Clean hardwood floors are not difficult to come by, especially if you stay on top of things. Put down tough-bristled mats, leave muddy boots and shoes at the door, sweep, dry-mop, or vacuum often, and when the floor seems dull, use a moist mop and a neutral solution to get into all the nooks and corners.
Hardwood flooring gives your house an earthy, inviting feel. They’re long-lasting and can last for decades if properly cared for. Following these hardwood floor cleaning recommendations can help you keep them looking beautiful.
- The first step is to remove dirt, dust, pet hair, and other debris that might scrape the floor with a dust mop or vacuum. If you use a vacuum with a beater bar attachment, you risk damaging the floor’s surface. Use the floor-brush attachment to clean the floor. You’ll need to do this at least once a week, depending on traffic and the number of dogs and children you have.
- The filth and grime that accumulates over time will not be removed by dust mopping. You’ll need a liquid cleaner for deep cleaning on a regular basis. A professional wood-cleaning product, such as Bona or Murphy Oil Soap, can be used. Follow the manufacturer’s directions to the letter. Make your own cleanser by combining one part vinegar with ten parts warm water. Using a dropper, add a few drops of liquid Castile soap.
- Using a cloth or a sponge mop, saturate a rag or a sponge mop with your cleaning solution. Ensure the mop is moist, not wet, by wringing it out well. Use the cleaner to mop the floor, being careful not to get too much liquid on it. To remove the cleaner, rinse the mop with clean water, wring off the excess, then damp mop the floor. Standing water will harm the floor, so wipe away any extra water with a clean, dry cloth.
While using vinegar and water to clean wood floors is good, it isn’t the only natural choice. If you appreciate the cleaning power of vinegar but don’t like the fragrance, try adding a few drops of an essential oil like lemon. Lemon oil also cuts grease, which may come in handy if you’re attempting to clean kitchen wood flooring. It’s also an excellent disinfectant, which is something you should think about if you have dogs that leave their messes on the floor.
Castile soap is another natural approach to clean wood floors. It may be used instead of shower gel or ordinary bar soap in the shower. You may also use castile soap instead of regular detergent to wash your clothes.
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- Linda’s right hand, Kenneth has been working with Linda for years, helping in planning, managing, and editing projects.
