How to maintain your oak floor

Wood floors radiate natural beauty, which can be prolonged after installation if they are properly maintained. While a lot of wood floors are durable they still need to be protected from daily wear and tear.

While wood floors are pretty sturdy, they can also be damaged in many ways, from water spillages to scratches, and even by the wrong cleaning chemicals/tools if you’re not careful.

Protecting from spillage

Layers of oil or lacquer will protect the floor initially, but letting the water soak into the wood can have dire consequences, such as making the flooring crack, lift, curl, or warp. This is why it’s not advisable to have solid wood floors in a kitchen or bathroom, as there is a high risk of spillage. Any water spills should be cleaned up immediately with a microfibre mop, as it will be more gentle on the floor’s surface, and won’t carry excess water across the floor.

Scratches and dents

Over time, small scratches and dents will appear on the floor no matter what you do; some people like it, others don’t. Again, using a microfibre mop when cleaning will help prevent scratches as the material isn’t abrasive like steel wool. 

Removing footwear before stepping on the floor will help a great deal, as grit from outside can get stuck under the shoes and scratch the wood. If you have pets, keeping their nails trimmed is a good preventative measure against scratches. 

If you have furniture over the wood floor, and it needs moving, then felt pads are a must. They sit under the legs to act as a soft barrier against the floor. Alternatively, you could pick the furniture up to move it rather than dragging it around. 

Cleaning

Regular cleaning will keep your floor in immaculate condition, but it is important to clean the floor properly if you want to avoid damaging it. General every day cleaning can be done with a soft bristle brush. The floor can also be hoovered, but ensure that you have the correct attachments, and ensure there is no grit or dirt stuck between the wheels. 

Deeper cleaning can be done on a weekly basis, or if you notice any stains. We recommend using a PH neutral cleaning solution, this is important as many normal household cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can damage the appearance of your flooring; bleach, for example, can ruin a floor permanently.

Avoid using steam mops as the moisture can accumulate in the pad and cause damage over time. 

If the floor has an oil finish, clean with an oil-based cleaner. This will nourish the wood and maintain the finish.

To view our cleaning and maintenance products, click here.

Repairing the floor

The great thing about wood floors is they can be sanded and refinished, they are even spot-repairable. With the proper methods, you can remove damage to the floor and have it looking good as new. The thickness of the plank will affect how long the process will take, but it can be done. 

Wood flooring repair kits are also available for minor damage from most flooring retailers.

For floors with an oil finish, small scratches can be fixed with a new layer of oil. Before application of oil, make sure the floor has been thoroughly cleaned. After applying oil, allow the floor to dry before walking on it again. 

For floors with a lacquer finish with the same problems as above, just apply more lacquer. 

For more significant damage like deep dents or bad scratches, the floor can still be sanded down and re finished, but it is better to consult a wood flooring specialist.

To download a detailed, printable pdf guide on flooring maintenance, click the button below.