Timber floors add warmth and beauty to any home, but they need consistent care to maintain their shine and prevent damage. By following a few simple habits, you can keep your floors looking new for decades.
Protecting Your Timber Floors
- Use entry mats and rugs – Place quality doormats at all entrances to catch dirt, grit, and moisture before it reaches the floor. Small particles can act like sandpaper, wearing away the finish.
- Furniture pads are essential – Attach felt protectors under chairs, tables, and other furniture legs to avoid dents and scratches when moving items. Replace pads regularly as they can wear flat or collect grit.
- Minimise impact damage – Avoid walking on timber floors with high heels or sports cleats, as concentrated pressure can leave permanent marks.
- Manage indoor climate – Wood naturally expands and contracts with changes in humidity. Keep your home between 40–60% humidity to minimise gaps, cupping, or warping.
- Refresh protective coatings – Over time, your floor’s protective finish will wear down. Reapply oil, wax, or polyurethane coatings as per the manufacturer’s schedule to maintain resistance to moisture and wear.
Cleaning Your Timber Floors
- Sweep or dust daily – Use a soft-bristle broom or a microfibre mop to remove dust and grit before it causes surface scratches.
- Vacuum weekly – A vacuum with a hardwood-safe setting or soft brush attachment can reach between floorboards and into edges that a broom can’t.
- Damp mop monthly – Use a lightly dampened microfibre mop with a pH-neutral timber floor cleaner. Avoid excessive water, which can seep into joins and cause swelling.
- Spot clean spills immediately – Wipe up liquid as soon as it’s spilled to prevent staining or water damage.
What to Avoid
- Harsh cleaners like ammonia, bleach, or abrasive powders.
- Steam mops, which can force moisture into the wood and damage the finish.
- Soaking the floor—timber and standing water don’t mix.
Final Tip
Timber floors last longer when they’re cleaned gently but often. Regular light cleaning is far better than aggressive scrubbing done less frequently. With the right care, your floors will continue to add character and value to your home for many years.
If you like, I can also prepare a seasonal maintenance checklist so you know exactly what to do in summer vs winter to protect your floors. That’s especially helpful in climates with big humidity swings.