The process of cleaning wood floors is much smoother than you might think. While hardwood floors may seem like they require more maintenance than carpet or tile, they’re easy to clean — if you have the right information and guidance.
From knowing what to use to clean wood floors to the techniques involved, here are some wood floor cleaning tips.
Trap Dust — Don’t Push
To give your floors a regular presentable appearance, dust and sweep them regularly. Don’t use a standard broom, as it will only push around the dirt and debris. You want to use something that will trap dirt, dust, and other allergens and lift them from the floor. Microfiber mops and cloths use static electricity to capture tiny particles left stranded on your wood floors.
While it’s recommended to do a sweep every day, it all depends on the traffic of your household. With pets roaming around, you may want to give a good sweep daily. Otherwise, you can probably get by keeping your floors looking beautiful by sweeping every two or three days.
Vacuum With Care
The presence of hardwood floors should not deter you from using a vacuum. However, you should be mindful of its key features. Try not to press too forcefully, as the wheels can cause scratching. You also want to replace the beater bar attachment with a floor brush to prevent possible damage.
Mop Your Floors Monthly
The number of times a month you mop your floor can fluctuate but aim for two to three cleanings. You’ll want to use a soft-headed mop that cleanly passes over your flooring and won’t scratch the finished surface. Avoid saturating your floor with liquid, as a buildup of water can contribute to long-term damage. Instead, lightly mop over the wood, or mist the floor with cleaner and gently wipe over it.
Vinegar can be used, but in small amounts — too much vinegar concentration can dull the wood’s finish. Soapy and waxy cleaners can leave behind residue on your floors, so try to avoid applying these products on the surface. You can always find cleaners specifically designed for hardwood floors to mop and spot treat with.
Keep up Your Maintenance
Polishing your floors isn’t as stressful as you’ve probably made it out to be in your mind. In fact, it’s a rather painless process that needs to be done only a few times a year. Polish can fill in the tiny scratches you’ve built up during the past few months as well as keep your protective surface in top shape.
Proper wood floor cleaning wouldn’t be complete with resanding and refinishing. The frequency of this process is variable depending on your wood floor traffic, but you should aim for every four or five years. You’ll thank yourself once you realize how much cleaner your room and house look when the finish of your wood is stripped away and replaced.
Cleaning your wood floors is an easy task to keep up with, but if you find yourself lacking the time, Thai Cleaning Service will do it for you. Request a free estimate today, and we’ll keep your hardwood floors looking brand new.
