Timber and laminate are wonderfully easy to look after – so it’s no wonder that they’re well suited to today’s busy lifestyles.
Whether you choose hardwood or engineered timber, bamboo, a hybrid or laminate, maintaining timbers floors is a breeze – but there are some things to look out for. Water, for instance, is the natural enemy of hardwood floors, so any spills should be mopped up and dried as quickly as possible. Timber’s other nemesis is direct sunlight, so make sure your window coverings are adequate.
Laminates and hybrid options, on the other hand, are made to withstand both water and sun – it’s one of the reasons these flooring solutions are becoming increasingly popular with people seeking the beauty of timber.
Maintaining your timber or laminate
Most people will find that they can maintain their floor by regularly sweeping or vacuuming the surface, then following up with a barely damp mop. How frequently you do this is up to you, but we recommend cleaning your floors at least weekly, especially if you have pets or children.
We also recommend putting floor protectors under all furniture to avoid dents and scratches, and avoiding walking on hardwood or engineered timber in high heels, as this can imprint the floor.
Tips for treating spills, marks and scuffs
Individual flooring options will each have their own recommendations for cleaning, and will often indicate which cleaners to use or avoid; we always recommend following the manufacturer’s instructions. Here are some general tips to extend the life of your floors and keep them looking great:
- To mop your floors, add a capful of methylated spirits to a bucket of warm water and clean floors using a barely damp mop; this will allow you to lift dirt and surface grime. Avoid steam mops.
- Clean spills straightaway to avoid stains and water damage.
- Treat scuffs with a specialist product suitable for your floor, but make sure you test it on an inconspicuous area first.
