Saturdays call for some deep cleaning. But it’s not as simple as doing the dishes, it’s time to get down and dirty with some deep grime removal. It may feel overwhelming but with some good jams and a few tricks up your sleeve, cleaning your hardwood has never been easier when it comes to your hardwood flooring maintenance.
Hardwood Flooring Maintenance: Why Even Bother?
Why bother with hardwood flooring maintenance in the first place? It’s more than just for aesthetic reasons— keeping your hardwood floors clean can help you avoid costly repair bills and frustrating discoloration/staining in the future. Plus, a quality hardwood floor adds value to your home, so making sure that yours looks its best is good sense.
5 Best Practices
When cleaning your hardwood, there are some must-dos and some no-nos. Let’s get started with the basics. With these ideas in hand, you’ll be able to keep your hardwood in peak condition for years:
Vacuum and Sweep
The first step to cleaning your hardwood floors is to vacuum or sweep them regularly, getting rid of any dirt, dust, or pet hair that may have accumulated during the week. Because small sand particles may scratch your floor leaving it worse than you found it, dust pads are a crucial tool for doorways. Typically applied to the door jamb, they reduce the dirt and sand tracked into your house that typically latches onto the bottom of your shoes. Due to this phenomenon, it’s best to leave the shoes by the door when you get home and slip on some comfy house shoes to walk around in.
Use the Proper Cleaning Solutions
When it comes to cleaning hardwood floors, you want to use a cleaning solution that is specifically designed for your floor type and won’t strip away its protective finish. Just as you wouldn’t use shampoo to wash your hands, using window cleaner on hardwood is not only incorrect, but it can also do serious damage to your flooring.
For good hardwood flooring maintenance, you will want to make sure you find a plain hardwood floor cleaner that works for your specific hardwood, not against it. Make sure to avoid using waxes, rejuvenators, and applying finishes unless you’ve enlisted the help of a professional. You’ll want to call them every few years when a clear coat of finish can be applied to replenish the finish layer of your hardwood.
Mop Carefully
If you have sticky areas where a dry sweep won’t do the trick, spot cleaning is a great option. But if it comes down to cleaning the whole floor, you’ll want to take out the handy mop every couple of weeks as your last resort. When mopping, make sure to use a damp mop, not a wet one. This goes for the amount of cleaners applied as well—the wetness of the mop should be barely noticeable, and the floor should seem dry. Excessive mopping will wear down the finish layer much faster and reduce its normal finish life.
If you notice there is damage, it’s important to get it checked out as early as possible before the problem can get worse. And if you’re worried about water damage on your hardwood, check around your sink and fridge to ensure that all your pipes and hoses are in good condition.
Use Soft Cloths
Always use soft, non-abrasive cloths when cleaning your hardwood floors. Abrasive materials can scratch the finish and cause blemishes that need to be sanded down or completely replaced. One of the best ways to protect your flooring is to use a microfiber cloth when mopping.
Keep Your Maintenance Up to Par
As soon as you notice a spill, clean it up right away—this hardwood flooring maintenance tip is not one to overlook. By cleaning up spills quickly you will prevent any staining or damage to the floor and keep your hardwood looking its best for years to come. If you have a pet, ensure their nails are kept rounded so they don’t leave scratches that become bigger damages over time.
Better Hardwood, Better Resale
Every homeowner wants one thing: to sell their home for more than they bought it for. Luckily for you, following these tips will help you do just that. Hardwood is full of character and brings every room to life. By simply doing some routine floor maintenance, you’ll keep your hardwood in tip-top shape and create a home that is perfect for resale.
Keep Your Hardwood in Pristine Shape With Atlanta Floor One
If you feel your hardwood flooring maintenance is in need of some reviving or even just need tips on what cleaners to use on your hardwood, Atlanta Floor One can help. With over 20 years of business experience, we know how to make your floors get back to their prime condition. Contact us for a free estimate today.