Bamboo Floor Maintenance Tips
Bamboo flooring has become very popular in the past few years. The ecologically friendly flooring is an investment that many homeowner are turning to in place of the traditional hardwood floors. Like any investment, there are certain steps that a homeowner can take to ensure the bamboo flooring maintains its appearance as long as possible.
Bamboo, like most wood floors, is susceptible to moisture damage. Cleaning spills and taking special care to leave no water on the surface of the floor is a major step in keeping the bamboo looking good. When mopping, it is best to use a dust mop to remove the dust and grime. A stiff bristled broom can be used to remove more stubborn dirt from the crevices of the floor. Wet mops should be avoided on the bamboo flooring. When it is necessary to mop the floor, wring the mop out thoroughly to prevent any extra water from being released onto the floor. Cleaning detergents should be checked to make sure that they are safe for hard wood floors before they are added to the mop water. Many detergents contain a waxing agent which will dull the color of the flooring and leave b3hind a filmy glaze.
Moisture damage to the floor may not only be a problem when it comes to cleaning. High humidity in the home can also lead to warping and separation of the boards at the joints. Using a dehumidifier in the home can help extend the life of the bamboo flooring.
While proper cleaning and climate control can decrease the risks of harming the bamboo flooring, there are a few problems areas in most homes that may require some extra precautions. Mats at the entryways will help alleviate some of the dirt that is brought into the home. Kitchens and bathrooms are especially prone to high traffic as well as spills and dirt. Placing area rugs or mats in spaces that are high traffic areas will ease the wear on the bamboo flooring.
Scratches and dings in the flooring may also pose a problem for bamboo flooring. Like any type of natural floor, bamboo is soft a easily damage by heavy object such as furniture. To prevent damage to the surface of the flooring, special protectors can be placed on the legs of the furniture to guard the floor from sharp edges. A good practices is to lift the furniture when moving it and avoiding any unnecessary sliding of heavy furniture across the surface of the floor.
Certain types of shoes may damage the flooring. High heels should be checked to make sure that they will not puncture of dent the flooring. Boots may cause dark scuffing across the floor. It is best to use precaution when walking across the floor in certain types of shoes. If scuff marks do appear on the floor, a damp cloth can be use to buff the marking off of the floors surface.
At some point in the lifespan of a bamboo floor, even the most cautious homeowner will notice the finish begin to dull. As with all polyurethane finished products, bamboo flooring will fade over the years. Homeowners should expect to have the floor refinished when the flooring begins to show wear. With proper maintenance, bamboo flooring will look beautiful for many years, and prove to be a valuable asset to any home.