How to Protect and Maintain Wood Floors

Hardwood floors offer one of the most grandiose statements for a home, providing a rustic aesthetic and traditional feel. But they come at a price, and we’re not talking about the installation cost – we’re talking about proper protection and maintenance.  

Without frequent and adequate care, your wood floors will begin to scratch, scuff and damage more easily. For all you need to know about how to protect wood floors, read further for expert assistance.  

Why maintaining wood floors is important 

Timeless elegance for any home; that’s what wood floors offer and not maintaining them will snatch that allure quicker than the Government takes away the winter fuel allowance for pensioners. In addition to the aesthetic damage a lack of maintenance can cause, your hardwood floor’s lifespan will also be significantly reduced. Neglecting maintenance for wood floors can lead to common problems such as: 

• Scratches: Common dirt and debris like food scraps, toys, furniture and other items can cause unsightly marks, dulling the floor’s finish over time. Prevent wood floor scratches by regularly cleaning.
• Warping: Wood will warp, expand and contract when exposed to moisture or changing humidity levels, leading to buckling or even gaps.
• Squeaking: Improper installation, damage from moisture and general wear and tear can result in squeaky, noisy floors that detract from their charm. Fortunately, you can repair wood floors with Fix-A-Floor.

Cleaning tips for wood floors 

When looking at how to protect wood floors, it’s best to start with something everyone can get involved in – cleaning.  
 
Cleaning can be performed daily for little problems, and deep cleans are great to carry out either on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis, depending on how much usage your wood floor endures. Start by sweeping, vacuuming or using a dustpan and brush to remove dirt and debris from your wood floors. Ensure you’re using a brush or attachment that is non-abrasive to not scratch or further damage your floor. 
 
After clearing dust and other damaging particles, use a microfibre mop or cloth with minimal water. The word minimal is key here, as excess moisture that is not cleared immediately can severely damage wood floors. That’s why one of our top wood floor maintenance tips is to clean up spillages as soon as possible. 
 
It’s also important to use a specifically designed wood floor cleaning solution, otherwise, the chemicals in typical solutions can harm the wood, leading to expensive replacement and repairs. We recommend using a home-brewed concoction of water mixed with a minimal amount of mild dish soap for spot cleaning, while for more large mopping areas it’s best to use a designated wood floor cleaner.  

Preventing damage to wood floors 

To prevent wood floor scratches and other types of damage is very simple and straightforward. 

To prevent water damage 

Use small amounts of water when cleaning and wipe up any spills, no matter the liquid, as soon as possible. Large amounts of water can be absorbed with towels to mitigate any mould or mildew growth.

How to protect wood floors from scratches

Felt pads attached to furniture legs can help prevent scratches, even from intentional movement or from the occasional accidental knock. We always recommend lifting and never dragging furniture. 
 
Sweeping regularly with a non-abrasive brush, either by hand or with a vacuum, will avoid abrasive scratches caused by everyday buildup and scraps from cooking and shoes. 
 
Rugs don’t just tie a room together, they offer avid protection for flooring of all varieties, especially hardwood flooring. Rugs and mats can catch dirt, reduce general wear and help absorb excess moisture in the event of spillages. However, don’t place rugs and mats which have a rubber backing as moisture will become trapped and build up, leading to wood floor damage.

Managing humidity to prevent warping

With high levels of humidity comes higher levels of moisture – and we know how moisture can harm wood floors. Caring for wooden floors involves keeping on top of humidity levels and this can be done in several ways, including cleaning up spills immediately and never using a soaking wet mop or cloth when cleaning.

You can also place a dehumidifier in more prone areas to keep humidity levels between 30-50% to prevent the wood from expanding or contracting.  

Avoiding wear and tear in high-traffic areas 

The most common areas of wear and tear on wood floors are where members of your household will traverse most, usually near doorways, next to countertops and where furniture is placed. Rotating or changing the placement of your furniture on occasion can help reduce strain and uneven fading.

A simple, but important, way to protect wood floors is to ensure everyone takes their shoes off before walking on them.

Fixing common wood floor issues 

You may have done all you can to prevent wood floor scratches, scuffs, marks, dents, gaps and other common issues, but no matter how durable your wood floor is, time takes its toll on the strongest of materials.  

Repairing scratches and dents in wood floors

For minor scratches, a wood repair pen or touch-up marker is great for blending small scratches with the surrounding wood. If the scratches are deeper, causing dents, fill them in with wood filler and sand the area off to match the floor’s finish. Scuff marks can be repaired with a gentle buff and then polished with a soft cloth to restore the shine.

How to fix squeaky wood floors

Repair squeaky wood floors with the Fix-A-Floor adhesive, the very best DIY wood floor repair solution that is cost-effective, easy to use and won’t require you to remove any planks or panels.

All it takes is drilling small holes into the grout lines or panels and filling the gaps which are causing the squeaking with the adhesive. Leave to cure for a minimum of 24 hours and voila, no more annoying noises to contend with.  

Seasonal maintenance tips for wood floors

With the changing seasons comes differences in temperature and humidity, which can be detrimental to wood flooring. Wood floor seasonal care isn’t very time consuming, and staying on top of seasonal maintenance is crucial to prevent damage and maintain its charm throughout the year.

Apply a finish once every few years

While this isn’t a seasonal maintenance tip, it is an important overarching maintenance practice that all owners of hardwood floors should perform. Add an extra layer of protection with polyurethane finishes to refine your wood floors, helping to further prevent and protect against scratches and scuffs.

Preparing wood floors for chaining weather

For the spring and summer seasons, use a dehumidifier to control excess humidity and prevent the wood from swelling. Also, clean more frequently to tackle increased dust and dirt from opened windows and foot traffic. 
 
When autumn and winter come around, switching to a humidifier can help combat dry air from heating systems which can cause wood floors to shrink and crack. Adding rugs also helps protect against moisture from wet shoes.

Routine inspections to identify damage early

No matter the season, checking for signs of scratches and wear in high-traffic areas is good to ensure issues don’t become more severe. Also, look for floor gaps near the seams and edges of boards, or any lifting due to humidity changes. Gaps can easily be filled with an extra strength bonding adhesive, designed to be used on hardwood, laminate, porcelain and more.

DIY solutions for protecting and maintaining wood floors

Caring for wood floors doesn’t always require professional help – many repairs can be handled at home with simple tools and DIY techniques.

• Buff and polish minor scuffs with a microfibre cloth or mop and restore your wood’s shine.
• If your hardwood floor has a wax finish, reapply wax every few years to refresh protection and enhance appearance.  
• Fill gaps underneath the floor with a tile repair kit from Fix-A-Floor and small cracks on the surface with wood filler.
• Spot treat stains with a mixture of water and wood-safe cleaner.

Keep your wood floors looking great 

The best way to protect your wood floors and to keep them looking their best is with regular care and maintenance. It’s imperative to avoid excess moisture on your hardwood floors to reduce damage such as expansion and contraction, stains, mould and rot.

So, clean up spills immediately and never wipe with a drenched mop or cloth! You can also easily avoid scratches, scuffs and dents by performing daily dusting and vacuuming with a non-abrasive brush and providing a new, fresh finish every year or so, can add another layer of protection.  
 
If you are trying to fix creaking wood floors or are facing hollow areas, Fix-A-Floor is the perfect DIY solution. With easy application, our adhesive can fix a host of problems with wood floors. For any more advice on caring for your wood flooring, talk to our team or read our many other guides.