Hardwood floors have been used for centuries to add warmth and character to interiors, which is why they’re still one of the most popular materials used today. No matter what kind of hardwood floor you have, learning how to properly clean and maintain them will help them last a lifetime. Here are some key tips on how to clean hardwood floors to keep them looking as good as the day they were installed.
Remove Dust Daily
Dust and particles of dirt can actually end up causing scratches on the wood, making the floor appear dull and worn faster. To minimize dust, sweep the floors daily to remove the heavier layer of debris. Then use a vacuum or a microfiber dust mop to remove the finer dust particles that the broom can’t get. When using a vacuum, make sure to raise it up on the hard floor setting and avoid using the brush roll feature. Be extra cautious when removing the nozzle or moving the vacuum around to prevent scratching the floor. Most vacuums have rubber wheels that should prevent any marks. If you’re concerned about scratches, then stick with a microfiber dust mop. These work well to eliminate fine particles of dust without any risk of damage.
Clean Heavily Trafficked Areas
To prevent excessive wear and tear on areas with the most foot traffic, aim to mop these sections once each week or more during messy seasons. Before mopping, wring out the mop thoroughly before placing it onto the hardwood. It should be just damp enough without dripping excess amounts of water onto the wood. If you notice any pools of water on the floor, be sure to clean these up to avoid any potential damage, especially if you have prefinished hardwood floors.
Use a Designated Hardwood Floor Cleaner
Hardwoods are durable, but they still need to be cared for properly. Using the wrong materials, like cleaners that contain vinegar or any harsh detergents, can ruin them over time, leaving a dull-looking surface behind. Instead, use a high-quality, designated hardwood floor cleaner to preserve it and help it maintain that classic, elegant sheen.
Tips to Prevent Damage to Your Hardwood Floors
Clean Up Spills Right Away
Any spilled liquids should be cleaned up as soon as possible. If they’re ignored, the liquid could end up remaining on the wood for an extended period of time, causing damage. This includes even minor spills, like a melted ice cube.
Avoid Heavy Oils, Waxes, and Harsh Cleaning Agents
You should only use brooms, vacuum settings, and cleaners that are specifically designed for hardwood. If you try to clean up with a broom that’s meant for a tougher surface, like cement, you could end up ruining the floor. Instead of using waxes, oils and other cleaners that can end up doing more harm than good, stick with a safe product for all wood surfaces, like our PolyCare solution. It will renew any wood surfaces, including polyurethane treated, factory prefinished, as well as laminated flooring.
Place Padding on Furniture
To protect the flooring from scratches and dents, place padding on any furniture, including sofas, chairs, tables, and anything else that’s heavy and could mark the wood.
Avoid Steam Cleaning
Avoid steam cleaners for any hardwood. This should only be used for tiles, vinyl, and linoleum.
Give your hardwood floors the best clean and protection with our PolyCare Hardwood and Laminate Floor Cleaner. This has been a leading product used by professional floor installers for the past 50 years. There are no harsh ingredients in it, so it won’t dull or degrade your floors. Order yours today at Rome Flooring.