Hardwood floors remain a very popular choice among many homeowners, and with all the stains and finishes available, cleaning them is easier than ever.
Wood floors are easy to maintain — they usually require little more than sweeping with a soft-bristle broom and periodically cleaning with a reputable wood floor cleaner. The National Wood Flooring Association offers the following tips for protecting and maintaining hardwood floors.
- Use a cleaner that is specially made for wood floors. Avoid using sheet vinyl and tile floor care products. Self-polishing acrylic waxes can cause the wood to become slippery and appear dull quickly.
- Use throw rugs both inside and outside of doorways to prevent scratches and keep dirt and grit from being tracked onto the floor.
- When cleaning, do not use a wet mop. Standing water can dull the finish, damage the wood and leave a discoloring residue.
- Wipe up spills immediately with a slightly dampened towel.
- Avoid walking on wood floors with cleats, high heels and sport shoes, which can dent the floors.
- When moving heavy furniture, pick it up instead of sliding it. Place guides under furniture legs to prevent scuffing and scratching.
- For wood floors in the kitchen, place an area rug in front of the kitchen sink.
- Use a humidifier throughout the winter months to keep wood movement and shrinkage to a minimum.
Cleaning ideas from the above video:
There are many different types of hardwood floors:
1) Polyurethane coating makes the floors look clean and shiny
2) Hardwood finished wood has a waxy or oily coating which repels water or liquid
3) Unfinished hardwood CANNOT be mopped since it will damage the floors
To test if you can mop your floors, drop a few drops of water in a discreet area and if it beads, you have a floor coating.
Answer:
What you need-
1) Hardwood floors
2) Vinegar
3) Dishwashing liquid
4) Wringer bucket
5) Microfiber twist mop
6) Microfiber cloth
7) Rubbing alcohol
8) Warm water
Put half a pinky nail’s worth of dishwashing liquid into a wringer bucket. Dishwashing liquid is a neutral cleaner and will help to remove dirt well without leaving a residue. Add a cap full of vinegar and fill with hot water. Vinegar is a mild disinfectant and will help to cut grease without leaving streaks. Soak the mop head in the bucket for a few minutes to soften. The mop has to be almost dry before mopping hardwood floor. When you mop, clean in an S-shaped pattern. This ensures you get all areas of the floor cleaned. Keep your bucket around you and try not to step into areas you’ve already cleaned. To be extra diligent, you can take a microfiber cloth and do a quick wipe down so no water is left behind.
Best practices are to sweep and vacuum once or twice a week and mop once every one or two weeks.
