How to get the best from your timber floor.
Environment and useage
Humidity of the home is best kept at 45%. Flooring will shrink in extremely dry conditions and will swell in very humid conditions.
High heels and scratches from pets will mark the flooring. With polyurethane it is best to keep high heels off the flooring, as the heels will put holes and cracks in the polyurethane over time. Excessive scratches from pets and furniture will dull the finish of your floor.
We recommend to place protective felts underneath all furniture.
Sunshine hours
Timber flooring is great in hot climates, but direct sunlight can damage the appearance of your floor over time. Although our polyurethanes are the highest in quality, they are not guaranteed to keep their initial appearance if exposed to direct sunlight. The best care in high sunshine areas is to not put rugs on them for long periods of time, and to draw the blinds throughout the hottest time of the day.
Sweeping
This is the most efficient way of taking the large everyday particles, hair and dry dirt off the floor.
Vacuuming
Take care with the head of the vacuum cleaner, as it may be scratching the floor.
Dry dusting
Using a proper dust mop 1-2 times per week will take the fine particles off the floor and will keep it looking its best. Dry dust mops can be purchased from Peak Floor Trades with a Floor Cleaning Kit.
Mopping
Use a damp mop rather than a wet mop.
Excess water will damage your floor. Do not leave the floor to dry, rather dry it with an old towel to get rid of all of the excess moisture. Any extra moisture likes to find its way into cracks, and will swell the wood.
Cleaning Solution
Use only natural cleaning solutions on your timber floor. Please do not use oily soaps or oils, ammonia based products, vinegar or harsh detergents!! These will all damage the surface of the floor in the long run! Do not leave any solution on the floor, excess can slip between boards and damage the wood!
Osmopolyx surface
If you have chosen to finish the timber floor with Osmopolyx, remember it is a blend of specially formulated oils for floors. Although far superior to the oils that used to be produced, you still need to take care of your floor. Any vinegar or lemon cleaners will be abrasive. Please just use a small amount of natural cleaner, or even just water is usually fine. Peak Floor Trades supplies a microwax cleaning system that enhances the finish of the floor and this can be used once per week, and will decrease the appearance of fine lines and fine scratches.
We will supply you with a cleaning sheet so that you know what to do!
Waterbourne polyurethane surface
Try to limit scratching the floor, as dirt particles will get in the scratches and these are obviously more difficult to clean. Stick to a natural non abrasive cleaner to preserve the new look of the floor. A polyurethane surface will generally need re-polishing/ resurfacing after about 2-3 years dependent on foot traffic. If it is in a commercial area, it may need to be resurfaced sooner. It is best to get the resurfacing done before the layers have been broken through so that the timber underneath does not swell and absorb moisture, which will ultimately damage the integrity of the timber.