Hardwood floors are a symbol of elegance and timeless beauty. They add warmth and sophistication to any space, but like all high-quality features in your home, they require regular care and attention to stay in pristine condition. The good news is that cleaning hardwood floors doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. With the right approach, you can keep them looking as gorgeous as the day they were installed.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best practices for maintaining your hardwood floors, including which cleaners to use, how often to clean, steps for proper maintenance, and when to seek professional help.
Key Takeaways
- Regular cleaning is essential for preventing dirt buildup and extending the life of your hardwood floors.
- Use pH-balanced, non-abrasive cleaners to protect hardwood finishes; avoid vinegar or ammonia-based products.
- Sweep daily in high-traffic areas and mop weekly with a damp microfiber mop to maintain shine.
- For deeper cleaning, consider using liquid scratch concealers or wood polish to revitalize your floors.
- Avoid excessive water and harsh scrubbers, and do not overwax to prevent damage.
- For tough stains or water damage, it’s best to seek professional help to restore the hardwood’s beauty.
Understanding hardwood Maintenance
Deciding to have a hardwood floor is a significant investment. Maintaining them rightly ensures that they stay intact for a long period of time. Regular cleaning is not just about appearance but also about extending the life of your flooring. If you don’t pay attention to it, the dirt and grime can cause damage to the wood’s finish. Thus, consistent care of hardwood floors prevents dirt buildup and extends the hardwood’s life.
What is the Best Kind of Floor Cleaner to Use?
There are several kinds of floor cleaners in the market. However, it is important to choose the right one for your hardwood refinishing, as choosing the wrong cleaner can cause irreversible damage to your hardwood floors.
You can even get in touch with flooring professionals for cleaning product recommendations. Use pH-balanced and non-abrasive cleaners which don’t affect the finish of the floors. If your floor is coated with the polyurethane finish, use a cleaner specifically labeled as safe for polyurethane.
How Often to Clean Hardwood Floors?
The frequency of cleaning hardwood floors depends on factors like the amount of foot traffic, types of finishes, and many other things. High-traffic areas like entryways, living rooms, and kitchens require sweeping every day to remove dirt and keep the scratches at bay.
Select the broom with soft bristles to avoid wood scratching. When it comes to mopping a hardwood floor, take a damp microfiber mop with a hardwood-friendly cleaner and mop the floor once a week. Deep cleaning is recommended every few months, followed by a dry mop.
Steps for Cleaning a Hardwood Floor
Now, let’s discuss the process of how to clean hardwood floors in a step-by-step manner.
Vacuuming
The first step in hardwood floor cleaning is vacuuming. No matter what kind of wood floor your home has, vacuum cleaning is necessary to remove dust or debris. Follow a regular cleaning routine that includes vacuuming once a week.
Use a “hard floor” setting as it raises the cleaner, deactivates the brush roll, and works only by suction. Always keep in mind to turn off the brush roll while vacuuming since it can scratch your floors.
Mopping
Mop the floor gently with the microfiber mop and a cleaner. Do it in the direction of the wood grain to avoid streaks. Microfiber cloths are said to be gentle and effective at cleaning dirt particles without soaking the floor. There are a few things you need to remember while mopping hardwood flooring. Wring most water out of the mop so that it is damp and not wet. Don’t leave any standing water on the floor, as it can negatively impact the floor and can damage it.
Dry the floor quickly by turning on the ceiling fan. Don’t use steam cleaning unless you use a steam mop specially designed for cleaning wood floors. Read about “Can hardwood floors be steam cleaned” to fetch more information.
Revitalize your floor
Pay attention to the occasional scratches on the floor. Use liquid scratch concealers matching the color of your floor’s finish. Restore the shine of your hardwood installation with wood floor polish and protectants. To revitalize the floors, use floor wax, but don’t overwax the floor.
Hard floor maintenance
The best way to keep hardwood floors maintained is with the help of the steps mentioned above. In addition, sand and refinish the flooring after every 10 years.
Protecting hardwood floors
Let’s talk about protecting the hardwood floors. Place a doormat at every entrance of your room so that whenever anybody enters it, they can wipe their feet before coming in. Place rugs in high-traffic areas. Also, rugs act as a protective barrier between furniture and the floor.
If you don’t want to place rugs, use furniture pads on furniture items like sofas and tables to protect the flooring from deep scratches. Whenever something spills on the floor, wipe it as soon as possible and then clean and dry the area to avoid stains.
What Should You Not Use to Clean Hardwood Floors?
Refrain from using products that claim to restore polish or luster. They are risky as they can cause a temporary and non-protective film on the floor, which can further lead to high maintenance costs in the future.
Also, avoid using the wrong materials like vinegar or ammonia-based cleaners, excessive water, abrasive scrubbers, or brushes, which can damage the beautiful finish.
Professional Help
There will be times after a few months or once or twice a year when you will need a deeper level of cleaning. That is where professionals can help you in the best way possible. They help you get rid of the stains which you can’t remove with regular cleaning. If your floors are facing the problem of discoloration or water damage, professionals are by your side.
When it comes to choosing a professional flooring company, research the ones that specialize in hardwood floor care. Check the reviews and make sure the service provider uses high-quality products and methods.
Conclusion
Cleaning hardwood floors is essential to maintaining their beauty and longevity. By following the proper steps, using the right products, and avoiding harmful cleaning methods, you can protect your investment and enjoy your floors for many years.For deeper cleaning or refinishing needs, don’t hesitate to call a professional to ensure the job is done correctly. MyNewFloor.com is here with all the professional help you require. We provide flooring services like carpet, vinyl, laminate, and hardwood to align with your home requirements. Our certified installers will work with you to curate the best flooring solutions you need. Contact us to know more. Ultimately, with regular care, your hardwood floors will continue to add warmth, elegance, and charm to your home.