Care

No. Steam forces moisture under the finish and causes white marks, peeling, or swelling at board edges. Use a damp mop with a proper timber floor cleaner or just water wrung out tight. No steam mops, no vinegar, no bleach, no eucalyptus oil.

Sweep or vacuum with a soft brush head. Damp mop with Bona timber floor cleaner or plain water wrung out well. That's it. Don't wet-mop, don't use steam, don't use vinegar or household cleaners. They dull the finish.

A well-maintained floor with a quality water-based finish goes 7-10 years before needing a maintenance recoat. That's a light scuff and fresh topcoat, not a full sand. With dogs or heavy traffic, budget for 5-7 years. A full sand-back only happens every 15-20 years.

Wait at least 2 weeks, preferably 4. The finish needs to fully cure before you cover it. Use breathable-backed rugs only -- rubber-backed rugs trap moisture and can mark or discolour the finish. Move rugs around for the first 6 months so the floor ages evenly under UV.

Steam mops, vinegar, bleach, eucalyptus oil, ammonia, abrasive cleaners, wet Swiffers, or any 'miracle' cleaning product from social media. Plain water or a proper timber floor cleaner. That's it.

Moisture got under the coating. Usually from a steam mop, a spill left too long, or a leaking appliance. If it's surface-level, the marks sometimes fade as the moisture evaporates. If they don't, the affected area needs sanding and recoating.

Light scratches in the coating can sometimes be buffed out with a maintenance product. Deep scratches that go into the timber need sanding. If it's just one area, some contractors can spot-repair. Oil-finished floors are easier to spot-fix than poly.

All timber floors require regular sweeping, prompt spill cleanup, felt pads on furniture legs, and mopping with manufacturer-recommended products. Maintenance frequency varies by coating type and directly impacts long-term appearance. FSA Network floor sanders can provide a tailored maintenance plan for your specific floor finish.

For isolated superficial scratches, use a timber stain marker, colourfast texta, or artist's marker that matches the floor's stain colour, applied directly into the scratch. A superficial scratch may also be improved by washing or recoating. FSA Network floor sanders can assess whether your scratch needs simple touch-up or professional repair.

Yes, colour mistakes from repair markers can be lightened with methylated spirits if addressed quickly before the product sets. The key is to act fast and not let the marker dry completely. Floor Sanding Australia recommends testing colours on an inconspicuous area first.

Yes, polished timber can be susceptible to damage from heavy foot traffic, furniture, and stiletto heels regardless of species hardness. Even very hard Australian hardwoods can dent under concentrated point loads. Floor Sanding Australia recommends removing high heels at the door and using protective furniture pads to prevent indentation damage.

No, never apply chemical cleaners to recently installed floors. New coatings release volatiles for days or longer through outgassing, and coatings require 1-4 weeks for full cure. Water on isocyanate-hardener coatings can create a permanent milky haze in the form of polyurea. FSA Network floor sanders provide specific curing and cleaning instructions with every job.

Waterborne, UV-cured, oils, and hardwax oils are the most vulnerable coatings to cleaning chemicals. Solvent-borne polyurethanes are the safest for cleaning. Only prefinished UV-coated floors can be safely washed at installation. Floor Sanding Australia recommends always using your coating manufacturer's recommended cleaner.

No, a study of 44 commercial cleaners revealed that pH neutral does not guarantee safety for timber floor coatings. The best cleaners are those from coating manufacturers which contain mild detergents without aggressive solvents. Floor Sanding Australia warns against assuming any cleaner is safe based on pH claims alone.

Contractors should provide detailed maintenance instructions to property owners, check cleaner SDS for harmful ingredients, warn that some cleaners leave films that compromise recoatability, and recommend coating manufacturer cleaners. Consider stripping and rinsing before recoating if unknown cleaners were used. FSA Network floor sanders always provide comprehensive written care instructions with every completed floor.

Yes, some cleaners leave films on the floor surface that compromise recoatability, meaning future coats may not adhere properly. Consider stripping and rinsing the floor before recoating if unknown cleaners have been used. FSA Network floor sanders always assess existing floor surfaces for contaminants before recoating.

Covering floors during construction is an important topic documented by ATFA, as unprotected floors can suffer work damage from other trades including scratches, dents, spills, and moisture exposure. Proper protection saves costly repair or replacement later. FSA Network floor sanders recommend appropriate floor protection methods during construction projects.

Evaporative coolers add moisture to indoor air, which helps maintain higher internal humidity levels and prevents timber from drying out excessively. Along with cooking, plants, and showers, evaporative cooling contributes to a healthier moisture environment for timber floors in occupied homes. FSA Network floor sanders recommend maintaining balanced humidity to protect timber floor investment.

Use felt pads on all furniture legs, avoid dragging furniture across the floor, and consider protective mats under rolling chairs. Timber hardness varies by species, so indentation resistance depends on the specific timber used. FSA Network floor sanders recommend appropriate furniture protection measures for your specific timber species and coating type.

The best cleaners are those produced by the coating manufacturer, which contain mild detergents without aggressive solvents that could damage the finish. A study of 44 commercial cleaners found significant variation in safety, and pH neutral claims do not guarantee safety. FSA Network floor sanders always recommend the specific cleaner suited to your floor's coating system.

The Karcher BR40/10C is a scrubber/drier unit costing approximately $5,000 new that is used for professional floor polish and rejuvenation services. It can extend to cleaning tile, slate, and concrete floors as well as timber. FSA Network floor sanders use professional cleaning and rejuvenation equipment to restore floor appearance efficiently.

Yes, buffing machines with brush attachments are used for floor polish and rejuvenation services, particularly suited to prefinished engineered floors, floating floors, rental apartments, and commercial spaces requiring minimal downtime. FSA Network floor sanders offer professional buffing services as a cost-effective maintenance option.

Basic equipment includes buffing machines with brush attachments and wet/dry vacuums costing $40-$150. For larger-scale work, a Karcher BR40/10C scrubber/drier at approximately $5,000 new provides professional results with minimal downtime. FSA Network floor sanders have the professional equipment to deliver efficient floor rejuvenation services.

Yes, the scope of rejuvenation services can extend to tile, slate, and concrete floor cleaning using the same buffing and scrubber equipment. Maintaining a repair kit while cleaning allows efficient multi-surface maintenance. FSA Network floor sanders offer comprehensive floor maintenance services across multiple surface types.