A hardwood floor can last for decades… if you clean it properly! Although hardwood is easy to clean, it can be easily damaged by cleaning products, scrubbing pads, and moisture! Give your floors the best treat! Here you’ll learn how to clean hardwood floors!
How do you clean dirty hardwood floors?
Manufacturers usually recommend removing dust and debris on a regular basis to keep the floor clean. However, dirt will build up eventually, and dusting won’t be enough.
Can you mop hardwood floors? In short, yes! Although many experts may advise against mopping hardwood floors, what you should avoid is wetting them! A slightly damped mop is an effective tool to clean a dirty hardwood floor. These are the steps!
First, choose a cleaner for your floor
The wood finish can react to cleaning products like bleach and ammonia. Popular natural products like white or apple cider vinegar are an option. However, vinegar’s acidic nature could do more harm than good to your floor.
For most types of wood finish, warm water with a few drops of castile soap (or dish soap) will work. However, if your floor has a wax coat, even soap could remove it! Read the manufacturer’s guidelines before using vinegar or any other product on your floor!
Once you find the perfect cleaner for your floor, it’s time to move on to the first step!
Step 1. Remove loose debris
Dust, crumbs, pet hairs, and debris accumulate quickly on a high-traffic floor. Use a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum cleaner with a hardwood attachment to remove the loose dirt!
Step 2. Dip the mop in the cleaning solution and wring it out
This step may sound easy, but it’s crucial! Excess water can damage your floor, so wring out the mop until it’s just slightly damp.
Tip:
Sponge mops or microfiber pad mops are perfect for cleaning hardwood. On the other hand, wringing a string cotton mop is a challenge! If you decide to use a string mop, a built-in wringer in the bucket can make the whole process less risky for your floor!
Step 3. Mop the floor
Work your floor in sections, following the grain direction! If you are using a string mop, make sure it is not soaking the hardwood surface! Wring it out again if necessary.
Right away after mopping an area, rinse and wring out your mop to give a final rinse to the floor.
Step 4. Spot clean tough stains with a microfiber cloth
If tough stains remain after mopping, use a soft microfiber cloth to clean them. Don’t use steel wools or any other harsh scrubber—elbow grease is enough!
Take care of all your wood appliances and fixtures [Infographic]
Many homeowners choose hardwood floors over other types of flooring because wood gives an earthy and warm feeling to the room. You can keep your hardwood floor and wooden furniture looking new and healthy for longer! Here are the best cleaning tips for wood.
Do you want to maintain your hardwood floor cleaner for longer?
Try a “no-shoes policy” inside your home! Shoes can carry soil into your floor. Also, you can protect the floor with well-placed rugs and mats. Leave them in the entryway, hallways, and high-traffic areas inside your home!
Let The Cleaning Force help you with the chores!
The Cleaning Force delivers high-quality and reliable cleaning services to Mckinney and its surroundings! We have the skill, the cleaning products, and the experience your home needs! Learn more about our residential cleaning services here!
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