Cleaning hardwood floors makes your house clean , adds to its beauty and prolongs the longevity of your floors. Neglected floors are prone to dirt buildup, dull-looking surfaces, and damage. To avoid these, make sure you clean and maintain your floors regularly. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to clean hardwood floors.

1. Factors to Consider Before Cleaning hardwood floors.

Understanding the type of hardwood is crucial. It ensures you’re using the right cleaning products, which is key to the safety and longevity of your floors.

Finish: Check if your floors have a sealant or finish that may require special care.

Always conduct a spot test in an inconspicuous area. This simple step can prevent potential damage to your floor.

2. Cleaning Products to Use

Decide what cleaning products to use: a natural, pH-neutral, or a commercial wood cleaner. Your choice of cleaner depends on your preference and the condition of your hardwood floors.

Mix warm water and a few drops of dish soap to make a natural, nontoxic wood cleaner.

Mix a gallon of warm water and half a cup of vinegar if you prefer to use vinegar for unsealed floors.

Note: The acidity of vinegar may dull or strip off the sealant if used on a sealed wooden floor for a prolonged period. Be cautions when cleaning hardwood floors with vinegar.

Use Olive , jojoba oil or commercial hardwood floor polish to polish and shine the surfaces.

You can also add your favorite essential oils to the cleaning solution to give it a pleasant scent while cleaning. The essential oil adds a pleasant aroma and has antibacterial properties, making it a great addition to your cleaning solution. It does not affect the floor.

What You Will Need to Clean Hardwood Floors

• Vacuum Cleaner or soft brittle broom for sweeping
• Microfiber mop or cloth (you’ll need a couple of these as you will need some wet and some dry )
• Bucket for mixing cleaning solution.
• Warm Water and your preferred cleaning agents.

How to clean hardwood Floors

Step 1

Sweep or vacuum to remove any dirt and debris from the floors. Do not skip this step to prevent debris from scratching the floors while you mop.

Step 2

In a bucket, add a gallon of warm water, a few drops of dish soap, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil (optional). If using vinegar add half a cup of vinegar in a gallon of warm water. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions if using a pH-neutral or commercial hardwood cleaner.

Mop the floor in the direction of the wood grain, working in small sections at a time. This technique helps maintain the wood’s natural look and prevent streaking, as mopping against the grain can push dirt and water into the wood’s pores, potentially causing damage.

Step 3

Thoroughly dry the floors with a dry microfiber mop/towel to prevent water damage to the floor.

Step 4 (Optional) Polishing

Use olive oil or a hardwood floor polish to give it a shine.

How Often Should You Clean Hardwood Floors?

Regular maintenance is not just a chore; it’s a responsibility that you owe to your beautiful hardwood floors. Daily sweeping or vacuuming is a proactive step that prevents debris from scratching the floor, preserving its beauty for years.

Deep cleaning: Mop with a cleaning solution once weekly or as needed to remove spots or spills.

How to Remove Stains from the Floor

Use a damp microfiber cloth or sponge to blot out the stains gently.

For stubborn stains, mix baking soda and water to form a paste, apply it to the stain, and let it sit before wiping clean. You can also use a plastic scrapper to scrape off stubborn stains from surfaces.

Avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing the floors vigorously to prevent damage.

How to Avoid Streaks, Prevent Damage, and Keep Floors Clean

• Wipe up spills immediately after they occur to prevent the formation of stains.
• Avoid excess water when mopping to prevent streaking.
• Use durable and safe furniture pads to protect the floor from developing scratches.
• Place mats at entryways to trap dirt and moisture.

Follow these professional cleaning tips and care on how to clean your hardwood floors to prevent any damage to the floor and prolong its longevity .