Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining the shine and beauty of hardwood floors.
Dirt, dust, grime, and debris can accumulate on floors, causing damage to the wood over time. This can lead to expensive repairs, refinishing, or replacement.
However, cleaning hardwood floors with natural products and a few simple tools can help them last longer. Melissa Witulski, the business operations manager for Merry Maids, offers the following tips for cleaning
How Often Should You Clean Hardwood Floors??
To maintain the beauty and longevity of your hardwood floors, it’s recommended to clean them a few times per week and then do a deep cleaning once a month or more frequently if needed.
According to Melissa Witulski, the business operations manager for Merry Maids, regular cleanings are essential to prevent the buildup of dirt, dust, and debris that can damage the wood over time.
She suggests using a microfiber dust mop for regular cleaning as it is gentle on the floors and won’t scratch them as some vacuums might.
How to Prepare for Cleaning Hardwood Floors
Before cleaning your hardwood floors, it’s crucial to determine what type of finish has been applied to the flooring.
Check whether the floor has a polyurethane finish or not. If a drop of water sits on the surface, then the floor is sealed and can be cleaned with a water-based solution or steam cleaners.
However, if the drop of water is absorbed quickly, the sealant is worn away or was never applied. If the floor is unsealed, use a damp microfiber cloth to clean it and dry it immediately with a dry microfiber cloth.
To make the cleaning experience faster and easier, pick up any clutter and remove small items such as area rugs from the floor.
It’s also helpful to start at one corner of the room and work towards the door to prevent leaving footprints on the clean floor.
Choose a suitable time for cleaning hardwood floors when foot traffic will be minimal, like when everyone is out of the house.
If you have pets at home, look for a vacuum for pet hair that’s also good for hardwood floors. You might also consider investing in a cordless vacuum cleaner or a robot vacuum designed to clean hard surfaces and carpets.
If you decide to use a commercial hardwood floor cleaner, follow the product instructions carefully, and avoid using too much cleaner, which can lead to waxy buildup and make the floors look dull.
After cleaning, turn on ceiling fans or add a circulating fan to speed up the drying time. This way, you can walk on the floor sooner and replace any rugs or floor items you previously cleared.
What You Need to Clean Hardwood Floors
Here are the items you will need for cleaning hardwood floors with vinegar, cleaning cracks, and cleaning paint on floors:
Dry microfiber dust mop
Broom or vacuum without beater bar (optional)
Large bucket
Distilled White Vinegar or cleaning vinegar
Wet microfiber mop
Bowl or small bucket
Soft-bristled toothbrush
Microfiber cloth
Handheld vacuum or vacuum with crevice tool (optional)
Small bowl
Dishwashing liquid
Cleaning cloths
Hard plastic putty knife or old credit card
Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol
Lemon juice
A soft-bristled toothbrush or non-abrasive scrub brush
Blow dryer or heat gun
Citrus-based paint remover (optional).
How to Clean Hardwood Floors Using Vinegar
Step-by-Step Guide to Clean Hardwood Floors with Vinegar:
Clear dirt and debris: Use a microfiber dust mop, broom, or vacuum without a beater bar to clear away loose dust and soil from the floor.
Mix cleaning solution: In a large bucket or sink, combine 1 gallon of water with 1 cup of distilled white vinegar or 1/2 cup of cleaning vinegar.
Mop hardwood floors: Dip a clean microfiber mop into the solution and wring it until it is damp.
Start at the far corner of the room and work your way towards the door, rinsing the mop frequently as the soil is transferred from the floor.
Let floors dry: Allow the floor to air-dry before walking on it to prevent excess moisture from damaging the wood.
*The information is for reference only.
