Hardwood floors are very elegant, but sometimes people hesitate to use it as flooring because of the required maintenance. Honestly, cleaning hardwood floors can be a tedious task, but by using the right tools combined with a little know-how, you’ll be able to accomplish it without even breaking a sweat. Source: http://www.vacuumcompanion.com/cleaning-and-maintaining-hardwood-floors/
10 Useful Tips For Cleaning and Maintaining Hardwood Floors
1. 10 USEFUL TIPS FOR
CLEANING AND
MAINTAINING
HARDWOOD FLOORS
W W W . V A C U U M C O M P A N I O N . C O M
2. 2
10 USEFUL TIPS FOR C LEANING
AND MAINTAINING HARDWOOD
FLOORS
WWW.HARDWOODTIPS.NET
Hardwood floors are very elegant, but sometimes people hesitate to use it as flooring
because of the required maintenance. Honestly, cleaning hardwood floors can be a
tedious task, but by using the right tools combined with a little know-how, you’ll be able
to accomplish it without even breaking a sweat.
(Photo Credit: Tom Hardin)
Listed below are 10 useful tips for effective maintenance of hardwood flooring:
1. NEVER USE WATER UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY
This is the most important thing that you need to remember. Whatever happens, never use
water to clean your precious hardwood floors. Water can cause the wood to expand and
may eventually damage it. You should protect your flooring from rain, and clean spilled
liquids immediately with a dry cloth, or mop.
3. 3
2. USE A BROOM OR A VACUUM
You can use a broom with fine bristles to clean your floor. The fine bristles will allow
you to reach the crevices that hold all the dust. Sometimes, no matter how fine and
flexible the bristles of your broom are, it’s just not enough to completely sweep away the
dirt. This is where your friend, the vacuum cleaner, comes into play. By using a good
hardwood vacuum cleaner, dust and unwanted debris can easily be eliminated.
3. CLEAN THE FLOOR WITH A DAMP MOP
Remember to only use damp mops. I suggest that you wring it several times just to be
safe. After mopping the floor, you can use a dry cloth, or another mop that’s completely
dry, and wipe the floor of any excess moisture that might be lingering. Keeping in mind
my number one tip, you should also limit your use of damp mops. Only use this method
when you feel it’s really necessary.
4. USE QUALITY CLEANING PRODUCTS
There are a lot of cleaning products available at your local supermarket that’s especially
designed for cleaning hardwood floors. Make sure that you read the instructions
carefully, and follow them accurately in order to ensure that nothing terrible happens to
your beautiful hardwood.
5. USE CARPETS OR RUGS
One of the best ways to protect your hardwood floor is by using carpets or rugs. Not only
will it minimize the scratches, but will also add an aesthetic appeal to your home. Choose
good quality carpets and rugs that can accentuate your natural floor design.
6. DO NOT USE AMMONIA CLEANERS OR FURNITURE SPRAYS
Ammonia cleaners are too strong for wood floors and will cause damage to the surface
over time. Furniture sprays on the other hand, will make the floor too slippery. This is not
really advisable especially if you have younger kids that love to run around the house.
Just stick with the cleaning solutions that are specially made for hardwood floors.
7. USE SPECIAL SOLUTIONS TO CLEAN SCUFF MARKS
There are also special kinds of solutions and sprays that can be used to remove scratches
and scuff marks. Make sure to use a soft cotton cloth to wipe off the solution in order to
avoid damaging the floor.
8. WAX THE FLOOR
Maintain your elegant flooring with a liquid or paste wax. It’s recommended that you do
this at least once a year to preserve the beauty and quality of your hardwood flooring.
9. REGULATE THE USE OF COMMERCIAL CLEANING PRODUCTS
Yes, these cleaning products are made specifically for hardwood floors, but it’s still
advisable not to use them too often. These products contain chemicals, and if you overdo
4. 4
it, it will cause more harm than good. Just use them when your floor is too dirty,
otherwise, you can simply use the vacuum or damp mop technique.
10. BE CAREFUL MOVING FURNITURE AND USE SLIPPERS INSIDE THE HOUSE
In order to minimize scratching while keeping the floor clean, I recommend wearing
slippers and avoid walking around the house with your heels, or boots on. When moving
pieces of furniture, ask for help. Do not drag the furniture around.
These simple tips are tried and tested methods for maintaining hardwood floors. By
adhering to these principles, I will assure you that your hardwood is going to last a lot
longer.
Source:
http://www.vacuumcompanion.com/cleaning-and-maintaining-hardwood-floors/