In cold weather, special attention should be paid to the cleaning and maintenance of sports wood floors to prevent damage to the wood or reduced performance. Here are some suggestions:
1. Keep it dry
Cold weather is often accompanied by humidity, so it is important to keep the floor dry. Humidity can affect the stability of the wood floor and cause the wood to swell, crack or deform. To this end, the following measures can be taken:
· Use moisture-absorbing equipment: such as dehumidifiers, especially in enclosed spaces, to avoid moisture intrusion.
· Wipe water stains in time: If water or snow drips on the floor, wipe it immediately to prevent moisture from penetrating the wood floor.
2. Avoid excessive moisture when cleaning
When cleaning wooden floors, avoid using too much water. Overly wet mops may cause the floor to swell or damage.
· Use a slightly damp mop and keep the mop moderately moist.
· Choose a professional wooden floor cleaner: Avoid using cleaning fluids containing acidic or strongly alkaline ingredients, which may damage the surface of the floor.
3. Avoid drastic temperature changes
Cold weather often brings drastic changes in temperature, which may cause the wooden floor to shrink or swell. To avoid this:
· Maintain a steady temperature: Keep the temperature in your home consistent, ideally between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Sudden changes can cause the wood to expand or contract, which can lead to gaps or other damage.
· Avoid direct heat: Do not place radiators, heaters, or hot air vents directly on your wood flooring, as the heat can dry out the wood and cause it to crack.
4. Regular maintenance and repair
Cold weather can make your wood flooring more susceptible to wear and tear, especially in high-traffic areas. Regular maintenance is essential to protect the surface and ensure long-term durability.
· Refinish the floor as needed: If the surface is worn, you may need to refinish the floor with a new coat of protective coating, such as polyurethane. This helps protect the floor from moisture and physical damage.
· Apply a wood flooring oil: If your sports wood flooring uses an oil-based coating, you may need to reapply a protective coating to keep the wood moist and prevent cracking.
5. Clear debris
During cold weather, dust, sand, and other debris from the outside are easily brought in, which can cause wear and tear on the floor.
· Regular cleaning: Use a vacuum cleaner to sweep away dust and debris on the floor to prevent particles from wearing the floor surface.
· Use entrance mats: Place mats at the door to reduce the amount of mud, sand and snow water brought in from the outside.
6. Check the gaps in the floor
As the temperature changes, slight gaps may appear in the wood floor. Check and repair these gaps regularly to prevent moisture and debris from entering and affecting the overall structure of the floor.
· Check for gaps in the floor: In cold months, check the floor for any new gaps or cracks. If you notice them, you may need to use wood filler or consult a professional to solve the problem before it gets worse.
· Use a humidifier: If the indoor air is too dry, especially if the room is heated, consider using a humidifier to keep the moisture balance of the wood.
7. Avoid dragging heavy objects
Wooden floors are generally more fragile in cold weather, so avoid dragging heavy objects to prevent scratches or dents on the floor surface.
In cold weather, the key to maintaining sports wood floors is moisture-proof, avoiding drastic temperature changes, regular cleaning and oiling, and keeping them dry. Through these measures, the service life of the wooden floor can be effectively extended and its good performance in low temperature environments can be ensured.