The Dos and Don’ts of Cleaning Hardwood Floors

A person mopping a wooden floor

Hardwood floors add a warm finish to any home or business, which is why we must take proper care of them to ensure they last.

However, it’s easy to assume that all hardwood floors are the same. You may think that you can treat them like other floors, such as vinyl or laminate options. Let’s examine the dos and don’ts of cleaning hardwood floors so that you can clean them adequately on a routine basis.

Do Wipe Spills Right Away

Life happens. Dogs come in from the rain and leave wet pawprints throughout the house. We may get distracted and spill a glass of water.

However, while the water stains might dry up on their own, you should avoid this because water can severely damage your hardwood flooring. Even if you drop an ice cube on the floor, be sure to wipe the area immediately to avoid water damage.

Additionally, non-water liquids can leave a sticky residue on the hardwood, making the stains more noticeable and grimier to walk on.

Don’t Use Oils

Oils can cause your hardwood flooring to become as slippery as an ice rank and dangerous for other residents. Furthermore, specific oils might dull the hardwood’s finish, damaging it over time as the floor loses protection against daily use.

If you’re looking to shine your floors, simply removing the dirt and grime will return the hardwood flooring to its original state.

Do Use a Microfiber Cloth

Sometimes, if we leave dirt to sit on our hardwood floors for a bit too long, it can stick to the surface. When this happens, it’s time to give the floor a solid cleaning.

If you choose to mop your floor, try using a Swiffer or something that contains a microfiber cloth. Wet mops hold too much water, which can damage your flooring if you don’t wring them out enough.

Using dry materials allows you to efficiently clean your hardwood flooring without adding copious amounts of water to the floor.

Don’t Use DIY Cleaning Products

Many homeowners enjoy using DIY cleaning solutions made of vinegar, baking soda, dish soap, and lemon.

However, these products can harm your hardwood flooring by stripping the surface of its original seal, setting it up for easy damage in the future. Be sure to use a floor-cleaning product for hardwood floors or opt for plain soap and water.

If you want to ensure you clean your hardwood properly, try hiring a maid cleaning service that will use the right products, techniques, and equipment to cleanse your floors.

When you’re ready to clean your home, be sure to keep these dos and don’ts of cleaning hardwood floors in mind to reduce damage and increase cleanliness!

The post The Dos and Don’ts of Cleaning Hardwood Floors appeared first on Professional Home Cleaning, LLC.

Tags :