Hardwood flooring has always been a top choice for homeowners because of its timeless beauty and elegance. However, just like any other beautiful thing, it needs proper care to be at its best. When cleaned and maintained properly, a hardwood floor can last for centuries. Certain smart cleaning methods can be used to make this process easy and effective.
Prevention:
There is no denying the fact that our floors go through a lot of torture, starting from daily traffic to certain mishaps and inevitable spills from time to time. Therefore, the best way to keep hardwood floors clean is to implement preventive measures such as placing quality floor mats both inside and outside all your exterior doors. If the weather is rainy and snowy, set up a specific area in the house for removing the shoes. Also, it is really helpful to have a spot next to the door where you can keep a cleaning cloth or rug tucked away.
Homeowners with hardwood floors must create a rule for all to remove their shoes when coming indoors. This will protect the floor from dirt, grime, and germs, as well as scratches caused by shoes. Use floor protectors under all your furniture and use rugs in your children’s play areas to prevent the floor from getting scratches.
Regular Cleaning:
Regular cleaning with a dust mop or a broom can do wonders for your hardwood floor. The required frequency of this cleaning activity depends on the foot traffic experienced by the floor. The best mop options for hardwood are ones with a microfiber head. This material is capable of trapping dust and grime and sometimes doesn’t even require a cleaning agent.
Also, don’t overlook the option of vacuuming. Use ones with floor brush attachments for weekly or biweekly cleaning. However, avoid using beater bar attachment type vacuum cleaners because they tend to create scratches on the surface.
Floor Mopping Techniques:
In addition to regular cleaning and preventive measures, deeper cleaning is also required from time to time. This is required because the built-up of dirt, grime, and oil is not removed completely by regular cleaning. This is done best using a wood floor mop along with an appropriate cleaning agent diluted as per instructions. After saturating a rag or sponge mop in water, wring it dry so that it is just slightly damp. While mopping the floor, make sure that there is no standing water. If there is any excess liquid, wipe it up immediately. In humid weather conditions, use your air conditioner or ceiling fan to speed up the drying process.
Selection of Floor Cleaner:
If your floor is new, the floor manufacturer will recommend certain types of cleaners to be used for its cleaning. Even if it’s old, you can seek advice from a flooring company to pick cleaning products that are created specifically for wood floors. Also, always avoid using vinyl or tile floor cleaners because these cleaners can cause serious damage to wooden floors.
Natural Cleaners:
It is also possible to clean your hardwood floor naturally by using a mixture of white vinegar and lukewarm water. However, test the cleaning solution first in an inconspicuous spot because certain hardwood flooring finishes are adversely impacted by vinegar.
Stain Removal:
While removing any stain from hardwood floors, you must consider its type of finish. In hard finished floors, the stains generally remain on the surface. On the other hand, in a soft oiled finish, the stains tend to penetrate into the wood. Never use harsh chemicals, steel wools or sandpaper for stain removal.
If you are building a new home or renovating your existing home, a hardwood floor can be an excellent way to make it unique. Contact Peek’s Floor Co. to find out different flooring options within your budget.
