Hardwood floors are a great addition to any house. They give a fancy look, increase the value, and have a long life span. But with all these advantages, hardwood floors also require regular maintenance and cleaning.

Also Read: How Much Does Hardwood Flooring Cost in 2024?

Maintaining clean hardwood floors is essential for preserving their beauty and longevity. Regular cleaning and proper care can keep your floors looking new and prevent damage. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the best methods for cleaning and maintaining your hardwood floors.

Key Takeaways

• Understand the type of finish on your hardwood floors.
• Use the right tools and cleaning products to avoid damage.
• Regular cleaning routines can prevent scratches and stains.
• Avoid common mistakes that can harm your floors.

Understanding Your Hardwood Floor Finish

Knowing the type of finish on your hardwood floors is important for choosing the right cleaning methods. Hardwood floors generally have either a surface finish or a penetrating finish. And we’ll tell you how to identify your floor’s type.

Identifying the Type of Finish

1. Surface Finish

• Typically includes polyurethane and polyacrylic coatings.
• Water will pool on the surface rather than being absorbed.

2. Penetrating Finish

• Includes oil-based finishes that penetrate the wood fibers.
• Water will be absorbed quickly into the wood.

How to Test Your Floor’s Finish

1. Water Test: Place a few drops of water on the floor. If it pools, it’s a surface finish. If it absorbs, it’s a penetrating finish.
2. Scrape Test: Gently scrape the floor with a sharp knife. If a clear material is removed, it’s a surface finish. If the finish smudges but no material comes off, it’s a penetrating finish.

How Often Should You Clean Hardwood Floors?

Clean your house once a week. That’s the optimal timing. However, if your house receives heavy foot traffic, we’d usually suggest a daily cleaning. The more foot traffic, the faster dirt, grime, and pet hair build up on your floors. You should treat dirt, stains, and spills as they arise.

What Materials Are Needed?

Make sure you have these materials on hand when cleaning hardwood floors.

1. Vacuum
2. Natural dish soap
3. Water
4. Olive oil (optional)
5. Microfiber mop
6. Bucket

Routine Cleaning Methods

To ensure that your hardwood floors last a long time, create a schedule for regular maintenance. This may include daily and weekly cleaning processes.

Daily Cleaning

Dusting and Sweeping

• Use a microfiber mop or a soft-bristled broom.
• Avoid using a vacuum with a beater bar attachment as it can scratch the surface.

Weekly Cleaning

Vacuuming and Mopping

• Vacuum with a floor brush attachment.
• Mop with a slightly damp microfiber mop.
• Use pH-neutral, wax-free, and petroleum-free cleaners like Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner.

Table: Daily and Weekly Cleaning Tools

Deep Cleaning Techniques

Deep cleaning is necessary to remove grime and built-up residue that regular cleaning might miss. Follow these steps to deep clean your hardwood floors effectively.

Step-by-Step Guide to Deep Cleaning

1. Remove Surface Dirt: Vacuum or sweep to remove loose dirt and debris.
2. Apply Cleaner: Use a commercial hardwood floor cleaner such as Murphy Oil Soap.
3. Mop: Lightly dampen a microfiber mop with the cleaner. Mop in the direction of the wood grain.
4. Rinse: Go over the floor with a clean, damp mop to remove any cleaner residue.

Precautions

• Avoid using excessive water as it can damage the wood.
• Do not use steam mops as the heat can harm the floor’s finish.

Also Read:  What to Know: Is Hardwood Floor Refinishing Worth it?

How to Deal with Stains and Spills

Types of Stains

Water Stains: Typically appear as white or dark spots.

Oil Stains: Often result from cooking oils or other greasy substances.

Ink Stains: Usually dark and can be stubborn to remove.

Pet Stains: Can penetrate deeply and cause odors.

Stain Removal Techniques

Water Stains: Use a mixture of baking soda and water to form a paste. Apply it to the stain and let it sit for a few hours before wiping it off.

Oil Stains: Use a cloth dampened with mineral spirits to gently rub the stain. For persistent stains, you may need to use a commercial oil remover.

Ink Stains: Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball and dab the stain. Avoid soaking the area to prevent further damage.

Pet Stains: Clean up the mess immediately with paper towels. Apply an enzyme cleaner designed for pet stains.

Table: Stain Removal Methods

Special Considerations for Different Finishes

Surface Finishes

Cleaning Methods

• Use a pH-neutral cleaner and a damp microfiber mop.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch the surface.

Products to Use

• Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner
• Murphy Oil Soap

Penetrating Finishes

Cleaning Methods

• Use a cleaner specifically designed for penetrating finishes.
• Avoid water-based cleaners as they can be absorbed by the wood.

Tools and Products for Cleaning Hardwood Floors

Essential Tools

Microfiber Mops

• Effective for both dry dusting and damp mopping.

Soft-Bristled Brooms

• Ideal for sweeping without scratching the floor.

Vacuums Without Beater Bars

• Prevents damage to the floor surface.

Recommended Products

Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner

• A pH-neutral, non-toxic cleaner safe for all hardwood finishes.

Murphy Oil Soap

• An effective cleaner that is gentle on hardwood floors.

Table: Essential Tools and Products

DIY Cleaning Solutions

Homemade Solutions

Vinegar and Water Solution

• Mix 1/4 cup of white vinegar with a gallon of warm water. Use sparingly to avoid damage.

Baking Soda Paste

• Combine baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste for stain removal.

Cautions When Using DIY Solutions

• Avoid using too much water.
• Test the solution in an inconspicuous area before use.

Table: DIY Cleaning Solutions

Preventive Measures

Use of Rugs and Mats

High-Traffic Areas

• Place rugs or mats in entryways and high-traffic areas to reduce dirt and moisture on the floors.

Furniture Pads and Sliders

Preventing Scratches

• Attach pads to the legs of furniture to prevent scratches.
• Use sliders when moving heavy furniture.

Table: Preventive Measures

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Steam Mops

• The heat can damage the finish and wood.

Applying Too Much Water

• Excessive water can seep into the wood and cause damage.

Wrong Cleaning Products

• Avoid products with oils, waxes, or abrasive ingredients.

Table: Common Mistakes

Final Words | Hardwood Flooring Maintenance Made Easy

Hardwood floors are great. As we said, they have a long life span, always look fancy, and increase your house’s value. So, it’s a 100% worth of investment. And you should treat that investment to serve you much longer.

We hope that our comprehensive guide will help you make a decision that makes your life even more comfortable. If you choose hardwood for your home, there are some reasons you should trust the hardwood installation process with professionals. Why? 

Also Read: Why Should You Hire a Professional Flooring Installation Company

Elephant Floors is the best flooring company in the Bay Area. We offer both flooring installation and flooring materials. Contact us now, and our professionals will love to consult you and give you a flooring estimate.