Caring For Your Floor

With the wide range of timbers, grades and constructions, you have the freedom to choose from a large range of finishes and coatings to achieve your specific design visions.

Now you have a stunning new timber floor, it takes care and regular maintenance to preserve the integrity and lifespan of your floor finish. ONE cleaning product or method does not suit ALL. 

As timber floors have grown in popularity, ideas about how to clean a timber floor have emerged, but some of these cleaners attack and damage floor coatings, so use the methods and products that are specified by the manufacturer of your floor finish.

QUICK CARE GUIDE

Proper care will ensure your timber floor looks great and performs well for years to come.

MAINTENANCE

  • Timber floors are a natural product and will develop character over time.

  • High-traffic areas may require maintenance recoating over time to extend the life of the floor finish

  • Only use cleaners suitable for polyurethane or lacquered timber floors

CLEANING

  • Vacuum or sweep regularly using a soft brush attachment

  • Use a timber floor cleaner approved for polyurethane or lacquered timber floors, such as Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner

  • Wipe up spills immediately

  • Damp mop only – never allow excess water to remain on the floor

  • Standing moisture can penetrate board joints and damage both the coating and timber

DO NOT USE

  • Steam mops

  • Solvents, ammonia, bleach, harsh detergents or abrasive cleaners

  • Excessive water

  • Polishes or waxes

PROTECT YOUR FLOOR

  • Use felt pads under furniture legs

  • Lift heavy furniture and appliances – never drag them

  • Keep pet claws trimmed

  • Avoid walking on timber floors in stiletto or high-heeled shoes

  • Use quality entrance mats to reduce dirt, grit and moisture

  • Use breathable rugs and move them occasionally

  • Timber will naturally change colour with exposure to sunlight; move rugs and furniture

  • periodically to promote even ageing

  • Maintain normal indoor living conditions and avoid excessive moisture, dryness or rapid changes in temperature and humidity

TAKING PROPER CARE OF YOUR FLOOR

Proper care will ensure your timber floor looks great and performs well for years to come. Your timber floor is a natural product that will provide warmth, character and lasting value to your home for many years. Like all natural materials, timber will age and develop character over time. Following the recommendations in this guide will help protect your floor and maximise the life of both the timber and its finish.

FRESHLY SANDED & COATED TIMBER FLOORING

Although a floor may be walked on after initial curing/hardening of the coating, some precautions are necessary until the coating system has fully hardened.

​This may take several days to several weeks depending on the coating option you've chosen and weather conditions at the time of flooring application.

  • Floors should ONLY be walked on with socks. No shoes for 24 hours. 48 hours is better

  • Do not walk on the floor with wet feet or get water on the floor for 7 days. This is very important. Issues such as ‘Ghosting’ can occur. (Over time as the coating darkens with UV, these marks show up as a lighter cloudy appearance. Sometimes imprints only become obvious after one year or so.) The only way to remove ghosting is a total re-sand and finish

  • Floor covers like mats and rugs should not be laid immediately after laying. Allow the floor to stabilise and harden first. This usually takes a few weeks

  • Wait 5-7 days before placement of furniture. Climate conditions affect how long it takes for polyurethane to reach its full strength. Generally, this time is shorter during summer months

  • While light furniture can be re-placed and used during this period, ensure that felt protector pads are attached to the feet of tables, chairs etc. The moving of any furniture such as fridges and other heavy furniture should be done by lifting or wheeling on solid protective coverings e.g. plywood or hardboards over carpet. The use of carpet or cardboard is not adequate enough to prevent surface damage to your flooring

A mop with a wooden handle and an off-white circular mop head cleaning a wooden floor.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR TIMBER FLOOR

Timber is a natural material and every board is unique.

Variations in grain, colour, texture and natural features are part of the beauty of real timber flooring and are not considered defects.

Over time your floor may experience:

  • Natural colour change from sunlight and UV exposure

  • Seasonal expansion and contraction

  • Minor gaps during drier periods

  • Surface wear in high-traffic areas

  • Small dents, scratches and marks from everyday living

These are normal characteristics of timber flooring.

WHAT IS CONSIDERED NORMAL?

The following are natural characteristics of timber flooring and are not considered product or installation defects:

  • Variation in colour and grain between boards

  • Natural timber features such as knots, mineral streaks and character markings

  • Seasonal expansion and contraction

  • Minor gaps between boards during dry periods

  • Natural colour change caused by sunlight and ageing

  • Light scratching and wear associated with normal use

  • Minor movement resulting from changes in temperature and humidity

Timber is a natural product and will respond to its environment throughout its life.

ROUTINE CLEANING

The most important aspect of timber floor maintenance is removing dirt, grit and moisture.

REGULAR CLEANING

  • Vacuum or sweep regularly using a soft brush attachment

  • Use a microfibre dust mop to remove fine dust and dirt

  • Remove sand and grit promptly to minimise scratching

  • Wipe up spills immediately

Damp Mopping

When deeper cleaning is required:

  • Use a clean microfibre mop

  • Damp mop only – never wet mop

  • Use a cleaner specifically designed for polyurethane or lacquered timber floors

  • Follow the cleaner manufacturer's instructions carefully

Never allow water or cleaning solution to pool on the floor surface.

Standing moisture can penetrate board joints and may damage both the timber and coating.

RECOMMENDED CLEANING PRODUCTS

Use only cleaning products specifically designed for finished timber flooring.

Recommended products include:

  • Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner

  • Bona Spray Mop System

  • Other pH-neutral timber floor cleaning products approved for polyurethane or lacquered floors

Always test unfamiliar products in an inconspicuous area first.

PRODUCTS AND METHODS TO AVOID

The following can damage timber flooring and should not be used:

STEAM MOPS

Steam mops introduce excessive heat and moisture that may damage the floor coating and force moisture into board joints.

EXCESSIVE WATER

Never flood, soak or wet mop your timber floor.

HARSH CHEMICALS

Do not use:

  • Ammonia

  • Bleach

  • Solvents

  • Abrasive cleaners

  • Strong detergents

  • Acidic cleaning products

WAXES AND POLISHES

Do not apply waxes, silicone-based products or floor polishes unless specifically recommended by the flooring manufacturer.

These products can interfere with future maintenance recoating.

HOMEMADE CLEANING SOLUTIONS

Avoid vinegar, soap-based cleaners and DIY cleaning mixtures as they may dull or damage the floor finish over time.

PROTECTING YOUR FLOOR

FURNITURE

  • Apply felt pads to all furniture legs

  • Inspect and replace worn felt pads regularly

  • Lift furniture when moving it

  • Never drag furniture or appliances across the floor

OFFICE CHAIRS

  • Use protective floor mats beneath wheeled office chairs

ENTRY AREAS

Use quality entrance mats at all exterior doors to reduce:

  • Dirt

  • Sand

  • Grit

  • Moisture

Avoid rubber-backed mats that may trap moisture beneath them.

PETS

  • Keep pet claws trimmed

  • Clean up pet accidents immediately

  • Prevent repetitive scratching in the same area

FOOTWEAR

Avoid walking on timber flooring with:

  • Stiletto heels

  • Cleated footwear

  • Shoes carrying dirt, stones or grit

RUGS AND FLOOR COVERINGS

Rugs can help protect high-traffic areas.

To avoid uneven ageing and moisture retention:

  • Use breathable rugs

  • Move rugs periodically

  • Ensure rugs do not trap moisture beneath them

  • Avoid non-breathable rubber-backed mats

SUNLIGHT AND COLOUR CHANGE

Timber naturally changes colour over time when exposed to sunlight and UV radiation.

This is a normal characteristic of real timber and may appear as:

  • Darkening

  • Lightening

  • Increased colour variation

To encourage even ageing:

  • Use blinds, curtains or UV protection where practical

  • Move rugs and furniture periodically

  • Avoid permanently covering the same areas

North-facing rooms and large glazed areas may accelerate colour change.

TEMPERATURE, HUMIDITY AND SEASONAL MOVEMENT

Timber flooring performs best under normal indoor living conditions.

Where practical:

  • Maintain indoor humidity between approximately 40–70%

  • Maintain a comfortable indoor temperature

  • Avoid prolonged periods of excessive moisture or excessive dryness

  • Avoid sudden changes in temperature or humidity

Timber naturally expands and contracts as environmental conditions change.

Seasonal movement may result in:

  • Minor gaps between boards

  • Small changes in board width

  • Slight movement within the floor

These characteristics are normal and expected.

Wider boards may show greater seasonal movement than narrower boards.

MOISTURE AND WATER PROTECTION

Timber flooring is not waterproof.

Promptly clean up:

  • Spills

  • Plumbing leaks

  • Appliance leaks

  • Pet accidents

Prolonged exposure to moisture may result in:

  • Swelling

  • Cupping

  • Staining

  • Coating damage

  • Movement of the timber

Where possible:

  • Ensure adequate ventilation throughout the home

  • Address water ingress issues immediately

  • Avoid leaving areas closed up for extended periods in hot or humid conditions

Damage resulting from excessive moisture, flooding, leaks or unsuitable cleaning methods is not considered a product or installation defect.

MAINTENANCE RECOATING

All timber floor finishes gradually wear with use.

Before the finish becomes worn through to bare timber, a maintenance recoat may be recommended.

Maintenance recoating can:

  • Refresh the appearance of the floor

  • Restore protection to the surface

  • Extend the life of the coating

  • Delay the need for sanding and refinishing

The timing will depend on:

  • Traffic levels

  • Lifestyle

  • Presence of pets

  • Cleaning practices

High-traffic areas may require maintenance sooner than other areas.

Contact Timber Floor Specialists if you believe your floor may benefit from a maintenance assessment.

WARRANTY AND EXCLUSIONS

Timber Floor Specialists guarantees all installation workmanship in accordance with the terms of your project warranty.

This warranty does not cover:

  • Normal wear and tear

  • Surface scratches and dents from use

  • Damage caused by furniture, pets or footwear

  • Excessive moisture or flooding

  • Plumbing or appliance leaks

  • Improper cleaning methods

  • Steam mop use

  • Damage caused by unsuitable cleaning products

  • Natural colour change due to sunlight

  • Seasonal movement of timber

NEED ASSISTANCE?

If you have any questions regarding the care or maintenance of your timber floor, please contact:

Timber Floor Specialists - office@timberfloor.nz