To maintain your hardwood floors, it’s important to know how to clean them properly and choose the right products to prevent the finish from peeling or cracking. With the right techniques, you can balance regular maintenance with deep cleaning to ensure your floors look as good as the day they were installed.
Regular cleaning not only prevents dirt and dust from the surface but also prevents deeper damage over time. Choose the right type of mop to understand the benefits of a professional wood cleaner. The article will guide you through cleaning and maintaining your wood floors. So you can keep your `wood floor beautiful for years to come.
Read also: Hardwood floors vs unfinished hardwood floors
Tips to keep wood floors clean longer
Follow the given tips to clean the wood floor properly. These strategies should help in keeping your wood floor clean and in good condition.
- Remove Grit and Crumbs Daily
Mop, sweep, or vacuum daily to remove grit and dirt that can cause scratches and grime on the floor surface. When you see signs of wear, remove it immediately.
- Tackle Messes as They Happen
Don’t let dry dirt or wet dirt leave a stain on your wood floor for more than a few minutes. This is especially important for dirt, dark-colored foods, or liquids that may leave stains that are difficult to remove.
- Utilize your Dust Mop daily
During the process of cleaning the wood floor make sure to use a dust mop. Dust mop cleans all dust softly on the floor. Don’t use any type of harsh thing that can damage the wood floor.
- Vacuum every few days.
Depending on the traffic conditions in your home clean your hardwood floors every few days. The best vacuum for hardwood floors is a cart vacuum because it has long oval-shaped floor brushes that can reach tight spaces. If you have a straight model, turn off the rotating brush to prevent the brush from damaging the floor.
- Damp Mop with a Commercial Wood Floor Cleaner
If you’re having trouble keeping your floors free of sand and dust simply wet your mop with a commercial floor cleaning product once a month. Lightly dampen a microfiber mop with the cleaning product. If using a mop with a special spray or spray bottle, use plenty of detergent (about half a teaspoon per two square feet) to clean.
6. Wet mop when needed.
If you find dirt, grime, or food waste that you can’t wipe or clean, make sure it’s clean. For surface-treated floors, wet clean with Bona Clear Floor Cleaning Spray. Spray a small 3-foot by 3-foot area with the detergent and use a microfiber mop to remove loose dirt. Work on the entire floor, cleaning a small area at a time.
7. Spot clean promptly.
Clean up the cracks as they appear. If you allow moisture to dry on the floor, the surface will become dull and dirty. Always clean spills with a damp cloth. If you find an area that needs a quick touch-up, clean it with water – Dampen a paper towel and wipe it dry.
8. Sweep or dust your floors daily.
For quick and consistent care, use a brush or microfiber mop to remove dust, dirt, and grime that builds up throughout the day. This will help prevent floor damage.
9. Ventilate the room.
Ventilated or airy rooms are very important to protect the wood floor. Open windows to help the floor dry faster.
What you’ll need
- Equipment / Tools
- Mop with microfiber head
- Vacuum with a floor brush attachment
- Sponge
- Rag mop
- Soft cloth
- Materials
- Floor cleaning product
- Bleach
- Vinegar
- Dish detergent
- Vacuum
Make sure you have these materials on hand when cleaning hardwood floors.
Step-by-step instructions
1- Wet the Mop
Saturate a sponge or rag mop in the water, then wring it almost dry so it feels only slightly damp to the touch.
2- Damp Mop and Rinse
Damp-mop the floor, being careful to prevent standing water on the floor. If the cleaning product requires it, rinse the surface with a clean mop dampened in clean water.
3- Wipe Up Excess Liquid
Wipe up excess liquid immediately because standing water can damage wood surfaces. Use soft clothing or mop to wipe up the water.
4- Dry Floors
Keep your floor dry after cleaning the wood floor completely.
How often to clean your hardwood floors?
In general, a quick sweep and vacuum once a week can help keep dust and dirt from scratching the surface and making it look dull. But if you have a large parking space like the kitchen or the entrance, it will quickly touch the place in a few days and can go. For thorough cleaning, a simple cleaning with a wood-safe cleaner once a month, even busy households with children and pets may find it necessary to do this to avoid damaging the signs of the foot.
Do’s and Don’ts for Cleaning Hardwood Floor
Use a hardwood floor cleaning product recommended by your flooring manufacturer. But if your flooring isn’t new or you can’t consult the manufacturer, pick a product specifically made for cleaning wood floors.
This means the products are safe to use in homes with kids and pets. Otherwise, try the natural route with a homemade cleaning solution for your floors.
Don’t use ammonia or other types of floor or glass cleaners on hardwood floors. They will damage rather than clean the surface of your hardwood floors.
Conclusion
Caring for your wood floors is an investment that will pay off in beauty. By regular cleaning and maintenance, you can protect the surface from daily wear, damage, and harmful moisture, and ensure that your floors retain their color and smooth over time. Regular maintenance can avoid costly repairs or renovations and keep your space looking fresh and efficient. Whether you’re keeping up with the changing seasons, installing large parking spaces, or simply avoiding wear and tear, every step can help keep your hardwood floor looking its best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the best thing to use to clean wood floors?
White vinegar is considered by many to be the best homemade cleaner for wood floors. After diluting it with water, you can use it to clean almost every room of the house.
Q. Is vinegar good for wood floors?
Cleaning with vinegar and water is cheap, safe for the environment, and generally does a great job at cleaning many items in your home.
Q. How do you clean and shine hardwood floors naturally?
The combination of olive oil, hot water, and lemon juice is very effective in removing stains from the floor while leaving it rich and shiny.
