Timber floors are beautiful and natural-looking, and they give your home an elegant and classy look. However, they are also high-maintenance, and even the simplest mistakes can damage the timber and ruin its appearance. That's why, if you just installed hardwood flooring in your home, it is normal to feel anxious about the first cleaning. What if you scratch the wood and create an eyesore. Worse still, what if you use too much water and damage the floorboards? So many things can go wrong when cleaning timber flooring, and that's why you should follow these tips to ensure that you are doing it the right way.

Use dry cleaning methods

When exposed to moisture, timber boards absorb the water, swell, and begin to warp over time. For this reason, you should not use a wet mop to clean your hardwood flooring. Instead, make use of dry cleaning techniques to keep the floors clean at all times. Regularly vacuum the floors, and make sure that you attach the head that's suitable for cleaning wood floors. Don't use other attachments as they have hard bristles which can scratch the floor and leave unsightly marks. If there is a lot of dirt, grime, or mud on the floor, use a vacuum cleaner then mop the surface lightly using a damp rag. After that, dry the floor thoroughly using a dry mop and moisture-absorbing mats.

Sweep regularly

As people move around the house and carry out different activities, they can leave behind small particles, pebbles and other forms of debris. If someone steps on the particles, they can end up scratching the floor. To avoid this, sweep your hardwood floors regularly to get rid of particles that can potentially damage the floor. Use a broom with soft bristles and avoid those with hard ones which can cause dents on the wood flooring. Additionally, consider using rugs around high traffic areas to protect the floor from direct contact with debris.

Avoid using chemicals

Cleaning products are great for other types of flooring, but you should avoid using them on timber floors. That's because some products have harsh ingredients that eat away the protective coatings used to preserve the integrity and appearance of the floor's surface. When the protective layer is stripped away, your floor is exposed to damage, and it will lose its luster within a short period. Your vacuum cleaner is enough to get rid of dirt on timber floors. If need be, you can use DIY products such as a water and vinegar solution to wipe down the floor lightly.

Proper maintenance is critical to preserving the appearance of your timber flooring. Follow these tips to clean your timber floor boards without causing damage to the wood.