Mahogany wood flooring can be preserved much longer if care is taken to prevent grime from coming in contact with it. Shoes should be removed by entrances to the house because sand, dirt, and other grimy or hard objects can be tracked inside and scratch the floor. Wearing shoes indoors won't necessarily ruin a floor, but wiping shoes on a floor mat can help maintain a wood floor considerably. It's best to avoid sliding furniture or other heavy objects across mahogany wood flooring. Spills should be cleaned immediately to prevent absorption and swelling.
When used outdoors, mahogany wood flooring should be covered. Too much exposure to sunlight can weaken the finish and dry the wood, making it appear dull. A deck made from mahogany might best be converted into a ramada and covered with trees or bushes to protect it from the sun.
Mahogany wood flooring can warp under extreme conditions. When possible, the temperature and humidity of its environment should be regulated. There is little that can be done about this outdoors other than protecting the wood from the sun. When used indoors, a humidifier may be a worthwhile investment during dry months, especially in homes where heat or air conditioning is used often.
Cleaning mahogany wood flooring can take some time, but it's not a complex process. Sweeping with a soft broom should be the first step, and then the floor can be vacuumed to get dirt that either didn't get caught during sweeping or that fell between the panels. To clean sticky or grimy areas that don't submit easily, it's best to refer to the floor's manufacturer for cleaning products that won't harm the wood or its finish. These products will vary between manufacturers depending on the type of finish used.
Mahogany floors shouldn't be mopped with a lot of water. It is best to use a slightly damp mop or cloth and dry the floor immediately afterward with a dry mop. The floor should be cleaned with product at least once a month and swept and vacuumed at least once a week.
It is best to refer to the floor's manufacturer for a good product to use when refinishing mahogany wood flooring. The choice is generally between water-based and oil-based sealants. Both have certain advantages and provide different kinds of resistance. Water based sealants are more environmentally friendly and provide better ultraviolet protection, while oil based sealants dry more quickly and are more moisture-resistant. Before a floor is sealed, it should be sanded lightly and then cleaned.
