how to clean hardwood floor

Hardwood flooring has the ability to immediately elevate any space by adding instant warmth and elegance. That being said, this luxury flooring requires specific maintenance to sustain its cleanliness and luster long-term. Whether you have recently replaced old carpet or laminate flooring, or are in search of new methods of upkeep, Dalton Flooring Center is here to help you learn exactly how to clean hardwood floors.

How Do You Clean Hardwood Floors?

Cleaning hardwood flooring isn’t as simple as spraying a chemical cleaner and wiping it up. Wood requires extra care and attention, especially when that wood is particularly high-quality, such as is the case with our hardwood floors.

1. Perform a Weekly Surface Clean

If you are looking for a quick surface clean to get rid of dust and debris, it’s best to use a broom or dust mop and a vacuum – together, these tools will help you pick up as much dirt as possible without going so far as a deep clean. You should perform this type of cleaning at least once a week.

Broom/ Dust Mop: Begin by sweeping your hardwood floors. For the mop, use a microfiber head if possible because it is specifically designed to easily trap dirt and grime. These tools will help you reach into those nooks and crannies a vacuum can sometimes miss.

Vacuum: Once you have performed the general sweeping, you can move on to the vacuum to more thoroughly clean the floors. During this step, be sure to use your vacuum’s hardwood floor attachment to prevent any scratches. 

2. Perform a Monthly Deep Clean

Unlike with tiles or other flooring options, you don’t want your hardwood floors to get soaking wet. Gently mop the floor, working in small sections at a time. Be sure to avoid any excess water because it can damage the wood. 

  • Some cleaning products require a second surface cleaning with plain water – so just follow the instructions as per your product.

Step 1: Wet the Mop

Now that there is no debris on the floor, you can begin to deep clean. Fill a bucket with warm water and add the suggested amount of your chosen cleaning product. Dip the mop (a rag or sponge will also work) in your cleaning solution and wring it out until it is only slightly damp to the touch.

Step 2: Damp Mop the Floor

Unlike with tiles or other flooring options, you don’t want your hardwood floors to get soaking wet. Gently mop the floor, working in small sections at a time. Be sure to avoid any excess water because it can damage the wood. 

  • Some cleaning products require a second surface cleaning with plain water – so just follow the instructions as per your product.

Step 3: Spot Clean Stains

If you encounter stubborn stains or spills on your hardwood floor, use a slightly dampened cloth or sponge and spot-clean the area. To keep from damaging the finish, avoid scrubbing too vigorously. For particularly tough stains, you may need to use a specialized hardwood cleaner.

Step 4: Dry the Floors

Once you have finished cleaning, it’s imperative you allow the floor to dry thoroughly because any remaining water can seep into the wood and cause it to buckle or warp. If excess water remains, use a dry microfiber cloth to soak up any remaining moisture on the floor. If it is humid, you can open your windows or use a fan to help speed up the process. 

Step 5: Protect the Floor

To keep your hardwood floors looking beautiful, you want to make sure to protect them. This can be done via simple precautions such as laying doormats at entrances to help catch dirt and keep the floors clean, or placing protective pads or rugs beneath furniture legs to prevent scratches from forming.

Contact Dalton Flooring

If you have been considering installing hardwood flooring, but were fearful of the upkeep, you now know that maintenance is not a difficult task – and installation is just as simple with Dalton Flooring Center. Allow our flooring professionals to upgrade your home with the finest hardwood flooring available. Contact us at (734) 215-9904 or email info@daltonflooringcenter.com to get your free in-home estimate. Together, we can get you one step closer to your dream home.

 

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