As a homeowner, there are various things you need to keep on top of if you want to keep your home looking its best. Cleaning, hoovering, and decluttering are all essential and will keep your house spic and span. Solid wood flooring has a reputation for being tough, reliable, and long-lasting. This is certainly true, but it too needs to be maintained to ensure it stays looking great for years to come. What are the signs that your wood floor might need a little TLC? Let’s find out.
Discolouration and Fading
Wood floors look incredible, which is one of the main reasons they have remained so popular for so many years. They are grand and luxurious, with deep, rich tones and complex undercurrents of different colours, hues, and swirling patterns.
However, over time you might notice that your floor has begun to fade or even discolour. Those beautiful tones may start to look a little dull, and the rich colours may not appear as vibrant and dynamic as they did previously.
One of the biggest reasons your floor might begin to fade and discolour is overexposure to sunlight. Certain species of wood may bleach when overexposed to the sun, while others can darken and blacken. This is because wood is photosensitive and can react to ultraviolet light.
Prevention is the best approach in this instance. Keep your blinds shut when it is particularly sunny to protect your floors and lay down a rug to give your floor an extra layer of protection.
If the damage has already been done, don’t despair. Wood polish or wax can be applied to revitalise your flooring and bring it back to its best.
Signs of Wear and Tear
Wood is a strong and robust material, but that doesn’t mean it’s invincible, and it can still show signs of wear and tear, particularly if it’s been in place for a long time.
Areas that see heavy foot traffic can be particularly susceptible to wear and tear, you may notice scuffs or blemishes that become more apparent over time.
Wood can also be damaged by heavy knocks or impacts. If you drop something heavy onto your floor this could leave a dent or a chip.
Small dents can be fixed by abrading with steel wool and then recoating the affected area. If your floor is more severely damaged with a deep chip or gouge, your best option is to fill the affected area with a wood filler.
To prevent more damage from occurring in the future, ensure your floor is properly sealed to give it a protective outer layer.
Dirt and Grime
Keeping on top of the housework can be tough, especially if you are juggling kids and a career at the same time.
However, it’s essential that you keep your floor clean, as the build-up of dirt and grime can damage the wood. Debris can work its way into tiny gaps in your floor, where it will be absorbed into the material and can cause discolouration.
Dirt can also cause scratches to appear and can damage the structural integrity of the material.
However, if you think the best option is to use a powerful cleaning solution and scrub your floor vigorously, think again, this can actually end up causing more damage in the long run.
Instead, keep your floor clear of dirt and debris with regular hoovering, and clean it every so often using a soft cloth with lukewarm water. Don’t use household cleaning chemicals, these can cause a lot of damage.
Conclusion
When properly maintained, your wood floor can last for years and look as good as the day it was installed. Learn how to stop the signs that your floor could use some TLC and take the appropriate steps to keep it looking its best.
