Tips for Evaluating and Maintaining Wooden Floors

Hardwood flooring installation in a home or office may instantly elevate the space. Hardwood floors look great but can be a pain for your cleaning service to maintain. Hardwood floors can be pristine if you know what to do and when.

Inquire about the history of the floor (kind of finish, last sanding date, etc.) before initiating a maintenance program on a hardwood surface. If you don’t have access to such data, you’ll have to do your assessment of the floor to learn its current state. Whether or whether the wood needs to be cleaned or refinished can be determined by making a few simple observations.

Check the wood’s condition as a first step. If there is significant damage to the floor, warped boards, and excessive wear, it may be necessary to replace the entire floor. The worst-case situation is, however, that. Examine the floor thoroughly, paying particular attention to the edges for any signs of unevenness. You can classify the ground in the following ways:

A. It’s in excellent shape generally. The hardwood floor appears in good condition, if not brand new. A thorough mopping could restore the floor’s shine.

Light scratches on the B. The floor is in decent shape. However, it does have some scuffs and scratches, especially in the more often-used parts of the room.

Thick use-up C. Many scrapes, dents, and scratches can be seen on the floor, which generally seems old. It could have some cracks from expansion.

D. Appearance distortion. The floorboards have a minor warping, aren’t level, and are covered with scratches and scrapes.

Next, you’ll need to evaluate the state of the coating. The finish’s condition may be indicative of the wood’s overall shape. For instance, deep cuts, scratches, or chips in the finish may penetrate the finish and expose the underlying wood. Take a look at the final product and decide which tags apply:

The floor has a coating, but it appears grimy. Mopping the floor will likely restore its former shine.

Light scratches, dings, and chips in the finish and general wear (or dullness) can be seen in high-use regions.

C. There are numerous chips in the paint. There is a finish on the floor. However, it is covered in minor nicks, scratches, and scrapes.

D. The coating has worn down. The floor is unfinished or barely so. Dragging heavy furniture across the surface might make it look like there are deep gouges in the finish.

Table of Contents

Toggle

There is no conclusion or E. There is no finish left, or it is chipped and worn.

If the wood and finish are in good shape, the next step is to clean it and get on a regular maintenance schedule thoroughly. Wood and finishes in categories C, D, and E require more investigation or expert advice before proceeding.

Hardwood flooring once adequately cared for, can last for generations and retain its beautiful appearance. All the dirt, spilled food, grit, and other material that might wind up on and ground into hardwood floors must be removed immediately. Without prompt cleaning, land can get “camouflaged” in the grain or color of the wood, making it not only hard to notice but also easy to ignore. There are a variety of cleaning supplies available:

First, brooms; precisely, “exploded” end brooms are designed to collect dust and fine grit.

2. Vacuum cleaners: any model with a beater bar and brushes outside an upright. These may damage the floor.

The third tool is a dust mop. Most dirt and dust can be removed from floors by mopping or vacuuming. A dust mop with a head of 18 inches is recommended. Apply a dust mop treatment to the mop to pick up the dirt rather than push it around.

Even if you frequently sweep, vacuum, or dust mop the floor, it will still get dirty and need to be cleaned. Scouring the bottom is the most effective way. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use a cleaner designed for hardwood floors with a neutral pH (about 7). Here are a few things you can do to prolong the life of your hardwood floors:

Installing suitable matting is the best approach to prevent soil and grit from ruining the floor. Using mats at the exterior door can reduce the amount of dirt tracked inside. A high-quality rug that does not feature a rubber backing should be used indoors. Some wigs may cause a wood floor’s finish to “migrate” because of the plasticizers used in their construction.

High heels can do damage to hardwood flooring. Heels with spikes can damage a floor’s finish. Cleaning a hardwood floor in a home allows you to warn the owner about the dangers of high heels, which may not be possible in a commercial setting.

Towing a piece of furniture across the room. There’s a risk of damaging the floor in this way. It is recommended to lift and carry furniture wherever possible. The condition of the legs of the table is crucial. When someone sits in a chair with a loose leg, it can scratch the floor.

The wood and the finish are vulnerable to spills (food, cleansers, alcohol, oils, etc.). Don’t wait to clean up accidents.

Wood exposed to direct sunlight may fade, discolor, or dry out. Drapes or curtains may be needed to block the sun’s rays and protect the wood.

Cleaning products that are too abrasive should be avoided. Use a neutral cleanser made specifically for wood floors while cleaning the floor. People will take note of a stunning hardwood floor. Maintaining the floor in good condition can keep clients satisfied and your business afloat.

Rights Reserved 2006 The Janitorial Supply Co.

Steve Hanson helped establish the business-to-business network TheJanitorialStore.com. Trash Talk: Tip of the Week is available for subscription at http://www.TheJanitorialStore.com. Discover more inspiring tales here.

linda