Keeping Hardwood Floors Clean
Table of Contents
- How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors: A Step-by-Step Guide
- What About Stains? How to Remove Common Hardwood Floor Stains.
- Routine Care and Maintenance Tips for Hardwood Floors
- Frequently Asked Questions
Hardwood floors are always in style, now seemingly more so than ever. However, the ideal look for hardwood is polished and gleaming, not tired, trodden, and scratched.
While you probably don’t have the time to tackle a detailed floor cleaning more than once every week or so, you should give your hardwood some TLC throughout the week to keep it looking warm and welcoming.
Additionally, wood floors are not known for being cheap. To keep them around for a long time, you need to maintain them.
The following tips on cleaning hardwood floors can help you spruce up your home’s look during the school or work week.
How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors: A Step-by-Step Guide
Looking for an easy way to keep your hardwood floors looking their best? Cleaning your hardwood floor is easier than you think!
Follow these simple hardwood floor cleaning steps at least once a week:
- Step 1: Clear the Area. Remove rugs, mats, furniture (if possible), and obstacles from the floor.
- Step 2: Dry Mop Your Floors. Instead of sweeping, which can stir up dust, use a microfiber dust mop. Its electrostatic fibers trap dust, dirt, and pet hair effectively without scratching the surface. Move the microfiber dust mop in smooth, overlapping strokes. Need a microfiber mop? Check out a recommended microfiber mop on Amazon.
- Step 3: Vacuum Carefully (If Needed). If you prefer to vacuum, use a vacuum cleaner with a setting specifically designed for hardwood floors. This usually disables the beater bar or uses a soft brush attachment to prevent scratches. Vacuum in the direction of the wood grain.
- Step 4: Choose Your Cleaner Wisely. Choose a pH-neutral hardwood floor cleaner that's specifically formulated for your floor's finish. Avoid harsh chemicals, soaps, or excessive water.
- Step 5: Apply Cleaner (Lightly). Lightly mist the cleaner onto a section of the floor or apply it to your microfiber mop. The key here is to use as little liquid as possible to avoid saturation. Too much cleaner can damage your floors.
- Step 6: Wipe Clean. Wipe the floor with the damp microfiber mop, again following the direction of the wood grain. Work in sections, ensuring you don't leave any streaks or puddles.
- Step 7: Allow Your Floors to Dry. Let the floor air dry completely before replacing rugs or furniture.
Again, we recommend cleaning your hardwood floors once a week. If you have pets, you may want to consider cleaning hardwood floors as often as every other day.
Good news: It’s not a very time-consuming task, and it’s pretty easy, too
What About Stains? How to Remove Common Hardwood Floor Stains.
Accidents happen!
Here's how to tackle some common stains on your hardwood floors:
- Water Spots. Wipe up spills immediately with a dry cloth. For stubborn spots, try gently buffing with a soft cloth or using a cleaner specifically designed for water stains on wood.
- Grease or Oil. Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda on the stain to absorb the grease. Let it sit for a few hours, then gently sweep or vacuum it up. Clean any remaining residue with a diluted hardwood floor cleaner.
- Ink. Try blotting the stain with a clean cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol. Work from the outside of the stain inward. Follow up with a hardwood floor cleaner.
- Pet Accidents. Clean up immediately with a pet-specific cleaner designed for hardwood floors. These cleaners often contain enzymes to break down odors and prevent damage.
- Dark Scuff Marks. Often caused by rubber soles, these can sometimes be gently rubbed away with a clean tennis ball or a pencil eraser. You can also try a diluted hardwood floor cleaner.
Routine Care and Maintenance Tips for Hardwood Floors
Think of all the things you bring into your home on your shoes: Dirt, pebbles, pine straw, gravel…the list goes on. Now think about what these things can do to the shiny surface of your hardwood floor. You’re talking, scratches, scuff marks and chips in the polyurethane coating.
Here are several "routine hardwood floor" maintenance tips:
- Invest in a Floor Mat. Having a mat right inside the door can help trap debris before it reaches your hardwood. For the best results, your mat should be long enough to take two to three steps prior to reaching the actual wood flooring.
- Leave Shoes at the Door. Set a shoe rack by the door or take shoes off in the mudroom. If your shoes stay in the entryway, the dirt on the bottoms does, too.
- Spot Clean Spills Immediately. Clean any spills as soon as they happen with a soft, absorbent cloth. Prompt action prevents stains and water damage, which can be particularly harmful to hardwood.
- Control Humidity Levels. Maintain a consistent humidity level in your home. Excessive humidity can cause hardwood floors to warp or buckle over time. Consider using a humidifier or dehumidifier as needed.
- Use Furniture Pads. Place felt pads under the legs of all furniture, especially chairs and tables that are frequently moved. This prevents scratches and scuff marks on your hardwood surface. Here are some excellent non-slip, non-skid furniture pads available on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best vacuum for hardwood floors?
When it comes to the best vacuum for hardwood floors, there’s no magic brand that you need to run out and purchase. However, you should be mindful of the beater bar.
The beater bar is the part of the vacuum that’s covered in bristles and spins around. While this is great for stirring dust from the nap of carpeting, it can scratch the polyurethane coating on your hardwood floor or — even worse — damage the actual wood.
Fortunately, there are vacuum models that come without beater bars. There are also some vacuums that allow you to disable the bar so that it doesn’t spin as you’re cleaning hardwood floors. If your model doesn’t offer either of these features, you can also use an attachment that’s specially made for vacuuming hardwood floors.
Alternatively, you can use a vacuuming robot for cleaning hardwood floors if you’re into adorable techy gadgets. It might be wise to forego the mopping phase, though, as these little electronic cleaning critters often use more liquid than hardwood can handle.
Why shouldn't I sweep my hardwood floors?
Many people sweep their hardwood floors because that’s what they’ve always been taught to do.
The problem with sweeping wood floors is that it just kicks dust into the air. That dust will eventually settle right back down, meaning you’re really just spreading dirt and allergens around. As a result, sweeping wood floors can be a waste of time and energy.
Love Your Floors Longer: Simple Steps (or Let Us Help!)
So, there you have it – your guide to keeping those beautiful hardwood floors looking their absolute best! From quick weekly touch-ups to tackling stubborn stains, a little consistent effort goes a long way in preserving their warmth and shine for years to come.
Remember, healthy hardwood floors not only enhance your home's beauty but also contribute to a cleaner and more enjoyable living space.
If you're overwhelmed or want to ensure a truly deep and professional clean, reach out to your local Merry Maids for a little extra TLC. You (and your floors!) will thank you for it!
