Have your hardwood floors lost their shine and luster? Despite regular sweeping and vacuuming, hardwood floors can still look unclean. It’s frustrating when you clean your hardwood floors the best that you can, only for them to look ho-hum. Luckily, we have some hardwood floor cleaning tips up our sleeve that can help you get cleaner wood floors.
Hardwood Floor Cleaning Tips: Deep Cleaning Beyond the Surface
Why don’t your wood floors look clean after sweeping and mopping? Regular vacuuming is essential, but it only tackles the larger particles of dirt.
A vacuum’s inability to remove the finer particles of dust, dander, molds, mildew, fungus, and other pollutants that settle into the porous surface of the wood. Yes, this includes your roomba.
Good hardwood floor cleaning calls for a more thorough cleaning approach to revive the beauty of your hardwood floors, especially during the soggy winter months.
But the real challenge lies in eliminating the invisible layer of finer grime that embeds itself deep within the pores of the hardwood. How can you get this grime off of your hardwood floors? Some hardwood floor cleaning tips include prevention,
Regular Dusting
Use a microfiber mop or cloth to dust your floors daily. Microfiber material effectively traps dirt, dust, and small particles, preventing them from embedding into the wood’s pores.
Immediate Spill Cleanup
Wipe up spills immediately with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Allowing liquids to sit can cause the wood to swell or stain.
Use the Right Cleaner
Choose a cleaner specifically designed for hardwood floors. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can strip the wood’s natural oils and damage its finish. Here at Hydra Clean Northwest, we embrace eco-friendly cleaning for hardwood flooring cleaning, as well as carpets and hard surfaces!
Avoid Excessive Water
When mopping, use minimal water as excess moisture can seep into the wood, causing damage like warping or staining.
Steam Cleaning Caution
Be cautious with steam cleaners. While some are safe for hardwood floors, excessive steam can damage the wood.
Protective Pads Under Furniture
Use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches and scuffs.
Be Particular About Rug Placement
Place rugs in high-traffic areas to reduce the amount of dirt and grime that reaches the wood floors.
Polish for an Impressive Shine
Periodically polish your hardwood floors to renew their shine and add an extra layer of protection.
Keep an Eye on Climate Control
Maintain a stable indoor climate. Extreme changes in humidity and temperature can cause wood to expand and contract, leading to cracks and gaps where grime can accumulate.
Take Care of Pet Nail Trimming
Keep pet nails trimmed to prevent scratches and gouges on your hardwood floors.
Use Soft Bristle Attachments
When vacuuming, use a soft bristle attachment to avoid scratching the wood surface.
Hardwood Floor Cleaning Tips: What NOT to Do
If you are cleaning your hardwood floors, it’s great to know what to do for the best results. But it’s also great to know what not to do as well. Approach cleaning hardwood floors with caution–here’s what you don’t want to do:
Do Not Use Harsh Chemicals
Avoid cleaners with ammonia, bleach, or other harsh chemicals. These can damage the finish and potentially warp the wood.
Steer Clear of Abrasive Tools
Steel wool, scouring pads, or any rough material can scratch and dull the surface of your hardwood floors.
No Wax on Urethane Finishes
If your floor has a urethane finish, do not apply wax. It can make the floor slippery and create a cloudy build-up that’s hard to remove.
Avoid All-Purpose Cleaners
General all-purpose cleaners are not formulated for hardwood floors and can leave a residue or damage the finish.
Say No to Steam Mops
Unless specified by the manufacturer, avoid using steam mops. The heat and moisture can cause irreversible damage to the wood.
Avoid Shoes with Hard Soles or Heels
High heels and hard soles can dent and scratch hardwood floors. Implement a no-shoe policy or use protective mats.
Do Not Neglect Sweeping
Failing to regularly sweep or dust can lead to a buildup of grit and dirt that can scratch the floor’s surface.
Avoid Oil Soaps
Oil-based soaps can create buildups that are difficult to remove and attract more dirt.
Do Not Use Vinegar Directly
While a diluted vinegar solution is sometimes recommended, using it regularly or in high concentrations can dull the finish over time.
The Impact of Clean Floors on Your Well-being
Clean hardwood floors do more than just enhance the aesthetics of your space; they also have a positive impact on your health and overall joy. Studies show that 77% of people with wood floors in their homes experience an increased sense of enjoyment. This is especially true when these floors are not just clean but freshly revitalized!
No matter if your hardwood floors are newly installed or have been a part of your home for years, they require regular maintenance to retain their beauty. Dirt, grime, and other contaminants will inevitably accumulate, leading to discoloration and dullness.
Regular professional cleaning ensures that your floors stay beautiful and are preserved as an asset to your home! But how do the pros handle hardwood floor cleaning?
How We Get Hardwood Floors Clean at Hydra Clean Northwest
How do we get hardwood floors so clean here at Hydra Clean Northwest? We don’t have a magic wand, but we do have a process that we take to deep clean your hardwood floors.
Hydra Clean Northwest offers a comprehensive cleaning service for your wood floors that includes
Deep Clean for Wood Floors
Their cleaning process effectively removes dirt, grime, and tough stains, offering a level of cleanliness that regular mopping can’t achieve.
Restoration of Natural Shine
Dull floors can regain their natural shine and warmth with Hydra Clean’s safe and effective cleaning solutions.
Scuff and Stain Removal
For stubborn stains and light scuffs, their professional service is your go-to solution.
Optional Sealant for Protection
To keep your floors looking pristine for longer, we offer an optional polyurethane top coat that adds an extra layer of protection against wear and tear.
Our process not only removes stubborn stains accumulated over the years but also offers wax removal, buffing, and polishing to rejuvenate your floors.
Get Cleaner Hardwood Floors from Hydra Clean Northwest
We hope that these hardwood floor cleaning tips help your floors look their best. But if you don’t achieve the desired results, there’s no need to stress. Reach out to us at Hydra Clean Northwest for eco-friendly hardwood floor cleaning!