To maintain the integrity of your wood flooring, you need to clean them often and methodically. But the real question is: how to clean hardwood floors properly?
Wood floors endure the most significant amount of wear and tear in our homes.
Imagine how much dust, dirt, grime, and debris you bring in from the outside—adding children and pets to the mix results in a whole new level of dirt and mess.
Dirty wood floors can not only be unsightly but also be damaging to the wood itself, which is costly to repair and refinish, or at the very least, replace.
Is there the best way to clean wood floors? It depends on your lifestyle as well as your needs. Solid wood floors, laminate flooring, and composite floors may need to be maintained differently.
This applies to how you clean these surfaces and the products used to keep them looking great.
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Invest in the most suitable cleaning tools
It is best to use a microfiber dust mop to remove dust, dirt, and whatever else was brought into your home to clean hardwood floors properly.
A microfiber dust mop will not scratch your floors the way some vacuums do. If you’re a renter, it might not be wise to carry lots of cleaning tools, but these may become handy, especially for move out cleaning.
If you want to know how to clean hardwood floors daily or the best way to clean laminate wood floors, especially if you’re short on time—use a robot vacuum. Dreame W10 Robot Vacuum 3-IN-1 is the most affordable and the best choice for you.
How to clean hardwood floors naturally.
Vinegar is an excellent hardwood floor cleaner and is natural, safe, and inexpensive. Mix a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar with a gallon of warm water to make a solution.
Additionally, you can also add half a cup of white vinegar to a gallon of water to clean any floor if you don’t have apple cider vinegar available.
If you don’t like the smell of vinegar, you can add some essential oils to mask it.
By using this DIY solution, you will not only thoroughly clean your floors, but it will also be safe for humans, pets, and children.
Another benefit of cleaning wood floors with apple cider vinegar is that many store-bought or chemical-based cleaning products leave a residue or require rinsing. This can also save time.
Begin by dusting the surface to remove any dust particles, then add vinegar to the bucket.
- Next, dip a flat mop with a microfiber cover into the water mixture, then start cleaning.
- While you are cleaning, never let wood floors get too wet, as it can remove the finish or cause warping or deterioration.
On the other hand, you don’t necessarily need to clean finished hardwood floors with vinegar. You can use water, but be careful that too much does not seep in, or it can remove the finish.
Another alternative is to use two tea bags with boiling water.
You can also use boiling water and two teabags to clean hardwood floors. The tannic acid in tea creates a beautiful sheen.
- Steep two tea bags in boiling water for about five minutes.
- Pour the tea into a bucket.
- Put a soft cloth in the tea and wring it out. The floor will be able to dry more quickly once the cloth is only damp, not soaked.
- Wash the floor, and you’ll be amazed by how shiny it will be.
Knowing how to clean hardwood floors includes covering scratches that remain even after cleaning. Rub a crayon the same color as the floor over the scratch to fill it in. Heat the area where crayon has been applied with a blow dryer and buff it with a soft cloth.
How to keep hardwood floors clean?
Wood flooring can go from being spotless to being downright filthy in a matter of seconds. Such floors can become a chore to clean, especially when move out cleaning.
A dirty dog, a spill, or even muddy shoes can become a nuisance to homeowners.
Also, there is the everyday dirt that is left behind by people coming and going from the home. The best way to prevent this is to make your home a shoe-free zone. Another alternative is to wipe your feet before entering. Encourage your guests to do the same.
How to clean (unsealed) hardwood floors?
Wood floors that have not been sealed tend to be more susceptible to water damage than those that have been sealed, having a more significant impact on the quality of the flooring. Regularly use a dust mop, so there’s never too much build-up.
When you need to make a more thorough move out cleaning, use a damp microfiber cloth and dry it immediately.
Conclusion
Hardwood cleaning and scratch prevention are some of the things that a homeowner or home renter may need to focus on to preserve the shine of their beautiful hardwood floors. It can get pretty confusing or become a hard chore for hardwood floor newbies, but learning these tips and tricks can make regular cleaning, or even move out cleaning to get your bond back, a whole lot easier.
