Wooden floors

Wooden floors look great in any room in the house, but to keep them looking good for many years, it’s important to know how to look after them properly.

• Try to put very hardwood floors where children and pets are likely to be, as these are extremely durable and will be able to withstand wear and tear better

• Remove spills promptly using a soft cloth and recommended cleaning products

• Keep pets’ nails trimmed, and paws clean and free of dirt, gravel, grease, oil, and stains

• Sweep or vacuum regularly, since built-up grit can damage the surface of the wood. The vacuum head must be a brush or felt type and make sure that the wheels of the vacuum are clean and do not damage the finish

• Furniture can dent and mark wooden floors, so place protective pads beneath furniture legs and feet to reduce scratches

• Remove shoes with spiked or damaged heels before walking on the wood floor

• Exposure to the sun and its UV rays accelerates the oxidation and aging of wood and fabrics. This causes the wood to change colour. Therefore, it's a good idea to rearrange rugs and furniture periodically so that the floor ages evenly

• Use rugs in high traffic areas and pivot points, for example, stair landings and room entries, especially if you have a large family or indoor pets