An Ultimate Guide To Clean Hardwood Floors in 3 Simple Steps

Hardwood floors add a touch of elegance and warmth to any home. But keeping them clean and well-maintained is a typical challenge faced by many homeowners. 

But the good thing is that with proper care, you can effectively tackle this challenge and ensure that your hardwood floors last for many years, in fact, generations to come. 

Thus, in this blog, we will share effective steps to clean hardwood floors and help protect them for good. From daily maintenance to deep cleaning techniques, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your floors looking their best.

Why Is It Essential To Clean Hardwood Floors? 

Hardwood floors are a popular choice in many homes due to their beauty, durability, and timeless appeal. But over time, dirt, dust, and other debris often accumulate on them, dulling their natural shine and creating an unsightly appearance. 

What’s worse, this debris can act as an abrasive, scratching the floor’s finish. Besides, untreated spills or stains can also penetrate the wood, causing discoloration or even warping. 

Regular cleaning helps to remove these contaminants or spills on time, which helps restore the floors’ original lustre. Well-maintained hardwood floors, most importantly, can significantly enhance the value of your home. 

This is because potential buyers are often drawn to homes with beautiful and clean floors. By investing time and effort into cleaning and preserving your hardwood floors, you can boost your home’s resale value. 

Three Easy Steps To Clean Your Hardwood Floors 

Step 1. Dust Or Sweep Daily

One of the best ways to clean hardwood floors is to dust or sweep them daily. As discussed earlier, grit and dirt can act as abrasives, scratching the floor’s surface over time. By removing these particles daily, you can help protect the floor’s finish and maintain its beauty. 

• Thus, use a soft-bristled broom or microfiber mop to sweep away dust, dirt, and pet hair. Avoid using stiff brushes that can scratch the surface.
• Alternatively, use a vacuum cleaner with a hardwood setting to suck up debris without damaging the floor.

Step 2. Mop The Floor Weekly 

Daily sweeping or dusting is essential. However, it just can’t remove all the dirt and grime that settles deeper into the wood. The solution to tackle this lies in weekly mopping. Weekly mopping helps to lift these particles and prevent them from scratching the finish.

• When mopping the floor, use a damp (not wet) microfiber mop with a pH-neutral cleaner designed for hardwood floors. 
• Avoid saturating the floor with water, as excess moisture can cause warping and other forms of damage over time. 
• Most importantly, work in small sections, and wring out the mop thoroughly before each pass. 

Step 3. Tackle Spills On Time 

Spills are fated for your hardwood floors. But if left unattended, they can penetrate the wood’s pores and cause stains. And, the longer a spill sits, the more difficult it becomes to remove.

Moreover, some liquids, like acidic beverages or cleaning solutions, can damage the wood’s finish. Promptly blotting up spills can help prevent this damage.

• Therefore, wipe them up immediately with a dry or slightly damp cloth to prevent the liquid from seeping deep into the wood. 
• To deal with common stains like tea, coffee, red wine, or even food substances, you can use vinegar. Combine one tablespoon of white vinegar with two cups of water in a spray bottle. 
• Shake the mixture well, sprinkle it onto the stained area, and allow it to sit for some time (ideally 10-15 minutes). As the wait is over, blot the area with a clean cloth, rinse it with cool water, and again blot it dry (with towels). 
• For stubborn stains like pet urine, you can use hydrogen peroxide. Add 1 tablespoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. 
• Sprinkle it on the affected part of the hardwood floor, allowing it to sit for some 15-20 minutes. Once the solution has been set, blot dry the cleaned area. Again, rinse it with clean water and pat dry using towels to remove excess moisture. 

Mistakes To Avoid When Cleaning Your Hardwood Floors 

Cleaning the hardwood floors is essential, but more essential is to do it the right way. So here are some mistakes to avoid when cleaning your hardwood floors. 

• Hardwood floors are susceptible to moisture. Excess water can seep into the seams, causing warping, swelling, and mould growth over time. To protect your hardwood floors from water damage, make sure to use water as required and ensure proper drying after cleaning. 
• Cleaners like bleach or ammonia can strip away the floor’s finish, leaving it dull or discoloured. Hence, use pH-neutral hardwood floor cleaners that are specifically designed for wood surfaces.
• Vacuums with rotating brushes or beater bars can scratch and damage the wood, so use a vacuum designed for hardwood floors or one with a switch to disable the rotating brush.
• Avoid using hard-bristle brooms, scouring pads, or harsh scrubbers, as they can scratch and damage the finish. Instead, use a microfiber mop or a soft-bristle broom to clean hardwood floors.

Effective Tips To Maintain The Beauty Of Hardwood Floors 

To ensure that your hardwood floors remain a cherished part of your home for years to come, here are some amazing tips that you should implement. 

• Vacuum regularly to trap and remove as many dirt particles as possible. 
• Use doormats at entrances and avoid dragging heavy furniture across the floors.
• Place protective pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches.
• Blot up spills immediately to prevent stains.
• Use Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers. A humidifier during dry seasons and a dehumidifier in humid climates can help maintain proper moisture levels.
• Draw curtains during peak sunlight hours to limit direct exposure, as it can fade the hardwood floors. 
• If the finish on your hardwood floors is severely damaged, be sure to sand your hardwood floors and apply a new finish to restore the beauty and lustre of your floors. 

The Bottom Line!

Hardwood floors add warmth and beauty to any home, but they require proper care to maintain their shine and durability. Cleaning hardwood floors doesn’t have to be a daunting task. 

The key is to know the right steps, solutions, and certain mistakes to avoid when cleaning them. With the right care, you can clean hardwood floors the right way, ensuring they add warmth and elegance to your home for decades.

You Can Also Read: How to Remove Hard Cement from Tiles?

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