Maintenance of Bamboo Floors

There are many options when choosing what type of flooring to go with. Many are choosing bamboo flooring because it is environmentally safe and made from natural resources. It is made from a fast growing grass that can be cultivated every 5-7 years. It may take trees, used to make hard-wood flooring, at least 15-100 years to be large enough for production. Bamboo is also very economical in comparison to other floor types. It can be installed, finished or unfinished. Normally, unfinished bamboo flooring is not covered under warranty because it doesn't have the protective chemicals applied. Sometimes, it is purchased unfinished to allow the consumer to apply their own personal touch in the finished appearance of the flooring in their home. Many flooring installers say the bamboo floor is much easier to install than other wood floors.

Maintaining bamboo flooring is crucial to preserve its natural beauty. These floors are some of the easiest to clean. Unfinished bamboo flooring can stain easily. Because of this, it will be important to wipe up spills quickly. Do this by using a damp cloth which may require some type of gentle cleansing product. Also, be sure to wipe with a clean dry cloth to remove any left over moisture. A broom or dust mop can help to remove dust. For mopping, a mixture of water and vinegar can be used. This can be done by mixing 1 part vinegar to 4 parts of water. Make sure that the mop is just moist enough to clean the floor because allowing the moisture to soak the floor can harm the bamboo. Do not use any strong, harsh cleansers on these floors. Wipe away any excess moisture quickly, so that the bamboo doesn't become stained. If it does become stained, a buffer or sander can be used to remove the stain.

It is important to remove any dirt, pet hair, dust, or other debris at least once a week. A vacuum with soft bristles is an easy way to remove the dirt. Using a dust mop daily helps avoid build-up of dirt on the flooring. It will prevent mud and dirt from being tracked in if rugs or mats are placed at every entrance. Also, it is important to note, no cleats or spiked shoes should be worn on the flooring. It is a good idea to place coasters under the legs of furniture to prevent indentations in the floor.

Light doesn't hurt the wood, but too much direct sunlight could. So, it is important to note any problem areas and take measures to ensure that this doesn't happen. If the floor's shine diminishes over time or stains do appear, sanding the floor and applying a protective coating may be necessary.

Bamboo flooring appeals to many because of its environmentally friendly nature. There are no toxic fumes from installation and the bamboo grass can grow back within a few short years. The production of normal wood flooring uses up so many trees and it can take hundreds of years for trees to grow large enough to use in production of wood flooring.