Simple Tips for Oak Flooring Care and Maintenance

08/15/2021

Hardwood floors create an elegant and timeless appearance for our living spaces, exuding pure class. Out of many different hardwood flooring options, oak flooring has been an extremely popular choice over the years because it can also withstand regular wear and tear resulting from foot traffic, kids, pets, etc. However, if you want to get the best out of your oak flooring, it is important that you follow a maintenance routine.

Luckily, oak flooring care is not at all complicated provided you implement the simple measures shared this brief discussion.

Protect Your Floors using Felt Pads:

If you have oak flooring at home, you are already aware of the type of damage caused to it by furniture. One of the best ways to avoid this damage is to use felt pads beneath all your furniture pieces. This is particularly important for the ones that need to be moved around a lot, such as dining chairs.

If you have still not used felt pads for your furniture, get some immediately from your local hardware or big box stores. You can also purchase them online. Stock up different sizes of felt pads for different types of furniture. Most importantly, they are not at all expensive.

Clean Your Floor Gently: 

Taking care of your oak flooring is significantly different compared to other flooring materials such as laminate, ceramic tiles, stones, or porcelain tiles. There is no denying the fact that oak wood is strong enough as a flooring material to last for a lifetime. However, it is important to clean the material in the right way.

Before wet-cleaning the floor, use a vacuum or soft-bristled broom to clear dander, debris, or dust. Always opt for a high or hard floor setting while using the vacuum because this will minimise the probability of damaging or scratching the floor’s finish.

Always use specialty mops designed specifically for hardwood floors.

Also, choose your cleaning products carefully and avoid products containing ingredients that may cause damage to the floors.

Deal with the Scratches:

If you have any type of hardwood floors, scratches are inevitable. However, there are things you can do to protect the looks of your floor.

• To touch up scratches, you may use blending markers and pencils that are designed specifically for wood materials.
• There are many commercial grade products available in the market for covering and repairing scratches. These products can be applied easily using a soft microfiber cloth. However, you need to match the product with the material and its colour.

Know when to Refinish:  

Oak is known for its strength and resilience. However, after years of wear and tear, the top coat may start losing its lustre. This is when a refinish is required.

• If your oak floor has lots of scratches, refinishing is essential for creating a uniform look.
• If the floor has undergone heavy discoloration, it’s time for a refinish.
• Water damage can make oak floors look dark and dingy. Refinishing can restore the natural beauty and lustre of the floor.

If you have any other questions about your oak flooring, please reach out to us at Enoak.