Best Way to Clean Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors are cherished for their elegance, rich texture and natural beauty. But you need to keep your beautiful floors clean, so that they can retain their classy look for several years. However, there is no need to worry, as cleaning such a floor is not such a difficult task.
Keeping Hardwood Floors Clean
Though they are durable and can last for several years, they are susceptible to minor damages like scratches and dents. Regular cleaning would help prevent scratches by removing abrasive substances like dust and dirt. Dust and dirt act just like sandpaper to scratch and scour the surface of your hardwood floors, thereby making them dull. So daily cleaning is very essential to keep it free from dust, dirt and grim. You can use a broom with soft bristles for daily cleaning, along with vacuuming once or twice a week. Do not use a broom with harsh bristles and vacuum with a beater brush attachment, as they can cause considerable damage to the surface. Instead, use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment for cleaning hardwood floors.
Your floor is not resistant to moisture and hence, it is not advisable to use a large amount of water. Cleaning with water is especially not suitable if your hardwood floors contain worn patches. Using water for cleaning such a hardwood floor would further damage it. So before using water on your floor just make sure that it does not contain worn patches and the finish is in good condition. If the floors are in good condition, you can use a damp mop for cleaning them. First use soapy water to rub gently and then use fresh water. Now dry the area completely using a soft and dry towel or cloth. If you have hardwood floors with a polyurethane coating, then you can use a half dry mop for cleaning them.
As far as the use of hardwood cleaners are concerned, you can use a mild cleaner with neutral pH. Use of cleaners that contain harsh chemicals and especially ammonia and ammonia based products are simply not suitable for cleaning hardwood floors. Also, do not use abrasive cleaners on your hardwood floors. Before applying any product on your floor, try it in a small area to avoid any possible damage. For cleaning stains, rubbing alcohol is a good option. Many people also use vinegar and water, which not only cleanses but also eliminates odor from the floors. However, the regular use of vinegar can make the floor dull.
Occasionally, waxing and polishing can be required in order to maintain the shine and glaze of your floors. However, hardwood floors with a polyurethane finish do not require waxing, and regular cleaning is sufficient to preserve their shine and exotic look. Also do not forget to place door mats at every entrance to collect dirt and grim to keep the floors clean. Use door mats or rugs, especially designed for hardwood floors, instead of rubber backed and non-ventilated ones.
In addition to regular cleaning, proper care and maintenance are also required to ensure that they retain their unique and classy look and last for several years. So do not drag furniture over the floors, use gliding furniture pads for sliding them, place plastic protectors under the legs of your furniture, do not expose them to direct sunlight and avoid walking over the floor with high-heeled footwear. For proper maintenance as well as cleaning, it is equally important to follow the manufacturer's instructions given in the user manual.
