your guide to hardwood flooring care

Hardwood floors bring a natural and earthy look to any room they are installed in. They are strong and durable when properly cared for and can last for a very long time.

There’s a lot of debate surrounding how best to maintain them as almost everyone has their own strategy on how to care for hardwood flooring.

The following are some easy steps for how to care for hardwood flooring –

1. Sweep and dust daily

Sweep gently. Hardwood floors are susceptible to scratches from hard bristle brooms. It’s better to opt for a broom with fine and soft bristles altogether.

For the best result, dust wood floors with a mop, preferably one with a microfiber head. Also, it’d be great if the mop is treated with a dusting agent to pick up dirt, grime, and any other substance that might scratch the floor surface.

2. Vacuum regularly

A suitable schedule is weekly or bi-weekly at most. This is the most effective way to get rid of all the dirt and debris from the crevices of a wooden floor.

Additionally, vacuuming is superior to sweeping as it doesn’t just toss the dirt around, or into the nooks and crannies that are hard to reach, but rather sucks it out.

3. Mop the floors

Clean areas with high foot traffic with a damp mop about twice a month. Avoid using water, as water and wood are arch-enemies.

Use a damp mop as opposed to a dripping wet mop on a sealed wooden floor and be careful not to let moisture drip into any cracks in the floor. This could cause damage to the wood and promote the growth of bacteria.

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4. Clean with a recommended floor cleaner once a month

Be sure to consult with an expert before making your pick. Also, avoid those that contain ammonia or abrasives that could damage wood. Choosing the best cleaner will not only give your floor a deep clean but will also leave it looking glossy and neat.

Here are a few features to look out for when choosing a floor cleaner –

  • A good floor cleaner should be easy to spread and apply
  • It should dry quickly.
  • It shouldn’t require any equipment or complex application procedures. A mop or rag should be enough.

Pro– tip: Do not use floor cleaner on an unfinished floor or one that has been treated in wax.

Alternatives to floor cleaners

DIY recipes are available for just about anything. It’s common to hear people asking about such recipes for floor cleaners.

White vinegar works great here. It not only cleans floors but can also inhibit the growth of microbes. Simply dilute a bit of vinegar with lukewarm water and add a dash of your favorite essential oil…for the scent.

Another great alternative is boiling water and a teabag. Turns out tea contains tannic acid that can add to the shine of hardwood floors.

Getting rid of stains

This requires a bit more effort than simply mopping. However, avoid using sandpaper or harsh chemicals that might damage the floors.

Also, avoid using steel wool unless your floor is finished with soft oil. Here, you can use it to get rid of dark spots and heel marks. For oil-based stains, a soft cloth with detergent will suffice.

That’s our guide for how to care for hardwood flooring. Properly maintaining hardwood floors is a meticulous task, but the tips above should help you preserve the shine and prolong the life of every hardwood floor in your home.

At External link opens in new tab or windowAtlanta Floor One, we’re your friendly neighborhood floor installers and we can help you clean your hardwood floors. Our flooring services are top-notch as we’ve got the right skills and the right team. Reach out to External link opens in new tab or windowus now for more information by calling 404-578-0926.