As winter sets in, hardwood floors inevitably attract a torrent of dirt, salt, mud, and other sorts of outdoor debris. Spring is the perfect time to give your precious hardwood floors a thorough clean-up after the winter months, and this routine not only banishes built-up grime and dirt, but also protects against scratches and maintains the floor’s durability. Giving your hardwood floors a springtime makeover breathes new life into your home, and creates a welcoming environment for everyone who steps inside.
Unlike caring for carpets or vinyl, keeping hardwood floors in good shape requires a specialized approach. In this article, we will walk you through some effective cleaning strategies to help your hardwood floors stay strong and beautiful. Read ahead to learn how to ensure your hardwood floors sparkle year-round with our comprehensive hardwood floor cleaning guide.
Sweeping The Floors
Begin the hardwood floor cleaning routine by eliminating loose dirt, dust, and debris with a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum cleaner that is equipped with a hardwood floor attachment. A cleaning tool such as a soft-bristled angled broom or microfiber dust mop will ensure that you don’t cause scratches to the flooring’s surface. Once you have selected a tool, sweep or vacuum the hardwood floor to remove the accumulated dust and debris. Pay special attention to corners and baseboards where dirt tends to gather. When sweeping, always follow the grain of the wood to avoid pushing debris between the slats, and for areas that receive heavier foot traffic, consider employing both methods for a thorough clean, such as starting with sweeping and then vacuuming to remove all lingering dirt, pet hair, or debris.
Select The Right Cleaning Solution
When considering a cleaning solution for your hardwood floors, opt for a mild, pH-balanced hardwood floor cleaner that is tailor-made for wood surfaces to ensure gentle yet effective cleaning. Always opt for a cleaner that is explicitly formulated for hardwood floors and avoid harsh chemicals and excessive water since they can wreak havoc on the wood flooring’s finish. Selecting a liquid floor cleaner that won’t compromise your floor’s integrity is essential, as different hardwood finishes require different care approaches. Some DIY cleaners such as vinegar and baking soda may seem like a quick fix, however, these could strip the finishing from certain floors, and also may not deliver the same level of efficacy and cause damage to your hardwood floors instead.
Mop With Consideration
Once your floors have been swept or vacuumed well, prepare the selected hardwood floor cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Saturate the mop in the cleaning solution just so that it is damp and not dripping to avoid soaking the wood, and begin mopping. Follow this step by rinsing the mop in clean water, wringing it out again, and giving the floor a quick look to ensure any lingering cleaner is mopped away. For remaining moisture, wipe the floor with a dry towel to prevent any water-related damage or warping. To add extra shine, consider buffing the floors with a clean, dry microfiber cloth or a hardwood floor buffer once the floors are completely dry. This will restore the hardwood flooring’s natural luster and will also help to get rid of any streaks or smudges.
Remove Stubborn Stains
Use a specialized hardwood floor cleaner to remove stubborn stains or spots. Apply the solution to the stain and gently scrub with a soft brush or microfiber cloth. Ensure to avoid abrasive scrubbers that could scratch the wood surface, and prioritize cleaning up spills as soon as they occur.
If your hardwood flooring has been installed for many years and looks significantly worn out or dull, contact our expert team at Smith Bros. Floors today! We can have your floors refinished and look new again.