With the proper care and maintenance, a hardwood floor can go a long period of time without being refinished or needing varnish. Follow these 4 hardwood floor cleaning tips to keep your floors looking their best.
4 Hardwood Floor Cleaning Tips
Dust the floor with a mop.
The first step to a successful hardwood floor cleaning routine is to dust the flooring with a mop with a dusting agent once weekly. This will remove any pet hair, dust or dirt that can later scratch the surface of the floor. Never use a vacuum with a beater bar attachment but a brush or felt head or even a wand attachment. Try disposable electrostatic clothes. Save money by using both sides of the cloths.
Deep clean with wood cleaner.
Use a wood cleaner that is diluted according to the product’s specific instructions. Saturate a rag mop or sponge into the water, wring it almost dry and damp-mop the floor. Rinse the floor with a clean mop if the product requires it. Wipe up any excess liquid as standing water can lead to damage to hardwood floors.
Remove marks immediately.
Always wipe up spills or clean stains immediately. Wipe surface stains from the hardwood floor with a soft and clean cloth. Never use steel wool, harsh chemicals or sandpaper on this type of flooring. If the stain is on the surface, this means that your floor probably has a hard finish such as urethane. For oil-based stains, rub the floor with a soft cloth and dishwashing liquid to break down the grease. After removing the mark, rinse the area with clear water.
Protect your flooring.
“Use doormats at the front door to keep dirt from getting on the floor in the first place. Area rugs are also a great way to protect a wood floor’s finish. They will reduce the wear on the high-traffic zones. Choose ones without a vinyl or rubber backing as they trap humidity and can damage the wood or ruin the finish or stain on the hardwood floor,” said Barry O’Brien of Creative Construction & Remodeling, a Dallas, TX home remodeling service.
When looking for a professional hardwood floor service, opt for an experienced company such as 651 Carpets.