Caring for Wooden Floors
by Janine, Mar 2023Wooden floors are a timeless and beautiful addition to any home, adding warmth, character, and elegance to any room. But knowing how to clean wooden floors effectively to keep them looking their best is essential in ensuring they keep adding value to your home for many years to come.
Hardwood, softwood, and engineered wood flooring all require careful and consistent maintenance. From spills to scratches and general wear and tear, wooden floors are exposed to a lot of daily stress, making it essential to clean them regularly.
To help you stay on top of it, here is a comprehensive guide on how to clean wooden floors, complete with a list of the tasks required and how regularly you should complete them.
Types of wooden floors
Before we delve into how to clean wooden floors, it is important to know the type of floor you have.
There are several types of wooden floors, including solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, and laminate. Understanding the type of flooring you have will help you determine the best cleaning products to use and the methods that are most effective.
Best cleaning products for wooden floors
When it comes to cleaning wooden floors, it’s essential to choose the right cleaning products. Avoid using water and vinegar, as this can damage the finish of the floor and leave streaks.
Instead, look for cleaning products that are specifically designed for wooden floors. We love Osmo wooden floor concentrate.
These products are formulated to protect the finish while effectively removing dirt, dust, and grime. If you are unsure what type of cleaning product to use, consult with the manufacturer or a cleaning professional for recommendations.
How to clean wooden floors: The essentials
Sweeping and Vacuuming
The first step in cleaning wooden floors is to remove any loose dirt, dust, or debris. Regularly removing dust is especially important if anyone in your household suffers from allergies.
This can be done by sweeping the floor with a soft-bristled broom or using a vacuum cleaner with a hard floor setting.
Make sure to vacuum the corners and baseboards to remove any trapped dirt.
Sweeping or vacuuming should be done at least once a week, or more regularly in areas where scraps and crumbs tend to accumulate, like the kitchen or dining area.
Mopping
Like vacuuming, mopping a wooden floor should be done around once a week – immediately after you have swept or vacuumed up any dirt and debris.
Begin by dampening the mop with a small amount of water, then wring it out thoroughly to avoid leaving puddles on the floor. If you are using a cleaning product, follow the instructions on the label and mix the recommended amount with the water.
Start in one corner of the room and work your way towards the door, mopping in small sections and rinsing the mop frequently. Avoid using a mop with too much water, as this can damage the floor and leave streaks.
Drying
After mopping a wooden floor, it’s important to dry the floor as quickly as possible. Use a clean, dry cloth or mop to remove any excess water.
If you can, open windows or turn on a fan to speed up the drying process.
Polishing
To keep your wooden floors looking their best, consider polishing them every few months, or as part of your seasonal spring clean. This will help to restore the shine and protect the finish from scratches and scuffs.
Look for a polish that is specifically designed for your type of wooden floor, and follow the instructions on the label for the best results.
Your vacuum cleaner might even have a specialist head or attachment for cleaning wooden floors – check out our post on vacuum attachments to find out more.
How to clean wooden floors: FAQs
Can you hoover wooden floors?
It’s possible to hoover wooden floors but you must make sure to use a vacuum with a soft brush head, as a hard head can mark and scratch hardwood floors. Sweeping is generally a safer option.
How to deep clean wooden floors?
To reinvigorate a particularly dirty hardwood floor and gently lift up set-in grime, you should follow the steps above and address problem areas with spot treatments and special cleaning products.
A tennis ball can be used to gently scrub away rubber scuff marks while a blunt putty knife can help you dislodge dirt that has built up between floorboards or on the surface.
How to clean wooden floors: Conclusion
Wooden floors are an investment that can add value to your home and enhance the look of any room. With proper care and maintenance, your wooden floors can retain their beauty and shine for a long time.
By following these simple steps on how to clean wooden floors, you can keep yours looking their best for years to come.
However, if you’d rather your regular weekly cleaner take on the task of maintaining your beloved wooden floors, let us know when you send over your enquiry!
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