In your home, numerous areas can become dull or worn out over time. The floors are a particular part of your home that can become susceptible to wear-and-tear damage. If the floors have been in use for a long time, their lifespan will shorten significantly without regular maintenance.
Out of all the flooring types, you need to pay careful attention to hardwood floors. That is because wooden floors can be vulnerable to many elements, all of which can make them look older. However, you can prevent this from happening with some simple techniques. A few tricks can help the wood flooring to appear brand new once again.
Just keep in mind these essential tips and tricks.
Type of Wooden Flooring
Don’t just think that all wooden floors are one and the same. There are a few substantial differences between major types of wooden flooring. Most of us will have some laminated wood flooring installed in and around our homes. By methodically cleaning them with soap and water, you should be able to restore their original lustre.
However, at other times, homeowners may have engineered hardwood flooring. This type of wooden flooring will require a bit more rigorous action on your end in cleaning them up. No matter what type of wooden floor type you have, getting an expert opinion could be vital. Professional specialists like Relative Space can offer advice based on what flooring your home has.
Preliminary Test
Once you determine what sort of wooden floor type you have, you’ll have to do an initial test. Some of us may try to conduct a cleaning of the floor, just because it appears dirty. This need not be the case at the onset, as there is more here at play than meets the eye. To start the test, clean a small area first, wipe it down after, then apply polyurethane.
After twenty-four hours have elapsed, go back to the same spot and inspect it. Grab a coin or an object of a similar stature and scrape it gently across the flooring. If the finish ends up looking flaky or cracked in some form, you should stop the process. A professional would have to come in to take a look.
Cleaning Up
If your polyurethane test is successful, then you will be advised to kickstart the actual cleaning process. Wooden floors, like any other type of flooring, will have stains of some kind present. Although you will have to be much more careful, go ahead and clean them up.
Your usual cleaning agents, such as warm water, soap, and a soft rag, can be used for this part of the process. Once you get rid of all visible traces of dirt, sweep or vacuum the entire floor at large. Should you find that your usual cleaning agent doesn’t work, use a specifically-designed cleaning product made for wooden floors.
Screening
Afterwards, once the first parts of the cleaning process are completed, screening the floor will come next. Screening usually involves making the floor’s finish a bit rougher. To do this, get your hands on a rotary floor buffer, and use it on top of a sanding screen. Start at one wall, and then work your way across to the opposite one.
Screening parts of the rejuvenation process require you to be well-protected at all times. Put on a mask and some eye goggles, as dust will be a significant factor to contend with. Also, make a note of how you are conducting the screening process. You don’t want to make the same motion over the same area more than once!
Secondary Cleaning
The result of your wooden floor screening will be a large amount of dust all over the respective space. Before you finish the overall process, it would be in your best interest to clean the floor a second time. Use the same method as before, and then vacuum the entire space.
Dust can be blown around quickly without you realizing it. That is why using a vacuum, after your usual cleaning process, will be key. Don’t forget to use soap and water one more time to make the floor look spotless.
Coat the Floor
The final stage of the overall process will involve applying a new coat of finish to your wooden flooring. First, place some tape over the mouldings, then use a brush to apply the finish alongside all walls in the room.
Remember, you should always be outfitted with the right personal protective equipment when conducting the motion. Let the finish dry for at least a day, then come back to the respective room. Now you can enjoy the new lustre your wood floor has been given!