Timber floor maintenance, care and recoating
Maintaining polished timber floors is essential to keep them looking beautiful, preserve their shine and ensure their longevity. Polished floors are a stunning feature in any home, but they require regular care to maintain their glossy finish and protect the wood.
​​By following the below simple maintenance steps, your timber floors will continue to look stunning for years, enhancing the beauty and value of your home ...
Regular cleaning
(daily or weekly)
Sweeping and dusting
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Sweeping and dusting: Regularly sweep or dust the floor to remove dirt, dust and debris that can scratch or dull the polished surface. Use a soft-bristled broom, microfiber mop or dust mop to avoid scratching the finish.
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Avoid using a vacuum cleaner with beaters: If you use a vacuum cleaner, ensure it doesn't have a beater bar, as this can cause scratches on the polished surface.
Mopping
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Clean spills promptly: Always clean up any spills immediately to prevent liquids from soaking into the timber, which could lead to stains or water damage.
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Use a damp mop: When mopping, use a damp (not soaking wet) microfiber mop. Too much water can damage the timber, so make sure the mop is only slightly damp.
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Mild cleaning products: Use a mild cleaning solution, specifically designed for timber floors, such as Intergrain Enviropro Squeaky Clean. AVOID harsh chemicals (e.g. ammonia, bleach or wax-based cleaners) as these can damage the polished surface over time. AVOID abrasive cleaners as these can strip the finish or cause damage.
Deep cleaning
(monthly or every few months)
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Vacuum: For a deeper clean, vacuum your floor using a soft attachment or floor brush to remove dirt and dust from the grain.
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Polish or buff: Over time, the shine on your timber floor may start to fade. Apply a timber floor polish to restore the shine. Make sure to choose a polish that is appropriate for your floor’s finish (e.g. lacquer, polyurethane or oil-based).
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Buffing: Use a buffing machine or a soft, non-abrasive cloth to buff the surface after applying the polish. This will help restore its lustre and remove any dull patches.
Prevent scratches and damage
Rugs and doormats
Place area rugs or doormats at high-traffic areas (e.g. near entrances or under furniture) to prevent dirt and grit from scratching the floor. Make sure to use non-slip rug pads to keep rugs in place.
Furniture pads
Attach felt pads or soft rubber pads / caps to the bottoms of chair legs to prevent scratches to your timber floor when sitting down or getting up from the chair.
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Lift, don’t drag! Always lift furniture when moving it – don't drag it!
Another option is to use furniture gliders to reduce friction on the floor.
Avoid high heels / hard shoes
Be mindful of walking on the timber floor with hard-heeled shoes or stilettos as these can leave marks or dents in the finish.
Humidity and temperature control
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Maintain stable humidity: Wood is sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. Excess moisture or dryness can cause the timber to expand, contract or crack. Keep indoor humidity levels between 40-60%.
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Use a humidifier: In winter months, when indoor air tends to be drier, using a humidifier can help maintain the appropriate moisture level in your home and prevent the timber from drying out.
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Avoid wet mopping: Excess moisture from wet mopping can cause timber to warp. Always use a damp mop instead of soaking the floor.
Avoid excessive sunlight
UV Protection: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the timber to fade or the finish to wear down more quickly. Consider installing curtains or blinds to block direct sunlight during peak hours or use UV-protective window films to prevent fading.
Rotate Rugs: If you use rugs, rotate them periodically to ensure even exposure to light, so the floor underneath doesn’t fade unevenly.
Timber floors spot cleaning and stain removal
Immediate cleaning
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Promptly clean spills, stains, or sticky substances like food or drink to avoid them setting in and damaging the floor.
Spot treatment for stains
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Water stains: wipe them off with a cloth dampened in a solution of white vinegar and water. Dry the area immediately afterward.
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Food stains: Gently scrub with a soft cloth and a mixture of mild detergent and warm water.
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Grease stains: Use a specialized timber floor cleaner designed to remove grease without damaging the finish.
Re-coating and refinishing
Re-coat the floor: Depending on the amount of traffic your floors experience, you may need to recoat them every 3 to 5 years. A re-coating will restore the shine and protect the floor from further damage.
Sanding and refinishing: If your polished timber floors have deep scratches, scuffs or damage, you may need to sand and refinish the surface. This process involves sanding down the top layer of timber to remove imperfections and then reapplying a protective finish. This is recommended to be carried out by a professional to ensure the floors are correctly restored.
(every few years)
AVOID common mistakes when caring for timber floors
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Don’t use wax: Avoid using wax-based cleaners or polishes on lacquered or polyurethane floors, as they can make the surface slippery and leave a sticky build-up.
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Don’t over-mop: Excessive water can seep into seams or cracks in the timber, causing damage to the wood. Always use a damp mop, not a soaking wet one!
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Don’t use abrasive materials: Never use steel wool or abrasive scrubbers, as they will scratch and damage the polished surface.​
SUMMARY of tips for maintaining polished timber floors
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Sweep and dust regularly to avoid dirt build-up.
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Mop with a damp microfiber mop and a mild cleaner.
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Buff and polish periodically to restore shine.
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Use area rugs and furniture pads to prevent scratches.
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Maintain consistent humidity levels to avoid wood warping.
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Clean spills immediately and spot clean stains as needed.
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Recoat your timber floors every few years and refinish when necessary to restore the wood’s original beauty.