How to Clean Hardwood Floors

Your hardwood floors are a treasured addition to your space. They add a level of elegance and increase property value.

However, hardwood floors are also challenging to keep clean. Issues like warping, scratches and stains are common when the floors are not properly cared for. How do you clean hardwood floors thoroughly without damaging them?

Why Proper Hardwood Floor Care Is Important

Your hardwood floors are subject to foot traffic, and they are exposed to everything from dust and dirt to pet hair, spills and more. Wood is a durable material that can continue looking amazing in your home over many decades if you take great care of it.

However, both the stain and the wood itself can be damaged. The stain, for example, can be scratched and worn off. The wood can become stained by ink, pet accidents, water exposure and more. When wood gets wet, it can also warp. When the wrong techniques are used to care for your hardwood floor, you could cause scratches, warping and other signs of damage.

Understanding Your Hardwood Floor Type

If you moved into a home that already has wood flooring in place, it’s important to learn about what kind of flooring it is.

Today, everything from ceramic tiles to luxury vinyl planks mimic the look of real hardwood floors. The care requirements for hardwood flooring differ from the requirements for other types of flooring.

What Is the Best Thing to Clean Hardwood Floors With?

If you have true hardwood floors, avoid using ammonia, vinegar, bleach and other harsh products on your floors. These can cause permanent damage.

Instead, choose a commercial hardwood floor cleaning product for deep cleaning. Remember that your wood floors should only be exposed to a very light amount of moisture when you clean them.

Daily Maintenance Tips

For rooms that do not get much use, the hardwood floors may only need weekly attention. However, if you have hardwood floors in your living room, family room, entryway or other high-traffic areas, daily maintenance is required.

Sweeping or Vacuuming to Prevent Dirt Buildup

People and pets track in small pieces of dirt and grime on a daily basis. You may not notice the filth immediately, but even small amounts of dirt can act as sandpaper under your feet when you walk. Even if you do not visibly see dirt on the floor, you should sweep or vacuum it frequently.

Best Practices for Spot Cleaning Spills and Stains Immediately

Spills should be cleaned as soon as you notice them. This will minimize the ability for the liquid to seep into the wood. Damage is particularly likely if the spilled substance is made with lemon juice or vinegar. Absorb as much of the stain as possible with a clean cloth or paper towel.

If needed, use a natural hardwood floor cleaning product. Unfortunately, some stains will be permanent. If this is the case, the stained board will need to be replaced.

How Often to Clean Based on Foot Traffic

In a home with kids and pets, vacuuming or sweeping your floor daily is advisable. This will help you to prevent dirt buildup.

If your home has light foot traffic and no pets, you may only need to sweep and vacuuming once or twice a week.

Weekly and Deep Cleaning Methods

In addition to responding to spills and sweeping or vacuuming the floor routinely, your floor requires additional attention weekly and for deep cleaning.

How to Mop Hardwood Floors Correctly Without Damaging Them

• Before mopping, remove all dirt by sweeping or vacuuming the floor.
• Pull together the supplies. These are a large bucket, natural liquid dish soap and olive oil.
• Fill the bucket with warm water and several drops of the dish soap. The olive oil is optional and can add a warm sheen to your floor. If you choose to use olive oil, add a few drops to the soapy water.
• Moisten a microfiber mop with the soapy water. Because excess moisture can damage the floor, wring out the mop so that it is lightly damp.
• Use the mop to clean small areas of the floor at a time.
• Before moving on to a new section, dry the wet area with a clean, dry mop.

DIY Cleaning Solutions

Thinking about using a DIY hardwood floor cleaner? These natural options make it simple to keep your wood floors looking beautiful without causing any damage.

Vinegar and Water

White vinegar is highly acidic, and this acid can damage your floors.

However, when vinegar is diluted with water, it could be safe to use. Make a solution with three parts water and one part vinegar. A few drops of essential oils can be added to improve the smell. You can also add a few droplets of olive oil or vegetable oil to give your floor a beautiful shine.

Before applying the cleaning solution over your floor, test a small, hidden area to check for damage. You should also read the manufacturer’s instructions.

Dish Soap Mix

You can also clean your hardwood floor with either a plant-based liquid soap or a standard liquid dish soap.

When using liquid dish soap, simply squeeze a few droplets into the vinegar and water solution described above. When using a plant-based liquid soap, mix one part soap, one part white vinegar and 10 parts water. If desired, essential oils can be added.

How Do You Deep Clean Dirty Hardwood Floors?

Periodically, your hardwood floors need to be deep cleaned. If you have a steamer mop, you can do this yourself. However, be aware that excess steam can damage hardwood flooring.

In addition, you should not steam clean engineered hardwood flooring. Before steam cleaning the floor, vacuum or sweep it to remove loose hair and dirt. Follow your machine’s instructions regarding filling the tank. Use a thick microfiber cloth on the steam cleaner’s head.

When steam cleaning a wood floor, always use light pressure, and avoid staying in one place too long as that could oversaturate the floor. Start steaming at the farthest end of the room. Use a sweeping motion as you work backward across the floor.

If necessary, rinse or change the pad as you work. Then, use a dry microfiber cloth to dry the floor. Another option is to hire a professional. A house cleaning service can deep clean your hardwood floors as part of a monthly or deep cleaning service.

Preventing Scratches and Damage

To prevent scratches and damage to your floor:

• Take off your shoes at the door.
• Use doormats at all exterior entry points.
• Use pads underneath your furniture
• Clean the floor regularly.
• Decorate with area rugs.
• Apply a protective wax coating periodically.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Your Hardwood Floors

While cleaning hardwood floors is relatively easy to do when you know the proper steps, some people make unfortunate mistakes that damage their floors. What should you not do when cleaning hardwood floors?

• Don’t forget to sweep or vacuum first.
• Don’t forget to test a discreet area of the floor with your cleaning product or solution before cleaning the entire floor.
• Don’t use excess moisture or steam.
• Don’t forget to dry the floor with a clean microfiber cloth after cleaning it.
• Don’t walk on the floor until it is completely dry.
• Don’t slide furniture across the floor.

If you are not confident in your ability to safely clean your hardwood floors or if you need extra hands to keep your home clean, help is available.

For trusted, high-quality maid service near me, look no further than Cleanzen. Our professional maids know how to safely clean your home, and we are available to work in your home soon.