Do you love the look of hardwood floors but not the upkeep? Maybe traditional wood floors aren’t your thing, but you still like the coziness they bring to a space. If that sounds like you, check out this post on how to clean hardwood floors. Even if you can’t see it, your hardwood floor probably has a lot of dirt and grime hidden beneath its surface. You may not know it, but your floor probably gets more dirt than any other part of your home. It’s also one of the hardest places to keep clean because natural flooring soaks up spills and stains like a sponge. As such, caring for your hardwood floor often requires more than mopping and sweeping from time to time. However, with some diligence and persistence, you can have a beautiful and clean hardwood floor that guests will envy!
A little background on hardwood floors
First, let’s take a closer look at hardwood flooring. There are two types of wood flooring: engineered and solid. Engineered wood floors are made with layers of real wood put together with glue and pressed into a single piece. Solid wood floors, on the other hand, are made from one continuous piece of real wood. Solid hardwood flooring is typically higher quality than engineered wood. However, engineered wood is a better choice if you have kids or pets, because it’s less likely to be scratched or damaged. Another consideration is whether you want a rustic or polished look. The finish on your hardwood floor can range from smooth and shiny to coarse, with lots of variations in between. Once you’ve made your selection, you’ll need to maintain your floor properly with regular cleaning and proper sanding, staining, and sealing.
The benefits of hardwood flooring
Hardwood floors have many benefits. For example, they are easier to clean than carpets, and they can add value to your home. Additionally, hardwood floors are durable, easy to maintain, and excellent insulators, meaning that your home will stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
How to vacuum a hardwood floor
When it comes to cleaning your hardwood floor, vacuuming usually comes first. This can be done with a standard upright vacuum cleaner. If you have a soft floor, use a low setting. If you have a hardwood floor, use a medium or high setting. When you are vacuuming, make sure to go with the grain of the wood, not against it. You don’t want to scratch your floor. Use the crevice attachment to vacuum beneath furniture and along the edges. Use the brush attachment to clean upholstery and other surfaces. It’s also important to clean your vacuum often, as you don’t want the dirt and grime from your hardwood floor going back into the air.
How to mop a hardwood floor With soap and water
When cleaning your hardwood floor with soapy water, use a squatter mop. These mops have a large, flat head that is best for cleaning hardwood. Avoid using a broom on your floor as it will cause damage and is not an effective cleaning method. Using a broom on your floor could cause the wood to become scuffed, scratched, or even broken. A squatter mop is designed with a smaller head than a standard mop, which makes it easier to clean between the boards on your floor. This is particularly important when cleaning a hardwood floor, as you want to make sure to clean in between the boards to pick up any dirt or grime that might be stuck there.
How to mop a hard-floor with just water
If you have a particularly shiny or delicate hardwood floor, you may want to avoid using soap on it. No matter what type of hardwood you have, you should always mop your floor while it’s dry. This will prevent water from getting trapped beneath your flooring, which could cause damage. When cleaning your floor with just water, use a standard mop with a squatter head. You can also use a microfiber mop if you would like. Avoid mopping your floor with a standard mop as it does not pick up dirt very well. It is best to use a microfiber mop for a hardwood floor, as it will pick up dirt better than a standard mop.
How to dry a hardwood floor after cleaning
After you have cleaned your hardwood floor, you should always try to dry it as quickly as possible. You can do this with a dry mop or soft cloth. If you use a towel, be sure to wring it out thoroughly so that it isn’t dripping wet. It’s important to get water off of your hardwood floor because it can cause damage. The water can seep into the flooring and cause your floor to swell and warp. If you have a particularly large area of hardwood flooring to dry, it might be a good idea to use a commercial-grade floor dryer. You can also use a fan to blow the water off the floor.
Conclusion
Caring for hardwood floors is a little more involved than cleaning carpets, but it’s worth it! Once you’ve finished cleaning your floor, you’ll be amazed at how beautiful it looks. And the best part is that maintaining a hardwood floor is quick and easy. Simply make sure to clean your floor regularly and you’ll be able to keep it in great condition for a long time to come.