How to Clean Hardwood Floors

There are several steps that should be taken to clean hardwood flooring. One of the most important steps is avoiding the use of harsh detergents and water. Another important step is to avoid sanding and refinishing. In addition, it is crucial to avoid using a mop with a beater bar.

Avoid harsh detergents

When cleaning hardwood floors, you need to avoid using harsh detergents. These products are not only harmful for the floor, but they also wear down the finish on your wood. Luckily, there are some easy cleaning solutions that are gentle and safe for your wood. For example, you can make your own vinegar and water cleaning solution.

Oil soaps are also harmful to hardwood floors. These products can leave a thick residue on your floor. They’ve been around for a long time, but are aggressively marketed to wood floor consumers. Other products such as wax pastes and polishers may also damage urethane-finished wood. You can use neutralizers to remove the residues, but in most cases, you will need a full sand and refinishing.

Avoid excessive water

Water is an effective way to clean hardwood floors, but it should be used with caution. Excessive water can damage the wood, and can cause cracks or splinters. To keep your floors clean, wipe up any excess water immediately. Never let the floor become soggy or heavily dampened with water.

When mopping hardwood floors, use the appropriate equipment for the type of wood. The wrong equipment can damage the floor finish. Also, avoid using scouring brooms to sweep the floor as this can damage the finish. If you must mop, use a soft bristle broom or a microfiber mop pad. It is best to avoid using water on floors that have been sealed with oil or wax.

Avoid sanding and refinishing

Before cleaning hardwood floors, it is important to take a few precautions. First, always make sure the room is empty before starting. Use a good cleaning product that is specially formulated for wood flooring. Pay special attention to tough spots or stains, which may be the result of tenant spills. You can also use mineral spirits to clean such marks. You should also make a note of any dents, deep scratches, or stripped finishes. You may also notice exposed nails in older properties.

Before beginning the refinishing process, you should clean hardwood floors thoroughly. Sanding machines are available at home improvement stores, but they are large and awkward to use. If you are not confident about your skills, practice on some extra plywood first. Once the floors have dried, you can apply wood putty to any gouges or dents.

Avoid a mop with a beater bar

If you want to keep your hardwood floors looking fresh, avoid using a mop with a beater. This is because the beater bar can damage the wood surface. Instead, use a soft cloth to mop up spills. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a floor brush attachment to clean your hardwood floors. However, if you want to use a mop with a beater bar, be sure to use a pH neutral spray or a floor brush attachment.

To clean hardwood floors, choose a microfiber or terry cloth mop and a cleaning solution designed for wood floors. You can also place an area rug over the hardwood floor to reduce dirt brought into the house. However, be sure to choose a rug with a breathable material to prevent indentation. Moreover, choose a floor protector that is wide and is not made of solid rubber.

Avoid cleaning grooves between wood planks

If you want to protect your wood flooring from scratches, you should avoid cleaning the grooves between the wood planks. Those grooves can be filled with dirt and grime. The trick is to get them out without causing too much damage to the wood. A plastic putty knife can help you get this done. You’ll also need some wood glue and a damp rag. If you’re not comfortable working with a rag, you can apply some wood glue to the gaps. Once dry, wipe away the residue and let it dry. You can then stain the area to match the rest of the floor.

Cleaning hardwood floors isn’t difficult, but it can be tricky. The narrow spaces between the wood planks can trap dirt and paint. Luckily, cleaning hardwood floors is easy if you follow a few steps. The first step is to use a soft rag dipped in plain water or a detergent solution. Always be sure to follow the directions on the bottle. Next, use a steel wood pad to remove any debris that has collected in the grooves. Alternatively, you can use sandpaper folded in half to clean the grooves.