So you’ve finally gotten those hardwood floors professionally polished and buffed. They’re looking gorgeous now, right? It’s all shiny and new again. The thing is, to keep them looking that way, you’ll need to put in some regular timber flooring maintenance at your home. It’s not too tricky, but timber floors require some care and attention to keep them in tip-top shape after a professional polish.
The good news is, if you follow some simple steps after the floor polishing Melbourne from experts like us, you can keep your floors lustrous and prevent them from scratching up again. The key is being consistent and avoiding anything too harsh.
Stick with gentle, wood-friendly products and methods; your freshly polished floors will stay stunning for years.
The Benefits of Professional Timber Floor Polishing
Professional timber floor polishing Melbourne provides numerous benefits that are worth the investment.
First, it protects and seals the wood, preventing damage from spills, scratches, and everyday wear and tear. The protective sealant creates a durable barrier against stains, allowing the natural wood grain to shine through.
It also enhances the natural beauty of the timber. The polishing process brings out the inherent warmth and luxuriousness of wood floors. Your floors will have an attractive, glossy sheen that pops the wood grains.
In addition, polishing timber floors makes your floors easier to maintain. The sealant prevents dirt and grime from building up, so less mopping and sweeping are required. When it is time to clean, damp mopping with a wood floor cleaner is all needed. Avoid using too much water, as excess moisture can damage the sealant.
Polished wood floors are safer, too. The smooth, slick surface reduces the chance of scratches and splinters. The sealant creates a non-slip finish for high-traffic, wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
While professional timber floor polishing Melbourne requires an initial investment, the long-term benefits to your wood floor appearance, durability, and maintenance make it well worth the cost. Keeping your polished floors looking their best requires occasional damp mopping, sweeping, and re-polishing every few years. You’ll enjoy their beauty and functionality by properly caring for your timber flooring polish for years.
Caring for Your Newly Timber Flooring Polish
Now that your timber floors have a fresh coat of polish, it’s up to you to keep them looking their best. Proper care and maintenance are critical.
Clean Regularly
Vacuum, sweep or dust your floors frequently using the proper hard floor attachment to pick up grit and dirt that can scratch the surface. For stuck-on debris, use a soft, bristled brush or damp mop. Avoid using too much water, which can damage the polish timber floor seal.
Use Protective Pads
Attach felt or soft plastic pads to the bottom of the furniture to prevent scratches. Wipe up spills immediately and avoid sliding heavy furniture or appliances across the floor.
Re-Polish When Needed
Have a professional re-polished your floors from us when you notice dull spots or the glossy finish becoming lacklustre. Usually, once every few years for residential floors. They have the proper equipment and expertise to re-polish and re-seal your floors without damaging the wood.
Control Moisture and Humidity
Keep indoor humidity levels moderate and avoid exposure to standing water or constant dampness, which can warp and damage wood floors. Run a humidifier if needed during drier winter months.
Following these simple steps, your polished timber floors care and maintenance, floors will stay beautiful and last years. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so protect your investment with consistent and proper care. Keep your home comfortable and your floors striking for all to enjoy!
Cleaning Polished Timber Flooring Properly
Proper cleaning and timber flooring maintenance are key to keep your timber floors looking their best after having them professionally polished.
Sweep and vacuum regularly
First, sweep or vacuum your floors frequently to remove dirt and grit. Barely noticeable particles can scratch the surface over time. Aim for 2-3 times a week or more often if needed. Use the brush attachment on your vacuum and ensure the wheels are clean.
Damp mop when needed
For stuck-on debris or spills, damp mop your timber floors with a microfiber mop or cloth, a hardwood floor cleaner, or just water. Avoid using too much water, which can damage the finish. Make sure to wring out the mop well and change the water often. Mop with the grain of the wood using a light touch. Let the floor air dry completely—only damp mop about once a week or less.
Protect the floor
Place protective pads under furniture to avoid scratches. Add slippers by the door for inside shoes. Consider area rugs in high-traffic places like entranceways. Wipe up spills immediately to prevent water damage.
Re-polish when the floor dulls
Have your floors re-polished by a professional when they start to look dull. Polishing removes the top layer of the finish, evening out the surface and restoring the shine. How often polishing timber floors is needed depends on the specific finish used, typically every few years.
By implementing these easy timber flooring maintenance steps, your polished timber floors will continue to impress for years. Keeping them clean, protected and re-polishing as needed is the key to preserving their beauty and ensuring they stand the test of time.
Using Protectants to Maintain Your Timber Floor’s Shine
Protective treatments are a must to keep your timber floors looking freshly polished. Applying a protectant, like polyurethane or hard wax oil, seals the floor and shields the wood from damage. Re- apply some protectant every 6-12 months to maintain protection.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane is a popular, durable protectant. It comes in matte, satin and glossy sheens. Glossy poly provides the most protection but can look plastic-y. Satin or matte poly is more natural-looking. Apply 2- 3 coats of poly, waiting 2-3 hours between coats. Floors can’t be walked on 24-48 hours after the final coat.
Hard Wax Oil
Hard wax oil penetrates the wood for protection with a natural matte finish. It’s easy to apply, rub with a cloth and buff off the excess after 20 minutes. Re-apply every 3-6 months.
Hard wax oil darkens wood slightly but still looks natural. It’s a good choice if you want to avoid a plastic coating.
Bona Mega
Bona Mega is a water-based polyurethane alternative. It has similar durability to poly but dries faster and has little odour and amber tint. Apply 2 coats, waiting 2 hours between. Floors can be walked on after 6- 8 hours. Re-coat every 6-12 months.
To maintain protection between re-coating:
- Sweep, dust and damp mop floors regularly.
- Wipe up spills immediately.
- Place protective pads under furniture.
- Remove shoes before walking on floors.
- Avoid using steam cleaners, which can damage the floor finish.
Keeping your timber floors polished and protected is worth the effort. Follow these tips and re-apply a protectant regularly to keep your floors shining like new for years to come.
Avoiding Damage and Wear to Keep Floors Looking Great
Now that your timber floors have been professionally polished, it’s essential to maintain them to keep them looking their best properly. Avoiding damage and excessive wear and tear is key.
Use protective pads
Attach felt or protective pads to the bottom of the furniture to prevent scratches. Also, consider using coasters under table legs for extra protection. These simple precautions will guard against surface scratches and dents.
Sweep and vacuum
Regularly sweep dust or vacuum your timber floors to remove grit and debris that can scratch the surface. Use the proper hard floor attachment and ensure the vacuum is set to height. Vacuuming too aggressively can lead to light surface scratches over time. For stuck-on debris, use a soft-bristled broom or microfiber dusting pad.
Mop when needed
Only damp mop or wipe your timber floors when visibly dirty or stained. Excessive moisture can damage the floor finish and seep into cracks. When mopping, use a well-wrung mop or cloth and a hardwood floor cleaner polish or pH neutral cleaner diluted in water. Never soak or flood the floor with water. Allow floors to air dry thoroughly to prevent water spots.
Protect from spills
Clean up spills immediately to avoid water damage or stains. Blot with a clean cloth to soak up excess liquid, then mop the area with a damp mop or cloth and let air dry. For sticky spills like juice or soda, you may need to use a bit of hardwood floor cleaner polish to remove residue entirely.
Use furniture sliders
When moving heavy furniture like couches, beds and appliances, use sliders or gliders to prevent scratches, gouges and denting. Have an extra set of hands to lift and slide the furniture across the floor carefully.
Taking some simple precautions and performing regular maintenance can keep your timber floors looking polished and pristine for years. Consistent and proper care will help maximise the time between professional refinishing treatments.
So, if you haven’t invested in professional timber floor polishing Melbourne, trust Timber Floor Sanding Melbourne to make your floors shine like new again. But the work doesn’t stop there. To keep your floors looking their best for years, you must commit to an easy timber flooring maintenance routine.
By following these guidelines suggested by our experts for choosing the right floor cleaning products, you can ensure that your timber floors remain vibrant and lustrous for years. Consistency in your maintenance routine and gentle yet effective solutions will help protect your investment and keep your floors looking their best.
With some simple care and TLC, your polished timber floors will continue to impress for decades. The small efforts to maintain them properly will pay off with floors that always look brand new. Thanks to your polished timber floor investment and diligent upkeep, your home will be warmer, more welcoming, and stylish. Keep up the excellent work, and enjoy your beautiful floors!
