How To Clean Hardwood Floors Like A Pro

Hardwood floors are one of the most versatile flooring types. They have the appearance and durability you want with the design options you need to fit your style. But what about all that dirt and dust that gets ground into the wood? In order to maintain their beauty and protect them from foot traffic, you will need a vacuum cleaner with strong suction along with a mop or sponge to help dry up spills. Proper care and maintenance are essential in cleaning and replacing hardwood floors to ensure they remain resilient for years on end.

Methods To Clean and Maintain Your Floors

1. Sweep

To get started, use a broom to sweep up dust and pet hair. Next, use a lint roller to collect pet hair that has fallen onto the floor and get rid of other forms of debris that may be stuck on or in between the boards. Then use a broom and dustpan to remove any remaining dust.

2. Vaccum

Sweeping will get rid of most dust and dirt, but there will still be some small pieces that can get stuck between the floorboards. You can use a vacuum cleaner with strong suction to blast them out. Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to pick these up. If you have hardwood planks, use the hand tool to help you vacuum in between boards and underneath furniture.

3. Mop with a damp clean cloth

You can also mop the floor with a damp clean cloth as an alternative to using a vacuum. Make sure to use a microfiber cloth that will lift dirt and debris away from the floor instead of smearing it around. To clean with a damp cloth, start by spraying water on the floor to wet it down. Then, add some dish soap or other detergent and rub the section of the floor you want to wash in a circular motion.

Ways To Avoid Major Damage

Hardwood floors are very delicate and need special care. It would be best to be careful not to damage them when you clean and maintain your floors. These five ways will help you avoid major damage you won’t like to see on your hardwood floors.

1. Don’t scrub the floor with a brush

It would be best to use a gentle and soft tool to clean your hardwood floor. You can use a cloth to remove any dirt, but overzealous scrubbing will leave scratches on the floor. To avoid this, you should use a soft-bristled brush or a soft nylon brush that won’t damage the surface of the wood.

2. Don’t use harsh chemicals

You shouldn’t use harsh chemicals or other abrasive products to clean your hardwood floors. Be sure to use an environmentally friendly cleaner that will still get the job done. Some of the best products for cleaning hardwood floors include white vinegar and dilute ammonia.

3. Don’t ignore wet or sticky spills

You want to make sure that you clean up sticky spills immediately. If the spill is not completely dry, it will leave a stain on your floor and won’t wash away until you get rid of the water on the floor. You also want to avoid using too much water when cleaning up a spill on your hardwood floors because this can put additional moisture into the wood and cause rot or mold issues.

4. No steam cleaning

Don’t ever use harsh chemicals or steam cleaners on your hardwood floors. You can damage the surface of the wood. Steaming the floors will only force dirt and other contaminants deep into the wood.

5. Don’t use heavy equipment

Some people don’t realize how delicate hardwood floors are. They will use a heavy-duty vacuum, mop, or steam machine to try and clean it, but this can cause more damage to the flooring. You need to use something that won’t damage the surface of the wood. A soft-bristled brush and water with a little dish soap are all you need to keep your hardwood floor as nice as possible.

Products That Make Wood Floors Shine

When buying cleaning products for your hardwood floors, these are the components to look for, so you can make the wood look its best.

1. Solvents

Solvents dissolve greasy and oily soil. Some of the best solvents will make wood floors sparkle. Products containing solvents will keep wood floors clean and protected from spills.

2. Detergents and Surfactants

Surfactants clean by emulsifying soils and oils, making them easier to remove in the rinse water. A detergent is any product that cleans using surfactant action, including soaps, detergents, and solvents.

3. Oxidizers

Oxidizers, such as chlorine bleach, help fight stains. They are commonly used in cleaning products to remove stains. Some of the best wood floor cleaners include products that have an oxidizer. It can be a bleaching agent, for example, hydrogen peroxide or a quaternary ammonium compound.

4. Citric Acid

Citric acid, a natural acid, is used as a mild cleanser. It is gentle on hardwood floors and very effective at removing soil from the surface. Products with citric acid are often used as wood floor cleaners. They are safe to use and work very well in cleaning hardwood floors.

In conclusion, hardwood floors can be a great investment. They add value to your home, and if you take proper care of them, they can last for many years. You need to use a special cleaner and detergent to keep them looking as good as possible. Remember that you need to use a soft-bristled brush or a microfiber cloth when cleaning up spills. Don’t ever use harsh chemicals on your wood floors. They can damage the wood, causing unsightly stains and scratches.

In need professional cleaning services in Denver area? At Cleanzen, we pride ourselves in providing the best results in our services. Hardwood floors require a certain degree of care, but you can avoid problems and have a beautifully clean floor with the correct cleaning products. Our professional cleaning team will ensure your floors and entire home are cleaned properly, leaving behind a stunning and polished look. If you have any questions about what we do in terms of cleaning, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.