Ways to Clean Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floor is one of the best type of flooring, that beautifies the interior of a house by adding elegance and charm to it. It's one of the most commonly found flooring system because of their durability and easy cleaning. We normally use a vacuum cleaner or a moper to clean the wooden floors. The traditional method of sweeping with a broom and mopping with a damp cloth are some good ways to clean hardwood floors from accumulated dirt and grime. However, the techniques are quite different if there is deposition of waxy substances. Cleaning hardwood floors is not at all a difficult task if you know the correct techniques of doing it.
How to Clean Hardwood Floors in House?
One of the easiest techniques that people opt for cleaning hardwood floor naturally is vacuuming. Adjust your vacuum cleaner correctly before employing it on your hardwood flooring. The microscopic dust particles piled up on it will be completely removed by this process. Mopping the floor with a damp cloth is an age-old technique. Ensure that you buy a cotton cloth for mopping the floor. Never use a wire wool or an abrasive mop for this purpose. Damp the cloth in a dish washing detergent and rub it gently over the floor. Apply a little pressure if the stain is strong. Greased floor gets easily cleaned by this process. You can also purchase the mopping products from departmental stores. Microfiber mops have a wonderful cleansing action as the bristles are soft and do not scratch the floor. Cleansers are either oil based or water based, the latter being much more effective in action.
To clean hardwood floors, vinegar solution can be prepared by combining with dish washing detergent and lemon juice. You can use this solution for your vacuum cleaner as well. One of the great techniques for cleaning hardwood floors is steam cleaning. Cleaning wooden floors from mildews, molds, strong stains and allergens is usually done by application of steam. Do this by pouring hot water in a canister and use the steam for the cleaning action. You can also use a mixture of oxalic acid and hydrogen peroxide for cleaning stubborn stains from the wooden floor.
Cleaning a sealed hardwood can be little tricky because you have to first identify the nature of sealing. The common types of sealing are oil sealing, shellacking, paste waxing and acrylic waxing. You can remove acrylic wax by application of an ammonia based stripper that has been mixed with water. Removing the paste wax from hardwood flooring is best done by applying ice on it and then scrapping off. You can also apply the ice bags over the wax and leave for sometime. The waxy layer soon becomes brittle and subsequently it can be removed from the floor. You can also check for an extra fine steel wool of non abrasive types for removing the wax. Dip the wool in mineral spirits and the wax will gradually slip off from the floor. However, before cleaning the hardwood floor, you must check the instructions set forth by manufacturers. Floors that are not coated by polyurethane shouldn't be mopped with damp cloth. An oily cleanser makes the floor more greasy. Therefore, it's suggested to use water based cleansers rather than oily ones. The pH neutral cleaners are also sold in stores that are safe for applying over hardwood floors coated with polyurethane. Never opt for products that are highly alkaline or acidic for floor cleaning.
Taking care of your hardwood floor increases its durability. Make sure you do not walk wearing high heels and your pets do not claw on it. Sweep the floor regularly to keep it clean.
