There is hardly anything for a homeowner that could be more gratifying than looking at that newly installed hardwood floor. The lustrous sheen and the feeling of keeping it that way are common to everyone. One of the best things about hardwood floors is that they are meant for long term. They could last a lifetime if you know how to maintain them. So how to keep those same looks for decades. The following guide will give you valuable tips on cleaning your hardwood flooring.
Don't Install Hardwood Floors if you can’t maintain it
Hardwood flooring will require regular cleaning and maintenance, and if you can’t handle it, it is recommended not to choose this type of floor. If you can’t take that responsibility, not only will the floor not look the same year on year, its life will also be reduced significantly. So how to go about keeping your precious floor clean?
Regular Sweeping
Begin by getting yourself a pair of high quality brooms. Sweep the floor at least every couple of days. This will help remove all the dirt and dust that could otherwise cause abrasion and deteriorate the top coat. If you don't want to sweep it daily, you can vacuum it.You will be using deeper cleaning methods based on the type of installation and the finish.
Cleaning your Hardwood Floor
You can use a terrycloth mop with rotating head for cleaning the floor including the corners and under the furniture. But what is more important to consider is the choice of the cleaner. It will be best to choose the cleaner and cleaning techniques based on the manufacturer recommendations. You can get all the information from your floor installer. In many cases, the manufacturers will have their own cleaners. If your floor’s manufacturer has a recommendation, make sure that you follow it.
Avoid these Cleaners
It is easy to consider soap water as a cleaner for your hardwood floor, but most homeowners don't know that it is a big “no no.” So you must use only the recommended cleaners from your installer and avoid the following cleaning materials:
- Water – Never clean your hardwood floors using water. Moisture can easily damage the wood, if not in the short-term, certainly in the long term.
- Vinegar – Vinegar is another material that should be kept away from hardwood floors. The same goes for ammonia and silicone based cleaners.
- Oil/Wax – Cleaners with oil or wax can be seen as the ideal products for cleaning hardwood. But keep in mind that they could leave residue on the surface, which could affect the looks of the floor.
- Acidic Cleaning Products – This refers to not only the commercial cleaning products, but also the homemade cleaners containing lemon or other acidic solutions. Acid from citrus fruits can eat through the finish and reach the wood.
So if you want to ensure that that fresh sheen lasts for long, make sure to vacuum the hardwood floor every next day and clean it using only recommended commercial cleaners.
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