Hardwood floors look luxurious but can be challenging to clean. Using the right cleaning method and proper technique helps maintain their condition and increases their lifespan. Many homeowners wonder what to use on hardwood floors; this blog offers information on suitable cleaners and methods.
Frequency of Cleaning Wood Floors for Proper Maintenance
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If there’s any spill, like water or unsweetened tea, wipe it up right away with a cloth or paper towel, then use the cleaner spray and mop. Also, remove footwear before entering the house to keep dirt away.
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Sweep high-traffic areas daily to keep dirt and debris off hardwood floors, making mopping easier.
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Mopping can be done once a week, especially in kitchens, hallways, entryways, and living rooms.
| Some Tips | Use a hardwood floor safe cleaner. |
How to Prepare the Floor for Cleaning?
The basic preparation is to vacuum the floor before mopping, as mopping without vacuuming can cause scratches.
Tips to Consider Before Cleaning the Hardwood Floor
Check the floor type and the cleaner you use. There are two floor types:
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Porous floors allow cleaning solutions or other liquids to soak into the surface.
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Non-porous, sealed hardwood floors do not absorb liquids. These can tolerate slightly more moisture, but still require cleaners suited for hardwood surfaces.
Different Hardwood Floor Cleaners for a Sparkling Floor
Hardwood floors are sensitive to harsh chemicals; therefore, most homeowners prefer organic, homemade solutions. Even when using homemade solutions, make sure not to use them in concentrated form. Dilute it as specified and then use it. Here are some of the methods:
1. White Vinegar and Water
White vinegar is a highly preferred homemade solution to clean wood floors, but it can’t be used in its concentrated form. Dilute it with water and then use it. Prepare a solution by mixing 1 part vinegar with 3 parts water. Then test the solution on a small area of the floor to assess its impact. If the result is positive, mop the floor for a clean, shiny finish; if it’s negative, don’t use it.
2. Essential Oil, White Vinegar, and Water
If you dislike vinegar's smell, add a few drops of essential oil—rose, cedarwood, or lavender—to the solution for a refreshing aroma and clean floor.
3. Dish Detergent, White Vinegar, and Water
Add a few drops of dish detergent to the vinegar and water solution. This DIY mix removes dirt, debris, and oil from the floor.
4. Plant-based Liquid Soap, White Vinegar, and Water
If your floors have accumulated heavy dirt and grime, prepare a solution of 1 part vinegar, 10 parts water, and 1 part plant-based liquid soap.
5. White Vinegar and Vegetable Oil
Some hardwood floors don’t tolerate water, so you can clean them with vinegar and vegetable oil. Prepare a solution by mixing 1 part white vinegar with 1 part vegetable oil, pour it into a spray bottle, shake it well, and spray it onto the hardwood floors.
6. White Vinegar, Water, Olive Oil, and Lemon Juice
This is another DIY method to maintain a shiny floor. All you have to do is prepare a solution by mixing equal parts of white vinegar and olive oil, five parts of water, and a few tablespoons of lemon juice. Then dip the mop into the solution, wring it gently, and wipe the floor for a shiny finish.
A Trick to Remove Stains From Hardwood Floors
The best way to remove stains from a hardwood floor is to wipe them up quickly before they set in. If the stain still persists, you can use stain removers such as baking soda, lemon juice, or white vinegar diluted as discussed in the above heading. If nothing works, the last option is to replace the stained board.
Conclusion
A home-made solution is the best way to maintain a clean hardwood floor. Chemical-based solutions can damage the floor, so avoid them. There are certain precautions you should take before mopping the floor to avoid scratches. The information in this blog can help you achieve a shiny, clean floor.
