Cleaning Hardwood Floors the Right Way – Smart Methods for Unblemished Beauty – Part One
Do you have hardwood flooring at home? Then it is important to look for ways to keep them clean at all times.
Hardwood floors are the centerpiece of your house, whether they were just placed or are more than 100 years old. To retain their looks, you should have a strong understanding on how to clean hardwood floors. This is not something that you can easily do. That’s because you should be careful not to cause any stains or scratches on your flooring. On top of that, you should also be mindful about water damage.
Thankfully, the task isn’t as hard as it seems. It’s simple to establish a routine that will keep your floors as clean as the rest of your house after you discover the finest hardwood cleaners and products for your particular flooring.
Your hardwood flooring requires special care
Historically, wood and water have not gotten along, which puts us in a bind when it comes to maintaining hardwood floors. Even freshly completed floors may deform or “cup” if they are oversaturated with water to the point where the water reaches the base of the board. Additionally, even minute grit particles dragged in on our shoes or a vacuum sweep may damage, dent, or discolor hardwood floors.
Investigate the kind of wood and finish you have first. Compared to oil-based coatings used in earlier houses, water-based finishes—like water-based polyurethane—are often more resistant to water. You may discover more about the distinct softness or hardness of wood variations as well as the more robust dyes and treatments when purchasing hardwood flooring.
Contact a nearby hardwood flooring contractor for advice if you’re unsure about the sort of wood used in your floors or the type of finish.
Figure out the right way to clean your hardwood flooring
First of all, there’s no need to stress about weekly cleaning or waxing of your hardwood floors. In actuality, depending on foot activity, you only need to thoroughly clean hardwood with a mop and cleaning solution every one to two months. Once a week or so, vacuum or use a dry mop to eliminate grit between major cleanings.
Getting ready to clean hardwood floors
As you get ready to clean your hardwood floors, identify the wood species, stain, and difficulty spots that need extra care. Is a chair leg, for instance, steadily leaving a scratch mark on the floor? Maybe there should be a water feature in the mudroom where the kids usually leave their boots to dry.
Pick a mild cleaning agent
Next, choose the mild cleaning agents and instruments for the task, several of which we’ve included below. Utilizing a non-abrasive, pH neutral cleaning solution with a gently wet string mop is the safest approach to remove stubborn filth and grime from your hardwood floors. As you clean hardwood flooring, it is important to stay away from certain things. They include:
- Using a soaking wet mop
- Using abrasive chemicals for cleaning
- Using steam cleaners
- Using bleach for cleaning
- Using window cleaning agents or ammonia
- Using brooms that have touch bristles
Test a little amount of a natural or professional cleaning product on a concealed area of your floor if you have any concerns.
The correct ways to clean hardwood flooring
Wet mopping and glass cleansers are among the procedures that you should never use while cleaning hardwood floors.
Despite its quirks, washing hardwood floors shouldn’t take as long as scrubbing tiles in the bathroom or kitchen. Once you get the hang of it, this process is rather simple since there aren’t as many thorough cleans overall.
Dry mop or sweep
Grit may build up on floors and adhere to your bare feet, as well as damage hardwood with time. At least twice a week, use a microfiber dry mop or soft-bristled broom to sweep away debris like pet hair and grit. Pay close attention to troublesome areas like the mudroom, entry halls, or foyers.
Vacuum
Although we do have a word of caution, vacuuming once or twice a week is a great alternative to sweeping or dry mopping. To make sure the wheels and brushes of your vacuum do not scratch your flooring, test it in a discrete location. Most of the time, a vacuum is not dangerous, but make sure the spinning brush function is off. A flat floor attachment with a soft, detachable cushion is also included with certain vacuums.
Using commercial grade hardwood floor cleaners
Keep it simple is a good rule of thumb when selecting a store-bought cleaner for hardwood floors. Your finest options are reputable products that promote the removal of dirt and residue. To protect your floors from damage and to prevent harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from spreading throughout your house, these alternatives often use natural oils and steer clear of harsh chemicals.
Even if a cleaning product seems to work on the first try, avoid using those that claim to “shine, wax, or enhance the color” of your floors. While harsh chemicals may have a short-term appealing appearance, over time they may damage the polish and even the patina of natural wood. On top of it, use the product as directed on the bottle while distilling and cleaning your floors.