How to Properly Maintain Hardwood Floors

How to Properly Maintain Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are an excellent choice for a high-end house. They are stylish, long-lasting, and practical. However, any good floor requires good maintenance, and all types of hardwood floors require cleaning with the proper floor cleaning tools. Floors should be cleaned daily for maximum life and appearance. Here is a beginner’s guide on how to properly clean and maintain a hardwood floor.

Steps:

1. Sweep the floor 1-2 times. Use a broom with soft bristles so you don’t scratch. Make long strokes in one direction. Back and forth movements may scratch the floor. Sweep often, approximately 3 times a week ideally
2. Vacuum as a supplement to sweeping because sweep is imperfect but necessary. Try to get a vacuum with a smooth bottom so you don’t scratch your nice floor. Vacuum approximately 2 times per week.
3. Mop the floor with a wet mop. It should not be dry because then it will not work, but it must be no more than damp because excess liquid could penetrate and destroy a wood floor. Mop 1-2 times per week.
4. (optional) Wax and Buff your floor if recommended by manufacturer.

**Follow manufacturer instructions regarding products**

Random Tips:

1. If you use an area rug, vacuum it frequently so dirt does not seep through onto the floor and scratch it. When lifting an area map, do not drag it at all in case some dirt has already found its way under the rug. Area rugs are good for high traffic areas.
2. Avoid wearing high heels on your floor. Pressure is concentrated on a small point which can cause it to do damage to a floor, mostly denting it. An obese man in tennis sneakers is less dangerous to your floor than a petite woman in high heels. Same applies to spiked golf shoes and cleats.
3. Use mats at the entrances to your house to diminish amount of dirt tracked in. Be sure to vacuum it occasionally follow instructions from tip #1
4. Do not place cold drinks or liquid objects on the floor. If you spill, clean it up quickly before it soaks into the wood.
5. Do not drag furniture. Place furniture sliders under legs and arms of tables, chairs etc.
6. Keep your pet’s toe nails short.
7. When moving heavy furniture, place wood over floor and use a dolly to move the furniture. Move furniture periodically so the wood ages evenly (from UV rays etc.)
   

DO NOT:

1. DO NOT use abrasive cleaners, oil based cleaners, wax, or polish (unless told otherwise by manufacturer).
2. DO NOT wash or mop the floor with liquid cleaning materials.
3. DO NOT use a buffing machine unless manufacturer says otherwise.
   

**NOTE: All wood floors are different, so always check with manufacturer first.

**NOTE: most of these tips can also be applied to wooden furniture (i.e. avoid placing cold drinks on wooden tables without saucers.)

Whatever your janitorial supplies needs are, we are sure to have the supplies that you need to properly clean your hardwood floor.Try using our search box to find the right supplies for you, or try out sitemap to browse through our products.