Hardwood is an excellent choice for your home in terms of furniture, flooring, detailing and much more. With numerous advantages such as exceptional durability, resistance to wear and tear, and timeless beauty, it's easy to see why hardwood remains such a popular choice of material to this day. With the proper maintenance measures, hardwood can last for many years, providing luxury and comfort for generations. If you’ve decided to invest in hardwood pieces for your home, treating it with care and respect will be vital. Read on to find out more.
There are many different types of hardwood, each with its own unique properties and uses in the home, including:
Oak - Oak is an exceptionally popular hardwood renowned for its robustness and resilience. Commonly used to craft high-quality items of furniture, this remarkable hardwood comes in an impressive variety of warm hues, exuding a timeless elegance that works harmoniously with numerous home aesthetics.
Maple - Distinguished by its pale, creamy colour and unusual grain patterns, maple is favoured for its sleek appearance and remains an ever-popular choice for dining tables and furniture items that endure frequent use.
Cherry - Known for its stunning reddish-brown hue, cherry wood exudes an elegant, highly sought-after charm. Commonly found in formal settings, this delightful hardwood is a superb option for dining furniture due to its natural warmth and inviting nature.
Walnut - This dark-coloured hardwood is renowned for its richness. With intricate grain patterns and exceptional durability, walnut harmonises form and function to the highest degree.
Mahogany - This reddish-brown hardwood epitomises sophistication, celebrated for its opulence and unique appearance. With uses ranging from musical instruments to flooring, this versatile hardwood has long been a preferred choice due to its exceptional strength and workability.
Keeping your hardwood floors clean is essential if you want them to look their best. As such, regular sweeping and mopping are imperative. Sweep or dust daily with a feather duster and microfibre cloth to remove dirt and debris that can wear down the floor’s finish. It is also recommended to mop your hardwood floors once or twice a week using a gentle cleaning mixture made from warm water and a few drops of castile liquid or dish soap.
Along with regular sweeping, dusting and mopping, scheduling deep cleaning of your hardwood floors at least once a year will keep them looking pristine. Deep cleaning is crucial as it tackles the accumulated dirt, dust, and grime that may have settled over time. Simply perform your usual cleaning ritual and apply a little extra elbow grease. Use a pH-neutral, wax-free, and petroleum-free cleaner, a microfibre cloth, and a soft toothbrush to get into all the nooks and crannies around the room.
You can keep your hardwood living room furniture looking good as new by polishing it at least once every six weeks. Opt for a polish specifically formulated for hardwood furniture and apply it sparingly with a cotton buffing cloth. Take the time to thoroughly buff your furniture, ensuring the removal of any excess polish which may result in stubborn residue that is tricky to remove. Allow the furniture to dry thoroughly before using it.
As careful as you may be, the occasional spilt drink is bound to occur. Due to the porous nature of hardwood, water can easily be absorbed, leading to staining, cupping and crowning. That said, you can avoid any potential damage by cleaning up accidental spills promptly. Suppose you spill something notorious for staining, such as coffee or red wine; along with addressing the issue quickly, you can prevent staining by applying a one-to-ten-part vinegar-water solution to the affected area with a microfibre cloth. Here are some more stain-removal tips for your hardwood items.
You should always avoid using harsh chemicals on your hardwood floors and furniture. Chemicals such as ammonia, bleach, and other abrasive substances can cause irreversible damage to the surface and finish of your hardwood items. Instead, opt for gentle and non-abrasive cleaning solutions specifically designed for wood surfaces or home-made alternatives made from mild dish soap diluted with water. Furthermore, you should never be tempted to steam clean your hardwood floors, as this may also result in damage.