How To Clean Hardwood Floors

Your hardwood floors go through a lot on any given day, including regular foot traffic, spills, and scuffs.

If you’ve got stains, scuff marks or just overall wear and tear, it might feel as though the wood will never look the same again.

We understand this frustration, which is why we’re sharing a few simple tips you can use to clean your hardwood floors and get them sparkling once again.

1. Clean Your Wood Floors Regularly

When was the last time you mopped your floors?

We get it, this might seem like an obvious tip, but as life gets crazy, we can often forget to mop the floors after sweeping.

Set time aside at least once a week to do a deep cleaning of your floors.

First, you’ll want to sweep to remove any dust, dirt, or initial grime from the surface. Then it’s time to grab your mop.

We recommend using a mop with a microfiber head because it not only holds more dirt and liquid (you don’t want standing water left too long) than a regular mop, but it also reduces the chances of scratches.

2. Find the Best Wood Cleaner for Your Type of Flooring

The best route to take when choosing a cleaner is contacting the manufacturer of your wood flooring. You can check their website if you know the makers or call them up if you have their contact information.

If the floors aren’t new and you don’t know the company it came from, choose a cleaner specifically made for wood.

You will want to ensure that the cleaning product isn’t made for vinyl or other floor materials because it will damage rather than clean your hardwood floors.

For a natural floor cleaner that’s safe for wood, grab 1/2 cup of vinegar and add it to a gallon of lukewarm water.

Based on your personal preference, you can choose whether to buy or make your own cleaner.

3. Adopt Preventive Measures

Besides cleaning regularly and using the right cleaning products for your floors, there are other ways you can keep your hardwood floors looking nice.

To prevent scuffs or marks, make sure to use floor protectors under the furniture. Using small area rugs in high traffic areas is also helpful.

If you have kids, add throw rugs in their play areas to reduce the chances of their toys scratching up the floors as they play.

Adding a little extra protection here and there, can go a long way in preventing any accidents along the way.