Wood floors are beautiful, durable, and versatile. They come in a variety of finishes and can be installed in almost any room. However, they can be tough to clean because of their porous nature. Keeping your wood floors looking new requires cleaning and upkeep. There are many different ways to clean your wood floors, ranging from vacuuming to spray-on products and more. The key is to choose methods that won’t damage the surface or stain it permanently.
If you have a busy lifestyle and don’t have the time or desire to clean your floors every day, no worries! With the right products and techniques, you can keep your floors sparkling without spending too much time or effort. There are also several easy things you can do to keep your hardwood floors clean and looking great between deep cleanings.
Ask yourself a few questions before cleaning your floors.
- What type of hardwood floor do you have?
- What finish does it have?
- What sort of dirt does it collect?
- What level of shine do you want?
It’s important to know the answers to these questions so you can choose the right products and methods to suit your needs.
This blog will help answer some of these questions, and teach you the top techniques to clean wood floors.
Vacuuming Hardwood Flooring
Vacuuming isn’t only for carpeting and area rugs, it’s essential for cleaning your hardwood floors too. Regular vacuuming will prevent dirt and debris from accumulating between your floorboards, causing staining and damage.
What is the best way to vacuum hardwood flooring? Choose a vacuum that’s specifically designed to handle wood floors. These vacuums feature a soft brush roll that won’t scratch or damage the wood. You can also use a hard-surface-friendly handheld vacuum to clean deep between the boards.
If your vacuum has a beater bar, make sure it’s turned off when cleaning wood floors. The beater bar is designed to loosen and remove dirt from carpets, but it can cause damage to your wood floors.
Vacuuming Tips to Clean Wood Floors:
- -Vacuum hardwood floors at least once a week to keep them looking their best.
- -Vacuum in straight lines to get even coverage and the best results.
- -Make sure you’re using the correct vacuum setting for wood floors.
- -The best vacuum for hardwood flooring is a canister vacuum. Its long, oval floor brush allows you to reach small spaces where dust gets trapped.
Can I Steam Clean Hardwood Floors?
The answer is maybe. Steam cleaning is an eco-friendly way to clean hardwood floors. However, too much moisture can cause discoloration, warping, and other irreversible damage to wood flooring.
Major hardwood floor providers such as The National Wood Floor Association and The Wood Floor Covering Association do not recommend steam cleaning your floors.
If you do choose to use a steam cleaner for hardwood floors, you’ll want to make sure that the wood has a sealant. This will prevent the wood from absorbing too much water, which could cause issues with swelling and/or discoloration. To test your floor’s seal, drip a small amount of water on it and look to see if it beads up. If the water absorbs quickly into the wood you should definitely avoid using a steam cleaner on that surface.
Also, make sure the steam cleaner has a temperature setting that won’t cause damage to the flooring. Keep in mind that engineered wood is more resistant to heat than natural wood.
Dry Mopping Hardwood Floors
Dry mops are great for keeping your sealed hardwood floors looking good between deep cleanings. They usually have a mix of synthetic and natural fibers in their heads, which will not scratch or damage your floors. Most dry mops have disposable cleaning pads that are great for picking up messes and trapping dirt.
If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly option, use a microfiber towel instead of a dry mopping pad. Simply pop them in the washer when you’re done and reuse them again the next time you need to clean hardwood floors.
Solid Wood Floor Cleaner
Solid wood floor cleaners are another option for cleaning and maintaining hardwood floors. They are available in various formulas, including mop and bucket or a spray.
The best solid wood floor cleaner for your flooring depends on the type of finish you have. Polished wood floors will require a different cleaner than a wood floor with an oil or wax finish. It’s very important to choose the right solid wood floor cleaner to prevent ruining the floors.
Some people prefer to use a DIY wood floor cleaner in place of one with harsh chemicals. There are a variety of different natural cleaning agents that can be used, but the most popular is white vinegar. If you don’t like the smell, lemon or orange extract can be added. Simply mix ½ cup of white vinegar per gallon of water, add a few drops of extract if desired, and mop as usual.
The same rules apply here as they do with the store-bought cleaning agents; you want to make sure that you’re not using something that will be harmful to your floors as this can cause irreparable damage.
When wet mopping, try to avoid leaving liquid on your wood floor for too long. A microfiber towel is helpful for sopping up your mop water before it has a chance to soak in.
Solid Wood Floor Stain Remover
Does your hardwood flooring have unsightly stains from spills or pet messes? Don’t worry, there are several stain removers designed to help get stains out of hardwood floors.
Some floor stain removers are designed to be applied directly to the wood, while others are meant to be used on rugs or carpets that have hardwood flooring underneath.
Keep in mind that not all stain removers are safe for all types of wood. If you aren’t sure how the stain remover will react on your floor, test a small area before applying. Follow the directions on the package for the best results.
To prevent future stains and marks on your wood floors;
- Act fast– Try to clean up any spills as soon as they happen. If you let a spill sit for too long, it’s more likely to stain your floors.
- Use rugs and mats- You can help protect your floors from stains and scuffs by putting rugs or mats in front of doors and other high-traffic areas.
- Remove your shoes– Wearing outdoor shoes on your wood floors can track in bits of stone and gravel that can cause scratches. Some types of shoes can also cause scuffs which can be difficult to remove. Try a mixture of baking soda and water for stubborn scuff marks.
Get Clean Wood Floors with Hydra Clean Northwest
Keeping your wood flooring clean can be challenging. If you have a busy household with lots of foot traffic and kids, you may not have the time or energy to clean it thoroughly. If your wood floors aren’t looking their best you may need professional help to get them back on track.
The good news is that Hydra Clean Northwest provides commercial and residential cleaning services. We specialize in cleaning all types of flooring, including carpeting, area rugs, and hardwood floors.
Our team of highly trained professionals is equipped with the tools and knowledge to clean your floors safely and thoroughly. Call us today at 206-558-9538 to schedule an appointment to clean hardwood floors.