Taking care of your timber….

THERE’S probably nothing more attractive and natural in a home than elegant timber flooring.

Not only does it look warm and inviting, but also has the added advantage of being easy to clean and eliminating dust mites and other bugs.

However, like any surface, preserving the natural beauty of hardwood flooring can be difficult with the endless traffic from people and indeed pets.

With that in mind, it’s always important to learn as much as possible about the specific type of floors in your home and always rely on the manufacturer’s advice, while also researching the proper care required for your particular finish.

There are also some every day tips that can help keep your floor in good condition, such as sweeping it regularly with a soft brush which will help naturally buff the surface.

When wiping up messes and spills, use a dry towel and when you’re washing the surfaces, use as little water as possible. Also be sure to clean up any wet spots immediately. Remove solid materials such as sand, coal dust and other grit as soon as you see them to avoid scratches.

If there are particular areas that are prone to heavy traffic – such as hallways and entrances - then use rugs. You can, of course, ask people to leave their shoes at the door, but that is a matter of personal choice.

Cover foam or felt slip-mats for your furniture when moving them, be sure to life instead of drag.

Others recommend putting up net or sheer curtains so as not to allow too much sunlight discolour the timber over time and never use cleaners designed for other surfaces such as tiles or laminate as these will dull the surface.