How can you clean your hardwood flooring efficiently? With these are quality tips, you’ll know how to keep your flooring immaculate. In addition, if you’re eco-friendly and try to only use natural products, then stay tuned for our following blog that will cover cleaning hardwood with natural products.
This blog is an overview for cleaning your hardwood flooring for anyone who wants to keep up with the maintenance of their floors. When it comes to cleaning hardwood, there are dos and don’ts and if you don’t follow them, then you could be looking at hardwood flooring that’s less than perfect.
Sweeping
Sweeping is a great way to make any floor immaculate. We strongly encourage you to sweep and dust your flooring. However, there are certain areas that need to be treated differently. For instance, if you really want to vacuum instead of sweeping and dusting, then you should try using an electric broom or a hardwood-friendly vacuum. If you don’t have one, then you’ll want to use the devices off the vacuum and only get in between the crevices of the planks or in the corner of the room instead of vacuuming like your normally would. In addition, disposable dust clothes and soft microfiber pads for dusting are ideal for picking up the dirt and other debris. Leaving dust and debris out will lead to scratches on the floor’s finished planks, which is why it’s vital to dust or sweep with specific cleaning materials that are ideal for hardwood.
Mopping
You might already be aware of this, but cleaning your hardwood flooring with water is an absolute no-no. Putting water on your hardwood will warp the flooring and lead to a lot of damage that can cost a pretty penny to fix. While mopping is essential to keep your floorboards up to par, it’s vital that you do not use a lot of water. You’ll want to mop with very, very little water. You’ll want to use a damp mop as well as a cleaning product that’s specifically designed to maintain wood floors. Don’t use vinegar, water, or ammonia on hardwood flooring because it will not clean the floor. It won’t pick up the dirt or the grime, instead, it will damage the wooden floor and can dull the finish.
By using a damp mop and cleaning products, you’ll be able to keep your hardwood floor safe while making sure your floor is clean. In addition, you’ll want to go the direction of the grain of the wood when you mop the floorboards. Be aware of any dirt that’s hardened, you’ll need to spot scrub the area gently with a cloth.
Prevention
When it comes to protecting your flooring, remember that the best way to do so is by cleaning it often. While the best practice to follow for your hardwood floor is by dusting every day and mopping once a week, you probably don’t have that time on your hands. However, you should make an effort to clean the floors as well as the doormats to ensure dirt isn’t tracked in. When people come visit, then have them take their shoes off. Also, area rugs are a great way to add some softness to the room as well as protect it.
For more information on flooring and cleaning, continue to read our blog.