Easter DIY Hacks

Bring wood flooring back to its prime with these cleaning hacks from Woodpecker Flooring

Wood floor experts Woodpecker Flooring are sharing their top tips for tackling tired wood floors.

It comes as the Easter Bank Holiday heralds the start of the DIY season.

Darwyn Ker, Managing Director of Woodpecker Flooring, said: “Once your wood flooring has been installed, you’ll be able to feel its beautiful texture underfoot and enjoy the warm sense of nature a wood finish brings to your home.

“However, like all natural materials wood is susceptible to wear and tear. To ensure it always looks its best and lasts longer, it is essential to maintain and protect flooring.”

Light Cleaning

Regular sweeping with a soft bristled broom will get rid of dust and rogue bits of grit on your wood floor which could cause damage if allowed to accumulate. You can also vacuum – ideally with a soft brush attachment to avoid scratching. Just remember that a gentle touch is the best way to clean your wood floor.

Mopping

Wetness can damage a hardwood floor so always use a well-wrung mop when cleaning, taking care to remove excess liquid immediately. The Woodpecker Cleaning Kit is perfect for safe use on wood floors. Formulated for an oiled or lacquered finish, frequent use will help to maintain your floor’s lovely finish.

Despite what you might read online, do not use water and vinegar, soap-based cleaner, wax or steam cleaners on your wood floor. These can dull the floor’s finish, leave an ugly residue or subject your floor to excessive heat and water which could lead to long-term damage.

For a Deeper Clean

If you have an oiled floor, regular vacuuming and well-wrung mopping will protect its beautiful look and feel. But for a deeper clean now and again, use Woodpecker One Coat Soap. This clever product will clean your floor and form a protective film, helping to build its surface resistance over time and make your floor even easier to clean.

Shoe Rules

Avoid wearing heavy shoes or work boots when stepping onto your natural wood floor. High heels, and stilettos in particular, should be avoided. They exert a huge amount of pressure that easily dents or marks even the toughest of wood floors.

Spillages

Liquid is the enemy to your wood floor so mop up any spilled drinks and never allow water or other liquids to sit for any length of time. The odd drop may not hurt, but excessive amounts of water will cause lasting damage.

Sunlight

It’s thrilling to see the sun illuminating a wood floor, filling the room with natural light and warmth. Yet sunlight will naturally help the wood’s colour to mellow, so be aware of this and move rugs, mats and furniture regularly to ensure an even maturing of colour. Dark woods like Walnut are more susceptible to fading, which is worth considering when you choose your wood flooring.

Pets

Nothing’s more natural than a dog or cat curled up by the fire, asleep on your wood floor. But remember to keep your pet’s claws trimmed to prevent scratches and if there are any ‘accidents’ make sure they’re cleaned up fast.

Top Tips for Wood Floor Care:

• Sweep regularly, preferably with a soft brush attachment to reduce scratching.
• Always use a well-wrung mop when cleaning. Do NOT use water and vinegar, soap-based cleaner, wax or steam cleaners.
• A good quality door mat will ensure dirt and grit are left at the door and off your floor.
• Consider rugs or carpet runners for areas of the house encountering high footfall e.g. doors, hallways and stairs. Try to avoid rubber-backed mats.
• Never drag a piece of furniture, felt protectors and castor cups can help move items without damage.
• Try to avoid wearing heavy shoes or high heels as they place huge amounts of pressure on even the toughest floors.
• When a spillage occurs, remove the liquid as quickly as possible to prevent lasting damage.
• Consider how sunlight could affect your floor (particularly dark woods such as walnut) and compensate by moving rugs, mats or furniture.
• Keep an eye on your pet’s claws to pre-empt scratches!

For more expert advice on how to keep your wood flooring in excellent condition, check out the Woodpecker Flooring website.