Protecting Your Sanded Floors: 8 Quick Tips

Flooring is an essential aspect of any home or commercial space, and maintaining it can significantly enhance the property’s overall aesthetic appeal.

In the UK, and particularly in London, the trend of sanding wooden floors has gained considerable popularity. According to a survey by the National Wood Flooring Association, nearly 82% of homeowners in London prefer sanded wooden floors for their timeless elegance and durability.

Maintaining these sanded floors can be a challenge.

Here are 8 quick tips to protect your sanded floors and keep them looking as good as new.

How to protect your sanded floor

1. Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning is the cornerstone of maintaining the pristine condition of your sanded floors.

It’s a simple yet effective measure that can significantly extend the lifespan of your flooring. The process involves the use of a soft broom or a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and dirt that accumulate daily.

These small particles, though seemingly harmless, can act like sandpaper, gradually scratching and wearing down your floor’s surface over time. This is especially true in high-traffic areas where the constant movement can grind these particles into the wood.

It’s important to remember that different types of debris can have different impacts on your floor. For instance, grit and sand from outside can cause visible scratches, while finer particles like dust can dull your floor’s finish over time.

It’s a good idea to clean your floors regularly. The maintenance not only keeps your floors looking their best but also helps to prevent the accumulation of harmful particles that can cause long-term damage.

2. Choose Appropriate Cleaning Solutions

When it comes to cleaning your wooden floors, it’s crucial to select the right products.

Not every cleaning solution on the market is friendly to your floors. Some cleaners, particularly those with a high alkaline or acidic content, can be overly harsh.

They may cause damage by stripping away the protective finish that keeps your wooden floors looking fresh and vibrant.

Instead, opt for a pH-neutral cleaner. These cleaners are specially formulated for wooden floors. They clean effectively without causing any harm to the wood or the finish. They maintain the natural beauty of the wood, rather than causing it to fade or discolour.

It’s worth noting that using the right cleaning product is not just about preserving the appearance of your floors. It’s also about their longevity. Using a pH-neutral cleaner can help to extend the life of your wooden floors, ensuring they continue to add value and charm to your home for many years.

Avoid harsh chemicals and stick to pH-neutral cleaners. This simple step can make a world of difference to the look and lifespan of your floors.

Remember, your wooden floors are an investment. Just as you wouldn’t put any old fuel in a high-end car, you shouldn’t use any old cleaner on your wooden floors. Take the time to choose a product that’s designed for the job. Your floors will thank you for it.

3. Steer Clear of Water Damage

Water and wooden floors are not the best of mates. It’s crucial to be careful not to use too much water when giving your floors a clean.

A damp mop is all you need, as a soaking wet one can lead to water soaking into the wood, which can cause harm.

If you happen to spill something, don’t dilly-dally. Clean it up straight away. Even a small amount of water left to sit can start to seep into the wood, leading to potential damage.

So, remember, when it comes to cleaning your wooden floors, less is more in terms of water. This simple step can go a long way in keeping your floors looking their best and lasting for many years to come.

4. Utilise Protective Pads

One of the most common sources of damage to wooden floors is the furniture that we use daily.

The constant movement of chairs, tables, and other heavy items can cause unsightly scratches and dents on your beautiful sanded floors. This damage can be quite noticeable, especially on lighter coloured wood, and can detract from the overall appearance of your room.

To prevent this, it’s a good idea to utilise protective pads.

These are small, often round, pieces of felt or rubber that you can easily attach to the bottom of your furniture legs. They act as a barrier between the furniture and the floor, helping to distribute the weight more evenly and reduce the risk of scratches and dents.

Protective pads are available in various sizes to fit different furniture legs, and they’re straightforward to apply. Simply clean the bottom of the furniture leg, peel off the backing from the pad, and stick it on. It’s a quick and easy process that can save your floors from unnecessary damage.

These pads can make moving furniture easier, as they allow chairs and tables to glide smoothly across the floor.

5. Regular Polishing

One of the key steps in preserving the lustre and longevity of your sanded floors is regular polishing.

This isn’t a task that needs to be done weekly. A regular polishing of your wooden floors every 2 to 3 months is usually sufficient to keep your them looking their best.

Polishing does more than just enhance the visual appeal of your floors. It also serves a protective function, creating a barrier that helps shield your floors from damage. This protective layer wards off the effects of daily wear and tear, helping to extend the life of your floors.

The polishing process also adds a protective layer to your floors. This layer not only enhances the beauty of your space but also contributes to the longevity of your floors.

The regular polishing is a small investment that can pay dividends in the long run. It’s a simple step that can keep your floors looking as good as new, year in and year out.

6. Think About Oiling Your Floors

If you’re keen on preserving the allure of your sanded wooden floors, oiling is a top-notch choice that you should seriously consider.

This method is not just about adding a glossy sheen to your floor; it’s a lot more than that.

When you oil your floors, the oil seeps deep into the wood, acting as a barrier against everyday wear and tear. It’s like giving your floor a protective shield that lasts. This deep penetration of oil also enriches the wood’s natural colour, making it more vibrant and visually appealing.

Oiling your floors can help prevent the wood from drying out and cracking over time. It keeps the wood nourished and healthy, ensuring it stays robust and resilient for a long time.

Another great advantage of oiling is that it enhances the natural grain and texture of the wood. It brings out the unique patterns and characteristics of the wood, adding a touch of rustic charm to your space.

So, if you want your wooden floors to stay beautiful, consider oiling them.

It’s a small step that can make a big difference in the longevity and aesthetic appeal of your floors. Remember, a well-oiled floor is a well-protected floor.

7. Use Rugs and Mats

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to safeguard your sanded floors is by using rugs and mats, particularly in areas that see a lot of footfall.

These could be areas such as the hallway, the living room, or even the kitchen. Rugs and mats act as a barrier, absorbing the impact of foot traffic, reducing the wear and tear on your wooden floors.

They trap dirt and grit that can scratch and dull the floor’s surface. Regularly cleaning these rugs and mats will ensure that this trapped dirt doesn’t end up back on your floor.

But the benefits of rugs and mats extend beyond just protection.

They also offer an excellent opportunity to inject a bit of your personal style into your home. With a wide variety of designs, colours, and textures available, rugs and mats can complement your existing decor or even act as a focal point in a room.

For instance, a vibrant, patterned rug can add a pop of colour to a neutral room, while a plush, high-pile rug can add warmth and cosiness to a space.

On the other hand, a sleek, low-pile mat in a bold colour can add a modern touch to a room.

8. Professional Maintenance

Lastly, don’t overlook the value of professional upkeep.

A top-notch floor sanding and restoration service, such as Resand.co.uk, can offer skilled care and maintenance for your floors.

We have the expertise, the right tools, and the know-how to keep your floors looking their best.

Our team of professionals are trained to handle all types of wooden floors. They can spot potential issues before they become major problems, saving you time and money in the long run. They can also provide advice on the best products to use for your specific type of floor.

Regular professional maintenance can extend the life of your floors.

By addressing minor scratches and wear before they become serious, you can keep your floors looking new for longer. This not only enhances the beauty of your home or commercial space but also adds to its value.