just a few weeks of furniture movement without protection. Now, I never skip the felt pads,” shares another member of our team.
3. How can you prevent floors from warping?
Wood is a natural material, and changes in moisture and humidity can cause warping, cupping, or gaps between boards. To prevent this:
- Maintain indoor humidity between 40–60%.
- Wipe up spills immediately to avoid stains or water damage.
- Avoid steam cleaners, as excessive heat and moisture can damage the finish.
“Years of experience have taught us that controlling moisture is the single most important factor in keeping wood floors in top condition,” says a senior flooring installer at Funky Flooring.
4. How often should you polish floors?
Over time, finishes wear down, leaving your floors vulnerable. Regular polishing and occasional refinishing keep wooden floors looking fresh:
- Apply a high-quality wood floor polish every 2–3 months.
- Refinish the surface every 7–10 years, depending on foot traffic and wear.
“We’ve refinished floors that were over 50 years old, and with the right care, they looked better than new. It’s incredible what proper maintenance can do,” our team lead reflects.
5. What common flooring mistakes can you avoid?
Even with careful maintenance, certain habits can harm your floors:
- Don’t drag heavy furniture across the surface.
- Avoid harsh chemical cleaners.
- Keep pets’ nails trimmed to prevent scratches.
“People often underestimate how even small habits, like not wiping shoes or leaving spills, impact wooden floors long-term. We’ve seen it time and time again,” adds a flooring technician at Funky Flooring.
| Tip | Action | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Cleaning | Sweep or vacuum with a soft-bristle head; damp mop with a well-wrung microfiber mop. | Daily / Weekly |
| Scratch Protection | Use felt pads on furniture, place rugs/runners in high-traffic areas, avoid high heels and heavy shoes. | Ongoing |
| Moisture Control | Maintain indoor humidity ~40–60%, wipe spills immediately, avoid steam cleaners. | Ongoing |
| Refinishing & Polishing | Apply quality floor polish; refinish the surface when finish is worn. | Polish: 2–3 months • Refinish: 7–10 years |
| Common Mistakes | Do not drag heavy furniture, avoid harsh chemical cleaners, keep pets’ nails trimmed. | Ongoing |