How to Care for Hardwood Floors
If properly maintained, hardwood flooring will last for decades. Hardwood need to be kept clean and free of the dust and debris that can scratch and dull the surface. Learn how to care for hardwood floors in this video by The Home Depot:
1. Sweep or Vacuum
High-traffic areas should be swept as often as possible. You can either sweep the floors with a broom or use a disposable electrostatic mop.
Using a vacuum is also an option; however, you should only vacuum if your model features an on-off brush roll. Many models have a hard floor setting, which raises the vacuum and deactivates the brush roll used to clean carpets. If active, the brush roll can scratch hardwood flooring. Only suction is used when removing debris on the hard floor setting. Some models offer rubber wheels, which are less likely to leave scratches than models with hard plastic wheels.
2. Mop
Heavily-trafficked areas should be cleaned every week or two using a damp mop. Wet the mop and wring out most of the water so it is just damp. Avoid leaving any standing water on the floor as this can damage the wood; this is especially true for pre-finished hardwood floors. Unless the surface was sealed with polyurethane after installation, the water will seep between the boards.
If your floors are well sealed, you can add a wood cleaning product diluted to the manufacturer’s instruction when mopping. Avoid using harsh detergents as they’ll dull the surface. There are products that allow you to spray and mop and don’t require a bucket; they dry quickly and remove dust, dirt and grime. Disposable wet pads are perfect for touch-up cleaning, but be sure to select wet pads specifically formulated for cleaning hardwoods.
3. Revitalize
There are also floor polishes that help restore the shine and offer protection against wear. These products will also help fill small scratches and are available in low and high gloss finishes. To revitalize worn floors, use a floor wax. These not only provide a deep clean but also leave a satin finish that protects and beautifies hardwoods. Regardless of which product you choose, always apply them with the grain of the wood. If your product requires a mop application, rinse the mop often and wring it dry. Although many products will dry pretty quickly, you can speed the process by turning on a ceiling fan, or the floor can be dried using a soft microfiber cloth.
No matter how often you clean your hardwood floor, scratches are inevitable, especially if you have pets. There are liquid scratch concealers that when dry form a permanent seal that won’t come off during cleaning. Eventually, your floor’s sealed surface will wear, but fortunatley real hardwood flooring can be lightly sanded and new finish applied to restore the floor’s natural beauty.
