Hardwood flooring is a stylish and functional addition to your home that enhances your comfort. It brings warmth and elegance to your home, complementing any decor. However, hardwood is difficult to maintain and requires more than routine cleaning. However, if taken care of, it can be a long-term investment.
If you want to maximize the shine and lifespan of your hardwood floors, this article is for you. This comprehensive guide will explore effective methods for cleaning hardwood floors and maintaining their timeless elegance for years to come.
What is Hardwood Flooring?
Hardwood flooring is a premium choice for homes, and it is known for its impressive durability and timeless beauty. It has been around for centuries, adding earthly warmth to the homes. This flooring comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some of the most common types of hardwood flooring are:
Solid Hardwood Flooring
It is made from a naturally cut single piece of wood. Solid hardwood flooring was first used in the 1600s, but it is still a popular choice due to its durability and timelessness. It can be sanded and refinished multiple times, making it a long-term investment.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood flooring is composed of multiple layers, with a plywood base and a wood veneer finish on top. With the veneer top, your floor gets the appearance of real wood. It is also an effective solution, as there is plywood underneath, not real wood. Engineered hardwood flooring is more resistant to moisture and temperature changes.
Distressed Hardwood Flooring
This type of hardwood flooring is intentionally aged and worn to give a rustic and vintage look. Due to its authentic wood appearance, it is a popular choice. However, it comes at a hefty price tag.
While this guide focuses on hardwood floors, many homes feature a mix of flooring materials. If you have laminate flooring in other areas of your house, be sure to read our article on how to clean laminate floors for tailored advice. And for those with tiled spaces, we've got you covered with our comprehensive how to clean tile floors. Each flooring type has its unique cleaning requirements, and understanding these differences will help you maintain every surface in your home to perfection.
How to Clean Hardwood Floors?
Materials Required
- Vacuum
- Hardwood floor cleaner
- Water
- Microfiber mop
- Bucket
Step 1: Remove the Debris or Dirt
Dirt and dust make the shiny surface of the hardwood floor dull, also leading to scratches and deterioration of the top surface with time. Therefore, remove the dust daily using a soft broom or a vacuum. Make sure to sweep in the direction of the wood grain to avoid scratches.
Step 2: Prepare the Cleaning Solution
Mix a hardwood floor cleaner in a bucket full of warm water. It is very important to select the right kind of cleaner, as different hardwood floor types require different care to maintain their condition. You can use natural cleaners, but commercial cleaners are also available for more tough stains.
Step 3: Mop the Floor
Dampen the mop in the cleaning solution and mop it in sections on the floor. Remember not to wet the floor, as water can infiltrate the hardwood floor, damaging the sealants. Therefore, wring out excess water.
A microfiber mop is recommended as it has excellent water absorption abilities. Moreover, its dense and soft fibers prevent scratches and protect the floor's surface. You can also use an electric mop to apply cleaning solutions to the floors in a controlled manner to avoid excess moisture.
Step 4: Rinse the Floor
Take a bucket of clean water and mop one more time with clean water. It is essential so the residue solution doesn't cause streaks on the floor.
Step 5: Dry the Floor
After mopping and rinsing, it is important to let the floor dry. Don't use the space when it is wet, and avoid moving furniture back until it is entirely dry. Make sure the floor is completely dry to prevent moisture from damaging the wood. You can also use a sponge mop, as the sponge head effectively absorbs moisture without harming the hardwood surface.
How to Clean Engineered Hardwood Floors?
Cleaning engineered hardwood floors requires a gentle yet effective approach to preserve their beauty and functionality.
Step 1: Sweep or vacuum away dirt, dust, and debris daily to prevent scratches and premature wear. While vacuuming, use hard floor or bare floor settings, as a rotary brush can damage the floor surface.
Step 2: After sweeping, use a pH-neutral cleaner and apply with a damp mop.
Step 3: Do not over-saturate the mop, as too much water can damage the floor. Therefore, wring the mop.
Step 4: Dry the floor completely before using it again.
Use rugs, runners, and mats at high-traffic areas like entrances to prevent shoes from grinding the floor.
How to Clean Paint From Hardwood Floors?
Paint marks don't look appealing on your hardwood floor. To remove them:
Step 1: If the paint is still wet, blot it immediately with a clean cloth to absorb as much as possible.
Step 2: Use a plastic scraper or putty knife to remove any dried paint gently. Be careful not to scratch the wood.
Step 3: Apply a mixture of dishwashing liquid and water to the spot. You can also use rubbing alcohol.
Step 4: Scrub with a soft-bristle brush. Don't use steel wool or more abrasive brushes because they can scratch the floor.
Step 5: Use a new wet cloth and clean the area again.
How to Remove Stains From Hardwood Floors?
Removing stains from hardwood floors is tricky, as scraping dried stains can also damage the wood. Moreover, abrasive acidic cleaners are also harmful to wood surfaces.
- Wipe Right Away: The best solution is to wipe the stain immediately so it doesn't settle on the floor. However, if the stain has dried, use an all-purpose cleaner.
- Baking Soda: For water stains, gently rub the area with a mixture of baking soda and water or use a white vinegar solution.
- Mineral Spirits: For oil-based stains, apply a small amount of mineral spirits to a cloth and gently blot the area. Make sure it is not oversaturated.
- Hot Iron: If no cleaner works, cover the stain with a dry cloth and rub it with a hot iron for 2-3 seconds. Then, dampen the cloth with rubbing alcohol and iron over the stain for a few seconds.
How to Fix Scratches on a Wood Floor?
If your hardwood floor already has scratches, there is no need to worry, as you can still fix them.
Using a putty knife, apply a wood filler that matches the floor's color. Once the filler is dry, sand it lightly with a fine-grit sandpaper. Then, apply a matching stain or finish to blend it with the surrounding wood. Finally, buff the area with a clean cloth to restore shine.
For shallow scratches, gently rub a wood polish or wax into the scratch using a soft cloth, following the grain of the wood.
How To Clean An Area Rug On Hardwood Floor?
When cleaning an area rug on a wooden floor, vacuum it with a brush attachment to remove dirt and other loose materials. For spills on the rug, first, blot up as much as possible using a clean cloth, then treat the remaining stain with a rug cleaner or mild detergent solution. Be careful not to overwet the carpet while doing this.
While vacuuming, lift the carpet now and then so you can mop the hardwood floor below it using a damp mop and hardwood-safe cleaner. When deep cleaning, follow the care instructions provided by the rug's manufacturer. Also, ensure it is completely dry before putting it back on the floor. A rug pad will help protect both surfaces from damage.
How to Clean Hardwood Floors Naturally?
If you don't want to purchase a cleaner from the market, don't worry. There are many natural solutions to clean hardwood floors.
- Tea Bags: The tannic acid in tea gives your hardwood floor a beautiful shine. You can release the acid in the tea leaves by boiling water with 2 tea bags. Pour the tea into a bucket and dip the mop in this solution. Clean the hardwood floor with this solution and let the floor dry. Your floor will exhibit an impressive shine with this natural cleaning solution.
- Diluted Vinegar: Concentrated vinegar is not recommended as it is a very harsh acid that can affect the floor surface. However, you can mix one part of vinegar with ten parts of water to make a gentle, natural cleaner.
Tips to Maintain Hardwood Floors for Longer
How Often to Clean Hardwood Floors?
Daily Sweep
Use a microfiber mop or a soft broom to remove dust and debris daily. This helps prevent scratches and maintains the floor's appearance. You can use dry mops that effectively remove dust and small particles without using water or cleaning agents for dry cleaning. Regular sweeping or dry mopping will keep your room fresh and protected.
Weekly Maintenance
Vacuum the floors with a floor-brush attachment to pick up fine dust once a week. Also, mop the floors with an all-purpose hardwood floor cleaner on a weekly basis. Use a microfiber mop and make sure it is lightly damp to avoid excess moisture seeping into the hardwood planks.
Monthly Deep Clean
Every month, carry out an intensive cleaning session. Move furniture and rugs to clean the areas left out in weekly cleaning. For a monthly deep clean, you can use a slightly stronger cleaner that is safe for hardwood floors. You can also use a rotating flat mop, which efficiently removes stains from tile cracks and other surfaces.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Hardwood Floors
Hardwood flooring requires special attention as compared to other tile floors. There are some precautions you must take if you want to keep the shine of your hardwood floors for a longer time.
Choosing The Wrong Cleaning Agents
Using the wrong cleaning agents on your hardwood floors could be disastrous. For instance, harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, and oil-based products can strip away the floor's finish, leading to discoloration, warping, or damage. Therefore, use mild pH-neutral cleansers designed specifically for hardwood flooring.
Using The Wrong Tools
Using hard bristle brushes can scratch or leave marks on hardwood floors, causing permanent damage, especially to untreated or protected surfaces. Similarly, steel wool can scratch the floor's surface, causing wear and tear. This damages the floor's appearance and protective layer.
Use of Harsh Chemicals
Cleaners that are too acidic can damage the finish and discolor the wood. Avoid using ammonia, bleach, or 100% concentrated vinegar. Instead, opt for mild cleaners specifically designed for hardwood floors.
What Cleaners Should You Not Use on Hardwood Floors?
- Ammonia-Based Cleaners
- Bleach
- Vinegar
- Oil-based cleaners
- Furniture polish
- Steam cleaners
- Harsh scrubbers
Conclusion
The hardwood floor is hard to maintain. It requires specialized care to protect the flooring from wear and tear. To keep the appearance of the hardwood flooring, opt for cleaners formulated for hardwood flooring. Make a daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning routine to remove any kind of dirt and debris from the floor so there will be no scratches. Avoid abrasive cleaners and tools to protect the protective top layer of the floor. By taking preventive measures, hardwood floors can continue to improve interior spaces with their durability and timeless appeal.
FAQs
Can I Clean Hardwood Floors With Dish Soap?
Yes, you can clean hardwood floors with natural dish soap. Fill a bucket with warm water and add 1 tbsp of dish soap. Dip the mop in this solution and clean the floor with it. However, avoid oversoaking the mop; instead, wring it out to remove excess water.
Can I Use A Steam Mop On My Hardwood Floor?
A steam mop is generally not recommended for hardwood floors because steam can break down the finish, allowing water to infiltrate the floor and damage the wood surface.
How To Clean Dog Urine From Hardwood Floors
Take 1 cup of vinegar and mix it in warm water. Add some drops of grapefruit oil to get rid of the odor. Use this solution to scrub the spot. You can also use an enzyme-based cleaner designed for pet stains.
