How To Clean Hardwood Floors

Most of us love the look and appeal of hardwood floors; with their beauty, practicality and ease in cleaning. However, to keep a hardwood floor clean, effective measures need to be taken to ensure that the quality of the floors remain attractive and practical.

But, how to clean hardwood floors without causing harm to the floor and ensuring that the job is done right?

Here is a list of supplies to show you how to clean hardwood floors:

• Dust mop
• Broom
• Vacuum cleaner
• Pale with a mild cleaning solution
• Dry mop or towels
• Buffer
• Pads to put under furniture
• Several area rugs

To keep your hardwood floors beautiful and in good shape be sure to place mats at entrances and exits and also any areas where water may accumulate or splash—such as a kitchen or bathroom sink. Also, keep a good broom handy and sweep your hardwood floors on a regular basis. This will help to keep dirt, dust and other small particles off of your hardwood floors.In addition, a vacuum cleaner—one that doesn’t have a beater bar, can also help pick up articles that sometimes get in planks and other areas that are difficult to reach.

Floors that have a urethane finish do not need to be waxed and when cleaning them, it is advised to use cleaners that will not leave a residue or film on the finish. It is also advised to never use ammonia cleaners or oil soaps on a hardwood floor because the contents inside of them will dull the finish and the performance of your floor. Keep in mind also that since water expands wood, never use a wet mop or a large amount of water when cleaning your floor.

Before cleaning your hardwood floors, begin by dusting them off. This can be done effectively by using a broom, vacuum cleaner or dust mop. Then, use a solution of white vinegar—a half cup to a gallon of water. The water should be lukewarm.

Using the mop, mop the entire hardwood floor area. Give special note to areas that are high traffic areas; areas where there is more dirt. When cleaning the floors be sure that the floors are not soaked with water because too much water can harm the floors. Only use enough water to mop the floors. Once you are done cleaning, then dry the floors with a dry mop or towels.

This process of cleaning the hardwood floors should be done twice a month. Cleaning too often will dull the luster of the wood, so be careful not to overdo.

If you notice that your hardwood floors are looking more worn than normal, you may want to screen and then recoat. If; however, you notice that there is severe damage to your floors, you may want to sand and refinish. This process should only be done if screening and recoating does not work. This is a comprehensive process and should be considered as a last resort. A professional is needed for this process.

To keep your hardwood floors clean and attractive, there are some tips that will help keep them in optimal condition such as limiting exposure to direct sunlight, rotating area rugs and furniture, covering furniture and table legs with protectors, being careful with shoes that scratch and pets that drag in dirt and claws that scratch.

In addition, it is recommended that two to three times a year, hardwood floors should be cleaned by using a neutral-pH cleaning product; a cleaning product that is made particularly for wood floors so that grease and dirt can be cleaned effectively. Always make sure to never use ammonia or products that have ammonia in them because they will dull the finish and change the color of the wood.

Buffing a hardwood floor should only be done with floors that have a wax finish and done only once or twice a year. However, spot buffing can be done when needed; especially in high traffic areas.

To conclude, cleaning hardwood floors doesn't have to be an impossible and time-consuming job. By following a few simple guidelines you can keep your hardwood floors beautiful, clean and a joy to behold.