Replacing and maintaining wooden sports floors is a major investment for sports centers. To protect and maintain the durability of the floor, proper care is required. However, there are many misconceptions about wooden floor maintenance, leading some to overdo it, while others do not do enough. It is important to understand the daily and annual maintenance requirements to keep the floor in the best condition.
I. Daily Care
Dirt and sand often settle on wooden floors overnight, whether the floor is used or not. When people walk over the floor in the morning, these dust particles can wear down the surface of the floor, similar to the effect of sandpaper. Therefore, it is recommended to sweep the floor at least once a day with a dry dust mop, even when there is no activity on the floor. If the floor is used a lot, dusting can be done up to three times a day.
If the floor is covered with dirt or dust, additional cleaning solutions may be needed. However, it is important to note that the solution must be diluted and compatible with the floor finish. Using the wrong solution can strip the floor of its shine and make it slippery, which can be dangerous.
II. Notes on using cleaning agents
Do not rely on cleaning staff or cleaning companies to know exactly which cleaning solution is suitable for wood floors. To protect the floor surface, call the floor installer and ask them to provide the recommended cleaning solution. This information should then be shared with those responsible for cleaning the floor.
Some notes on daily floor care:
Use a soft cloth to wipe up spilled liquids.
Place an ice pack on the gum until it becomes hard and easy to peel off.
If there are black stains, use a soft cloth soaked in an approved cleaning solution to wipe gently.
Never use a rough-textured cloth to clean the floor.
III. Long-term care and maintenance
To maintain the shine and protect the floor surface, it is recommended to re-polish annually. This process is called "screen and recoat", which means applying a new finish to keep the floor surface beautiful and limit scratches. This annual maintenance helps prolong the life of the floor, saving on long-term maintenance costs.
After about 8-10 years, the floor needs to be completely polished and re-painted. This process includes completely removing the old paint, sanding the floor until the original wood is exposed, then painting and applying a new finish.
IV. Tips for caring for wooden floors
Due to changes in humidity in the environment, wooden floors can shrink or swell over time. This requires the use of an air conditioning system to maintain the appropriate humidity, preventing the floor from deforming.
Floor protection measures:
Use doormats at entrances to prevent dirt and moisture from entering.
Check the mats regularly to avoid moisture build-up underneath.
Insulate pipes and drainage systems to prevent condensation causing damp.
V. Important notes
Never apply tape directly to finished wood floors.
Avoid turning off the ventilation system for long periods of time.
Do not use household cleaning products on wood floors.
Never use an automatic floor scrubber on wood floors as it can cause mold.
By following these maintenance procedures, your wood floors will always be beautiful and safe for users for a long time. Hoang Ha IBT Group is always ready to advise and provide quality wood flooring products and professional maintenance services to best protect your sports floor.
