What you need to know about scrubbing hardwood floors.
Do you see a mop and bucket in your mind when someone asks you how to clean hardwood floors?
A lot more goes into it than just that. If you have a wood or tile floor, the ideal materials and methods will differ. For example, you may have one of the greatest vacuum cleaners, yet it may be scratching your flooring.
Have no fear — this guide will take care of your hardwood floors, step-by-step. That means you don’t have to worry about inflicting harm when you clean, and the outcomes will be streak-free. Here’s how to do it right.
How to properly care for your wooden flooring
The first step is to remove any obstructions, such as seats, off the path. A good suggestion is to confirm that no one will require access to the area before you begin cleaning it, since pawprints may be hard to remove.
A microfiber mop such as the Turbo Microfiber Mop Floor Cleaning System ($39.95, Amazon) or a dustpan and broom may be used for this step. The whole floor should be swept from top to bottom, making careful to get under any furniture and into the corners as well. Just follow these instructions to get the job done on a daily basis.
For heavy particles like crumbs and dried dirt, the vacuum cleaner is the best tool to use. To avoid scratching your flooring, use the hard floor option or lift the brush bar manually before using the vacuum cleaner.
If your vacuum cleaner has plastic wheels, they might harm your flooring, while rubberized ones are more gentle. You may save yourself time and trouble by using one of the top robot vacuums available on the market today.
Now that your floors are free of clutter, the mop and bucket are next in line. Using a microfiber head design is once again encouraged. You’ll need to use a hard-floor cleaning solution; follow the recommendations provided by your flooring manufacturer.
Resist the desire to mop your hardwood floors with water alone, since this may cause swelling and discoloration. Make sure the mop head is merely moist, not drenched, and that you will be rinsing it often. Especially if you have prefinished wood flooring, avoid letting water on the floor.
Flat mops with built-in dispensers, like the Bona Hardwood Floor Premium Spray Mop ($37, Amazon), make it easier to apply the hard-floor cleaning solution.
Do not use a steam cleaner on hardwood floors unless your flooring manufacturer recommends it. Check with your flooring manufacturer before using an electric vacuum mops, since many are only suited for use on sealed floors.
It’s a good idea to try a natural cleanser like vinegar and water on an inconspicuous spot before using it on the rest of the house.
To ensure that you don’t miss any spots, divide the room into sections as you mop, and think about where you’ll be standing after you’re done cleaning – you don’t want to wind up walking across your newly cleaned floor.
You’ll want to speed up the drying process as much as possible now. You may choose from a variety of alternatives here: Open the windows and doors, use ceiling fans, or sweep the floor with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to help ventilate the space.
Once the floor has dried, you may add a coat of wood floor polish or floor wax to further seal and preserve it in the future if you so want. Also, it provides a beautiful lustre.
Keeping in mind that you should only perform this once every few years, or if the manufacturer suggests it, is important. You should also avoid waxing laminate or engineered hardwood flooring. If you’re uncertain, contact the manufacturer. The Rejuvenate Professional Wood Floor Restorer and Polish ($21 on Amazon) is a great option.
Wood floors need to be vacuumed on a regular basis.
It’s a good idea to give the floors a quick dust or sweep at least twice a week if it’s a high-traffic area. Weekly scrubbing of your hardwood floors is advised. If you don’t, errant stones brought in by your shoes and dogs may quickly scrape the floor.
It’s recommended to mop your hardwood floors every three to four weeks, but it’s up to you. Waxing or finishing your floors only has to be done every few years, rather than every few months or even every few weeks.
How to clean and protect your hardwood floors
- Take off your shoes at the entrance – This may seem like plain sense, but it’s important to remember. Place a mat on the other side of your door if you’d want to catch any stray particles.
- Set your vacuum to hard floor cleaning mode and lift the brush bar before using the brush bar. This is to prevent it from damaging your floor when it vacuums.
- Consider purchasing rugs and padding for the legs of your furniture to protect the floor. Avoid leaving scratches on the furniture while moving it this manner.
- Do not let a new stain develop on your hardwood floors; this will only make it more difficult to remove later.
- Get into the practise of cleaning and maintaining your hardwood floors if you haven’t done so previously. You may expect them to last longer and look better.