Why Does My Bamboo Floor Look Dull?
Why does my bamboo floor look dull? Over time, your bamboo flooring might start to look dull, losing its shine. Don’t worry if this is the situation you find yourself in! I’ve learnt the best ways to protect bamboo floors and to bring them back to life after they start looking dull. Today, I’ll explain what can make bamboo floors look dull, and how to fix, clean and protect them.
Contents
- The different types of bamboo flooring
- What causes bamboo floors to look dull?
- How to clean bamboo floors
- How to protect bamboo floors
- Bamboo flooring – fun facts
Bamboo is durable and abundant – just two of the reasons it makes such great flooring. This flooring material has been popular in Asia for thousands of years, and became an international trend in the early 1990s. On top of this, bamboo is a sustainable flooring option.
The Different Types of Bamboo Flooring
It might surprise you to learn that there’s more than one type of bamboo flooring. And, it’s important to look into if you’re installing bamboo floors, as some times are more likely to scratch and mark than others. Bamboo is manufactured three different ways. Shredding the stalks into little strands and compressing them into sheets with resin binders and heat creates what is known as premium stranded bamboo.
Another option is horizontal bamboo which is produced by gluing thin strips of bamboo into planks. This results in the bamboo having a visible grain. Horizontal bamboo is not as strong as stranded, but both types come in nailed down planks as well as floating floors.
The third type of bamboo is engineered, meaning that a thin layer of the woody grass is attached onto medium density fiberboard core or plywood. It’s similar to engineered hardwood in that the panels click-lock over a foam underlay. This is the least expensive but also most likely to scratch. It can’t be refinished, either.
Bamboo’s natural color is blonde or amber, but it can be carbonized (using high temperatures) into darker colors. Keep in mind that carbonizing softens the bamboo, making it more vulnerable to scratches and dents. So, natural bamboo floors are going to be better if you want floors that stay looking their best.
Why Does My Bamboo Floor Look Dull?
There are a number of different things that can cause bamboo floors to start looking dull and worn. But, bear in mind that the type and quality of your bamboo flooring can also play a part. As we now know, the color and type of bamboo you get can impact how fast marks appear. Here are some of the most common reasons bamboo flooring can lose its shine:
- Wax or floor cleaner accumulation
- Daily wear and tear
- Using the wrong cleaning products
Bamboo is sensitive to excessive water, so you should never steam or wet mop bamboo floors. Strong cleaning products corrode bamboo, so always use pH balanced cleaners. Don’t use wax-based products, oil soap, bleaches or ammonia-based products. Some bamboo specialists advocate mixing one part vinegar to four parts warm water and trying it out with a damp sponge on a small area of the floor before continuing to use it. However, darker wood may not respond as well as lighter wood to the vinegar-water solution.
How to Clean Bamboo Floors
There’s plenty you can do to bring some new life into dull bamboo floors. Whether your bamboo floors are just dirty, or are completely discolored, here are some steps to take. For discolored bamboo flooring you can sand it down and paint on a new sealing coat—unless you have engineered flooring, which isn’t as durable or as restorable.
Daily sweeping or vacuuming and mopping with a damp rag is the best way to clean up dull bamboo flooring. Alternatively, use a dry microfiber mop or microfiber dust mop daily. You can also achieve a deeper clean each month with a hardwood floor cleaner. Choose a pH neutral option, like Pine Sol. Some more of my favorite bamboo floor cleaners are Bona Bamboo Floor Cleaner, Morning Star Bamboo Flooring Cleaner, and Bam Brite Bamboo Floor Cleaners.
How to Protect Bamboo Floors
As well as proper cleaning, there’s a lot you can do to protect bamboo floors and prevent dullness in the first place. Too much exposure to the sun affects bamboo. As an organic material, its color will change if it is bombarded by sun constantly, so let down your blinds/shades or close the curtains. In addition, water accumulation can lead to mold.
Be sure to keep fresh furniture pads on your chair legs, tables legs and other furniture. Another trick is to put down a few area rugs and doormats to entice visitors to remove their shoes. The objective is to remove all dirt, dust and grime daily so that they don’t create little scratches. Keep your humidity level between 40 and 60 percent by purchasing a hygrometer to check it. Your house temperature should be between 16 to 26 degrees celsius.
Bamboo Flooring – Fun Facts
Bamboo grows rapidly and matures in five or six years. It even replants itself—making it extremely sustainable. Bamboo continues to grow after it is cut and doesn’t even need much water. In comparison, trees can take a decade to mature. Bamboo produces 15 times more material than traditional trees and can be re-harvested continually every three years with no damage to the surrounding environment.
Bamboo is not a wood, but rather a woody grass that can actually be much stronger than wood. It is also somewhat water resistant, but don’t let water pool on it. It doesn’t do well in climates where humidity levels fluctuate dramatically. Bamboo absorbs humidity and shrinks when the air gets drier and can separate. Fortunately, before installation of the floor, bamboo can be acclimated to avoid distortion and gaps.
Why Does My Bamboo Floor Look Dull?
Bamboo flooring is becoming increasingly popular. But, it can need special care and attention to stop it from looking dull and affecting your home’s overall appearance. Daily cleaning is a great way to keep your flooring glossy and fresh. But, you can also follow my steps to protect your floors from scratches and marks before you get to a dull stage! Have you got any other bamboo floor care tips?
