Comprehensive Guide to Moisture Protection for Wood Flooring

1. Control Indoor Temperature and Humidity
   • Minimize the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors. During the transition from cold to warm weather, use heating sources such as heaters or electric ovens to warm the indoor space, ensuring that indoor temperatures are equal to or slightly higher than outdoor temperatures.
   • Avoid prolonged exposure of wood flooring to humid environments, such as bathrooms and kitchens. In these areas, it is recommended to use flooring materials with better waterproof properties and install door thresholds and mats to prevent moisture from being carried into other rooms.
2. Isolate Warm and Humid Airflows
   • Keep a close eye on weather changes. When the wind direction shifts from north to south, promptly close doors and windows, as well as closet and cabinet doors, to reduce the influx of warm and humid outdoor air.
   • Use dehumidification equipment, such as air conditioners with dehumidification functions or standalone dehumidifiers, during humid seasons or weather to lower indoor humidity.
3. Use Moisture-Absorbing Materials
   • Place moisture-absorbing substances like quicklime or coffee grounds indoors to absorb excess water vapor from the air, helping to maintain indoor dryness.
   • Large-leaf plants such as spider plants and sansevierias can also absorb excess moisture in the air, combining aesthetics with practicality.
4. Install Moisture-Proof Materials
   • Before laying wood flooring, install a layer of moisture-proof membrane on the ground to effectively isolate moisture infiltration from below. The seams of the moisture-proof membrane should be bonded with waterproof tape and extended a certain height along the walls to prevent moisture leakage into the floor.
   • For wood flooring installed using the joist method, desiccant can be placed between the joists to further enhance moisture protection.

1. Quickly Absorb Moisture
   • If only a small amount of water is spilled on the wood flooring and stays for a short period, simply wipe it dry with a dry cloth.
   • If the wood flooring is subjected to moderate water immersion, quickly absorb the surface water with a dry cloth and then use a vacuum cleaner to suction moisture from the seams between floorboards.
2. Use Cold Air or Air Conditioning for Dehumidification
   • For small areas of water immersion, use a hair dryer set to its cold air setting to dry the seams.
   • For larger areas of water immersion, after absorbing the surface water, tightly close doors and windows, set the air conditioning to its lowest temperature, and adjust the cooling time. Typically, the floor can be dried within a day.
3. Treat Mold Spots
   • If a few mold spots are found on the floor, mix mild bleach with water in a 1:3 ratio, dip a cloth in the mixture, and wipe the floor until the mold spots are removed. The bleach concentration should not be too high to avoid damaging the floor wax.
   • If mold has grown inside the floor, remove the affected floorboards and replace them with new ones to prevent infection of other intact floorboards.

1. Maintain Ventilation
   • Regularly open windows for ventilation to reduce indoor humidity, but be cautious about exposing wood flooring to direct sunlight or cold drafts for extended periods.
2. Regular Waxing
   • Wood flooring should be waxed every three to six months to maintain its gloss and waterproof properties. Before waxing, clean stains, then apply floor wax to the surface. After it dries slightly, polish it with a soft cloth until smooth and shiny.
3. Avoid Using Wet Mops
   • Do not clean wood flooring directly with water or use overly wet mops. During dry weather, you can slightly increase the mop's moisture content but still keep it slightly damp.
4. Attention to Heavy Object Placement
   • Avoid placing excessively heavy objects on wood flooring to prevent damage or deformation.

By adopting these measures, you can effectively prevent wood flooring from moisture damage, take correct actions when moisture damage occurs, and extend the lifespan of your wood flooring, maintaining the beauty and comfort of your home.