How to clean and maintain your timber floors
Different timber floor polish requires different maintenance - discover the right way to care for your floors with our helpful tips.
The timber floor polish used when sanding and polishing your floors determines the maintenance and care required moving forward.
Every manufacturer recommends their own timber floor cleaning products and cleaning process. For this reason, we recommend knowing what finish you have chosen and where you can find these products to buy, for the best results. Always seek professional advice when it comes to your particular floor.
How long should I wait to walk on my timber floors after they’ve been polished?
The general rule of thumb for walkability after completion is:
Walk on the floor: after 24hrs (oiled floors allow extra depending on weather).
Replace furniture on the floor: after 2-3 days (oiled floors allow extra time depending on weather).
Coverings/rugs on the floor: after 1 to 2 weeks depending on the product (oiled floors after 4 weeks).
Washing floor: 4 to 6 weeks (oiled floors usually 6 weeks).
What should I use to clean my polished timber floors?
Dust Mop
Sweep regularly with a good quality dust mop, as walking on a dusty or gritty floor is the fastest way to wear out your timber floor, shortening the life of your finish.
Vacuum Cleaner
Make sure your vacuum cleaner has a soft bristle head, suitable for timber flooring. Most vacuum cleaners either come with a special head or are made available to order. Be aware of stones etc getting caught in the bristles. Every time you vacuum the floor, ensure you remove any floor coverings and vacuum thoroughly.
Use the recommended cleaning products & avoid using excess water!
Use the correct cleaning product when mopping (the Pittwater Eco team will provide advice following your service). Avoid using excess water, and be careful not to use excess product.
Less is best in most cases. Chemicals and wax are NOT recommended unless specified by the manufacturer of the finish.
More tips to increase the life of your timber floors:
Make sure any moveable furniture has soft pads fitted where they contact the floor, to prevent scratching and scuffing.
Make sure to lift heavy furniture to move, rather than sliding, as this can cause major scratching and scuffing.
Avoid wearing hard heels and stilettos on the floor, again to prevent scratching and indentation. Ideally, wear soft soles or socks. Did you know? A 60kg woman wearing a sharp stiletto can exert up to 3,500kg per cm2.
Place mats at house entrances, to avoid bringing in excess dirt and grit. Always ensure they are cleaned underneath regularly, to avoid grit wearing into the finish under the mat.
Ensure you wipe up any water or liquid spills immediately, to prevent water damage, especially in the initial curing period.
Rejuvenation after a certain amount of years may be beneficial, depending on the finish.
Want to talk to a local floor sanding and polishing expert?
Servicing Sydney’s Northern Beaches and North Shore, Pittwater Eco Floor Sanding have a team of specialists who can provide you with the most up-to-date advice regarding your timber floors.
