In this guide we will show you step-by-step how to clean a hardwood floor.
Hardwood floors can add a beautiful and timeless touch to any home, but they do require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best. Pets, frequent foot traffic or spilled food and drinks can cause quite the headache for those who want to keep their floor clean. Lucky for you, cleaning a hardwood floor is pretty straightforward and doesn’t require a lot of time or material. We’ll show you how you can get the job done in no-time!
Products and Tools You Need:
- Hardwood floor cleaner
- Microfiber mop or soft cloth
- Bucket or easywring floor cleaning system
- Vacuum with a soft brush attachment
- Soft bristle broom
- Wood floor wax (optional)
How to Clean Hardwood Floors
Step 1: Remove Debris
To prevent scratching your hardwood floors, it is important to remove any loose debris before you clean them. Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment or a soft bristle broom to vacuum or sweep the floor. Be sure to pay special attention to the corners and edges of the room. These areas tend to collect more dirt and debris.
Step 2: Mix Cleaning Solution
The next step is to mix a small amount of hardwood floor cleaner with warm water. Use the manufacturer’s instructions for the exact amount. It’s advisable to avoid using harsh chemicals or soaps because they can strip the finish from your hardwood floors.
Step 3: Mop the Floors
Dip your mop or microfiber cloth into the cleaning solution. Wring out any excess liquid. Your mop or cloth must be damp but not wet as too much liquid can harm your floor’s sealant.
Start cleaning the floor and give any stains or dirty spots an extra pass. If your mop or cloth starts getting dirty, use a clean section or get a fresh one. Using a dirty mop can cause dirt or streaks to spread across the floor which will nullify any work you put into it.
Step 4: Dry the Floors
Next step is to dry the floor. This is important to prevent any water spots or damage to your hardwood floor. Use a clean, dry cloth or mop to wipe up the remaining water and moisture on the floor. If the floor is still damp after the first pass, repeat the process until the wood is completely dry. Wring out the mop or cloth when it starts to get wet or take a dry one altogether. Make sure you don’t miss a spot.
Step 5: Maintain Your Hardwood Floor (Optional)
When you’re done cleaning your floor, you can take some additional steps to repair and revitalize it:
- To remove scratches you can use a crayon in the same color as your wood floor and touch it up gently.
- To remove stains you should use a hardwood spot cleaner. First check whether your hardwood floor has a hard finish or not. If the stain has penetrated the wood, this is a good indication that your floor has a soft finish. Choose a hardwood spot cleaner that matches your type of floor.
- Older or high-traffic parts of your hardwood floor can get dull. Treating your floor with some floor wax is a great way to revitalize it.
Tips to Keep Your Floor Clean and Healthy Longer
- Use doormats. They will keep a lot of the dirt outside.
- Avoid dragging furniture across the floor.
- Don’t put houseplant pots directly on the hardwood floor.
- If you have pets, make sure their toenails are trimmed.
All done! Now enjoy the charm of your beautiful and clean hardwood floor.
FAQ:
Can I use water to clean my hardwood floors?
Yes you can. Keep in mind however that you don’t want too much water on your hardwood floor. Excessive water will cause damage to your sealant and leave stains. Use a damp cloth and dry the floor afterwards.
How often should I clean my hardwood floors?
It depends. If you have high-traffic on your floor you should regularly clean your floor, on a daily basis if possible. When you don’t have that much traffic and nobody is entering with a lot of dirt on their shoes, a weekly cleaning job should suffice.
Can I use wood floor wax on my hardwood floors?
Yes you can use wood floor wax on your hardwood floors. It can help your dull-looking floor to regain its shine and give it some added protection. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use it. Testing the wax beforehand is also a good idea. Apply the wax on a small area out of sight. If you’re happy with the result you can use it on the entire floor. This will ensure that it doesn’t cause any discoloration.
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