Maintaining your hardwood floor properly will extend its life and keep it looking beautiful for years to come. Here is what you need to know before you start:
Clean up first
Before you get down to deep cleaning, give your floors the standard, regular cleaning treatment. Use a vacuum cleaner with a floor attachment (consult the user’s manual to make sure your vac is safe for wood) to pick up dirt and crumbs from the floors, paying special attention to the corners of the room and other hard-to-reach spots. For floors that have deep grooves between the boards, a putty knife can be used to loosen up debris for easy vacuuming. Next, mop in the direction of the floorboards with a dry microfiber pad (it’s not time to spray just yet) to collect any fine dust and grime. Source: PureWow
Be cautious when steam cleaning
Steam mops are great for cleaning non-porous floors like sheet vinyl, ceramic tile, polished cement, and stone. However, the high temperature and infusion of too much moisture can cause hardwood floors to discolor, warp, and crack over time, especially if the wood is not sealed properly.
If you want to use a steam mop, be sure that your hardwood floors are well-sealed with no worn spots in the finish. Set the mop to the lowest temperature setting and do not create “steam bursts” as you work. Never leave the mop in one spot for too long. Source: RealSimple
Use gentle cleansers
Stay away from abrasive cleaners or alkaline products (like vinegar). “Abrasive cleaners can scratch the floors and alkaline can dull the finish on the floor,” explains Turley. “If you are going to use vinegar, you will want to dilute it with water—a 50/50 mixture should do the trick.” Source: SouthernLiving
Is your hardwood looking less-than-perfect due to some chipped sections? Worry not! Give us a call and we’ll take care of it in no time!
