Maintaining the natural beauty and longevity of hardwood floors is more than just regular sweeping and mopping—it also needs to be deep cleaned.
This page covers the importance of selecting the right cleaning solutions for hardwood floors, while offering insights and guidance to preserve the charm and durability of your flooring investment.
Use Non-abrasive Cleaners for Hardwood Floors
Keeping your hardwood floors beautiful for years to come starts with using the right cleaning products.
Harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners can dull the finish and even scratch the wood. Instead, use non-abrasive cleaners specifically designed for hardwood floors. These gentle formulas will remove dirt and grime without harming the delicate surface, leaving your floors sparkling clean and protected.
Products containing ammonia, vinegar, or bleach should be avoided, since they can cause permanent discoloration, staining, and even structural damage such as warping or swelling of the wood planks.
How to Clean Hardwood Floors Properly
Step 1: Prepare the Area
Remove any furniture, rugs, carpets, and other items from the area you plan to clean. Cover some furniture if needed.
Step 2: Dust and Sweep
Use a soft-bristled broom or a dust mop to gently sweep the floor. Sweeping removes surface dirt, dust, and pet hair that can scratch the wood’s surface. For the best results, sweep in the direction of the wood grain.
Step 3: Vacuum the Floor
Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove finer particles of dust and debris from the floor and in between the boards.
Step 4: Choose the Right Cleaner
Select a cleaner specifically designed for hardwood floors. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can damage the wood’s finish. Go for a mild, pH-neutral soap mixed with water, or consult the flooring manufacturer for recommendations.
Step 5: Test the Cleaner First
Test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area to make sure the cleaner won’t damage or discolor your hardwood floors.
Step 6: Mop the Floor
Dampen a mop with your cleaning solution. Mop the floor gently, following the grain of the wood. Rinse the mop frequently to avoid spreading dirt.
Step 7: Tackle Stubborn Stains
For stubborn stains or sticky spots, apply a small amount of cleaner directly to the area and gently rub with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid using abrasive pads, as they can scratch the finish.
Step 8: Dry the Floor
Use a clean, dry towel or cloth to wipe away any excess moisture.
Step 9: Restore Shine
You can use a hardwood floor polish or wax to add shine and protect the floor’s surface. Make sure it’s compatible with your floor’s finish.
Step 10: Replace Furniture and Rugs
Once the floor is completely dry, replace furniture and rugs. Consider using felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches and damage to the wood.
How Often Should You Clean Your Hardwood Floors?
The frequency at which you should clean your hardwood floors depends on the level of foot traffic they receive and the presence of pets, children, or other factors that may contribute to their wear and tear.
As a general guideline, consider the following cleaning routine to maintain the beauty and longevity of your hardwood floors:
1. Daily Maintenance: Sweep, dust, or use a microfiber mop daily to remove surface dirt, dust, and pet hair that can scratch the wood’s surface.
2. Weekly Cleaning: Once a week, vacuum the floors using a soft brush attachment to remove finer dust and debris that daily sweeping might miss.
3. Monthly Deep Cleaning: Use a wood floor cleaner once a month for a more thorough clean. Use a product specifically designed for hardwood floors to avoid damaging the finish. Apply the cleaner with a damp mop or cloth, following the grain of the wood.
4. Yearly Maintenance: Once a year, have a professional do a deep clean or maintenance coat to refresh the finish of your hardwood floors. This will help to repair minor damages and restore the floor’s natural beauty.
5. Polishing and Refinishing: Polish your floors every 2-4 months to maintain your floor’s glossy finish. This helps to fill in microscopic scratches and even out the floor’s protective surface. Hardwood floors should be refinished every 7-10 years to address deeper scratches and wear, depending on the level of traffic and damage.
Maintenance Tips for Hardwood Floors
Install felt pads under furniture legs
A straightforward yet effective way to safeguard your hardwood floors is to install felt pads under the legs of furniture. This can significantly reduce the risk of scratches and scuffs.
Control your home’s indoor humidity levels
Wood naturally responds to humidity changes by expanding or contracting, which can lead to warping or the formation of gaps. The use of humidifiers or dehumidifiers can help maintain a stable environment and protect your hardwood floors.
Enforce a no-shoe policy to minimize scratches
Shoes can carry dirt, grit, and other abrasive substances that can scratch the wood’s surface
Enforcing a no-shoe policy within your home is a simple but effective way to reduce scratches on hardwood floors. You also reduce the overall wear and tear, keeping your floors in pristine condition for a longer period of time.
Elevating Spaces with 50Floor
50Floor’s expertise is not just in providing high-quality flooring solutions but also in making sure that our clients are equipped with the knowledge on how to take care of their floors.
Partnering with us is a strategic move towards enhancing the aesthetic and functional value of your space. Let us be your guide to achieving and maintaining unparalleled excellence. Choose 50Floor, where every step is a step towards perfection.
