To keep you hardwood floors looking their best, regular attention is the key. With the proper care and maintenance, you can keep your hardwood floors looking new for many years and they will last a lifetime.
Best way to clean hardwood floors
Furniture Feet Pads
The best way to clean a hardwood floor depends on the type of finish. Surface finishes are found on pre-finished floors and are mostly polyurethane. They usually have a glossy appearance. They are easy to care for and maintain; simply sweep, vacuum and mop. Penetrating seals such as oils and waxes have a satin or matte finish. Strip the wax and apply a fresh coat once or twice a year. This type of hardwood floor should not be damp mopped because the water will penetrate the wood.
Sweep high traffic areas on a daily basis, and vacuum and mop weekly. When sweeping, use a broom with fine, exploded ends to trap dust and grit effectively. To minimize the amount of dirt brought inside, place door mats at each entrance.
Vacuum your hardwood floor regularly to remove dirt as this will scratch and dull the surface. Use a lightweight vacuum cleaner with a soft brush on the head so it doesn't scratch the floor. Follow with a microfibre dust mop to trap fine dust particles.
Next, use a damp, not wet, mop with a pH neutral floor cleaner specifically formulated for wood floors to remove dust and grime. Vinegar is also an effective and safe floor cleaner (see section on using vinegar below). Wring the mop out completely and mop in the direction of the wood grain. When the water gets dirty, replace with a fresh batch of cleaning solution. When finished, go back over with clean water to rinse. Do not use straight ammonia, liquid detergents or abrasive cleaners as they can dull or strip the finish and discolour the wood. Do not damp mop waxed floors. Just sweep and vacuum regularly.
Wipe up any food or liquid spills immediately with a damp cloth, then dry with a clean towel. Water and other liquids are one of the floors worst enemies as they can damage the finish and seep in between the floorboards causing warping. Consider placing mats on areas where water may be splashed, such as at the kitchen sink.
Caring for hardwood floors
Hardwood floors are easily gouged and scratched so take preventative steps to protect your hardwood floor. Use felt pads under furniture legs and feet and take care when moving furniture. Remove shoes before walking on the floor to prevent heel and scuff marks.
Regular vacuuming will keep your floor free of dirt and grit that can scratch the surface. Sunlight can cause excessive discoloration so protect the floor from sunlight by closing blinds or drapes. Some discoloration may be unavoidable, so rotating furniture and rugs will also help ensure that any UV exposure is even across the floor.
When placing rugs on your hardwood floor, be cautious. Rug dyes have been known to stain floors, and plastic backings may affect the wood finish.
Clean hardwood floors with vinegar
Using vinegar to clean hardwood floors is a cheap, environmentally friendly solution to keep your hardwood floor looking good. Mix ½ cup of vinegar with 1 gallon of warm water. Dip a cotton cloth into the solution and wring thoroughly. Work on one small area at a time, immediately buffing dry with a clean cloth.
Vinegar is excellent for cutting grease, removing odors, mildew, most stains and wax buildup. It will also neutralize alkaline stains such as those from hard water.