How to Clean Hardwood Floors

Hardwood flooring is an investment. The installation of hardwood flooring is more expensive

than rolling new carpet in your living area, but it adds class and beauty to your room that no

other flooring can match. Apart from the aesthetics, there are several other benefits of a

hardwood flooring. It is not only easy to manage and clean, but it also takes very little

maintenance and looks as good as new—even years later.

Your hardwood floor may or may not be finished with wax, polyurethane, varnish, or shellac.

However, it is possible that the finish might have worn away over time. Polish helps restore the

sheen of the floor, but here are some other ways that contribute to the maintenance of your

flooring:

Prevent dirt accumulation

Banning shoes in the house is the best way to reduce the amount of dirt that enters the room.

This also helps to reduce the daily wear and tear to the floor, thus reducing the cleaning time.

Leaving the shoes at the door, when you walk into a room, is a policy worth considering.

What not to do

Regardless of the floor type, good quality cleaning products should be used. Another important

tip is to avoid wet mopping, since standing water makes the flooring dull and leads to

discoloration. If the waxed floor has lost its luster, try buffing the surface.

Regular cleaning

Cleaning the hardwood floor starts with vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping the floor.

Vacuuming: Vacuum the floor frequently or at least twice a week. Regular vacuuming takes care

of the dust that settles on the floor.

Sweeping: Choose a broom with soft tips and fiber for the sweeping process. Sweep thoroughly

so that mopping will be easy. Don’t sweep over a wet area, as it will ruin the broom.

Mopping: Damp mopping with a simple soap and water solution or with a mild cleanser is

preferred. Do not use vinegar for this type of cleaning, as it may make the floor dull and strip it

off its color. Before beginning, dampen the mop in the solution, wring it entirely, and then mop

directly. Repeat the steps as necessary. If you feel the water in the bucket has become dirty, drain

it and refill.

Avoid scratches: Moving tables and chairs across the floor can cause scratches on your

hardwood. Therefore, protective pads are recommended under the legs of tables and chair legs.

When you shift the furniture, lift, and make it a two person job, instead of dragging stuff around

the house.

Check your shoes: Take stilettoes, cleats, high heels, and soccer shoes off at the door, as these

can cause dents or scratches on your floor. Instead, try and wear slippers inside the house.

Deal with spills: Treat sudden spills immediately and wipe them up with a damp cloth. For solid

spills, scrape the material with a spoon or blunt knife.

A clean floor doesn’t guarantee luster. So, if your hardwood floor has lost its shine, it is time to

treat it professionally. Beyond basic care, waxing your floor twice a year maintains the shine. Call

Wood Floor Cleaning Experts Long Island for professional results.