Care and Maintenance of Hardwood Floors
Generally average temperature should be maintained within the range 15C – 25 Celcius and humidity readings within the range 35% – 55% . These are normal comfort zone readings under BS 8201 and will help to keep your floor in good condition.
CARE
- Use good quality entrance mats and dirt scrapers at all exterior doors to prevent dirt and grit entering your home. Dirt underfoot can act similar to sandpaper. Use further entrance mats in apartment blocks at your front door.
- We recommend that floors, especially engineered flooring laid in kitchen or high traffic areas, such as hallways, are re-coated with a further coat or coats of lacquer or oil before general use.
- Area rugs restrict wear in high traffic areas
- Floor protectors or felt pads allow furniture to be moved without marking floors and they should be replaced at regular intervals to prevent dirt or grit becoming embedded.
- Avoid high heels these can easily exert a pressure exceeding 2000 psi and can damage your floor. Wear appropriate footwear .
- Avoid potted plants placed on the floor
- Wipe up spills straight away with a damp cloth.
- Clip your pet’s nails frequently to avoid scratches and choose water bowls designed to avoid spills.
- Direct sunlight can cause wood to mature in colour .
MAINTENANCE
- Vacuum dust or sweep regularly, probably daily, to remove dirt and grit .
- Do not use a vacuum with a revolving brush.
- Never use excessive amounts of water only a slightly damp mop.
- Micromops and wood floor cleaner are ideal , spray cleaner onto mop.
- Special polishes are available to protect the floors finish.
- Oiled finishes may require more attention but are easier to spot repair
LONG TERM
Hardwood floors can be sanded and new coats of lacquer applied ,this is not usually required for many years with proper maintenance. New coats of lacquer can also be applied without sanding off the original finish.
Pour a few drops of water onto your floor
- If it forms beads the finish is fine.
- If the water takes a little time to soak in and slightly darkens the wood , further coats of lacquer can be applied
- if the water soaks into the wood quickly and leaves a dark spot , sanding and finishing may be required.
- at least every couple of years completely clean the floor and if required apply another coat of oil or lacquer to manufacturers instructions.
The use of a humidifier or dehumidifier will help to control the relative humidity in your home and preserve it at its healthiest level.
Maintenance for naturally oiled floors
Natural Floor Soap for oiled surfaces
Clean regularly with a good quality Natural Soap- this is ideal for wood and can be used for the cleaning and maintenance of all known oil systems. Natural Soap due to its nourishing properties quickly closes the pores of the wood and protects against dirt and penetration of liquids.
Always wipe floor with soap water on hard wrung out mop or cloth in order to re-establish the protective Natural Soap film.
Initial and regular maintenance care with Maintenance Oil
Before a new floor is taken into use it is recommended to buff it , both industrially oiled floors and residentially oiled floors. The final buffing provides a hard-wearing surface and may take place either by hand or with machine.
Oiled floors should be maintained regularly, normally once a year, but more often in case of floors exposed to extremely hard wear.
Cleaning
Use an intensive oiled wood floor cleaner for removing more stubborn dirt.
Maintenance for UV hardened oiled floors
Natural Floor Soap for oiled surfaces
Clean regularly with a good quality Natural Soap – this is ideal for wood and can be used for the cleaning and maintenance of all known oil systems. Natural Soap due to its nourishing properties quickly closes the pores of the wood and protects against dirt and penetration of liquids.
Always wipe floor with soap water on hard wrung out mop or cloth in order to re-establish the protective Natural Soap film.
First time and regular maintenance care with Faxe Active Care
Before a new floor is taken into use it is recommended to apply a coat of Faxe Active Care which is a natural way to add a protect sheen to your UV hardened oiled floor.
Faxe Active Care adds protection to oiled, waxed and lacquered wooden flooring. With special waxes, including Carnauba wax, it revives and refreshes dull and scratched surfaces and is great for areas that require extra resistance to moisture and spills. Contains mild detergents and natural waxes
Maintenance for Lacquered floors
Natural Floor soap for Lacquered Floors
Clean regularly with a good quality Natural Soap for lacquered floors – this is ideal for wood and can be used for the cleaning and maintenance of all known lacquered systems. Natural Soap due to its nourishing properties quickly closes the pores of the wood and protects against dirt and penetration of liquids.
Always wipe floor with soap water on hard wrung out mop or cloth in order to re-establish the protective Natural Soap film. Additional intensive cleaners are stocked at our London Showroom.
Consider using Blanchon Protector for maintenance and protection of high-traffic varnished wood floors with a matt, satin or gloss shiny finish. This is a Genuine metallized coater
Professional quality
Highly resistant
Quick and easy to use
Slip resistant
On all products always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and do a test area first in an inconspicuous area.
We generally keep these maintenance products in stock or are available for quick order
