The Right Way to Clean Hardwood floors

Hardwood floors are found in many homes and offices today. These floors are

beautiful and expensive. You sure don't want to use just anything on them to clean.

No need to worry! Here is the safe and effective way to clean hardwood floors

"in any home or office".

Damp mopping of hardwood floors
Consider water an enemy to a wood floor. If it soaks in, warping and damage will ensue. Damp mopping is a method whereby the mop is barely wet, you do not want puddles of water on your wood floor. Depending on how much traffic your floor sees or in specific rooms (the kitchen), you may have to mop it as often as once a week ,other areas may need it much less.

To damp mop, wet the mop (microfibre mopheads) and wring as much water out as possible. Go over the floor twice, first to dissolve the dirt and then again, after rinsing the mop and ringing it thoroughly, again to rinse. The floor can then be buffed dry with a towel--this is done easily by attaching a towel to a clamp mop handle.

DON'T:

Don't use oil soaps, wax cleaners, or products that promise "shine." They leave build up and create problems when it's time to put a new surface coat on the floor.
Don't use vinyl or tile floor care products on wood floors. Acrylic waxes cause wood to become slippery and cloudy--which can only be fixed by sanding and refinishing.
Don't use ammonia cleaners they will dull the finish and performance of your floor.
Don't use vinegar. Low pH cleaners (acidic, like vinegar) can dissolve hard water and mineral deposits, but can't tackle dirt and grime. Many people rely on vinegar, but since it is an acid it will eventually dull the finish.
Don't use high pH cleaners (more alkaline, like harsher soaps) are good at dissolving dirt and grime. But will also eventually dull the finish.

 

DO:

The best non-toxic floor cleaning solution is ¼ of a cup of mild liquid dishwashing detergent added to a bucket of warm water (for damp mopping).
For scuff marks use a sprinkle of baking soda on a damp sponge and rub.

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How Often Should I Clean Hardwood Floors?

This varies, depending on your household and the square footage of your wood floors. Kids, pets and environment all contribute to wear on your floor. That said, Bona recommends cleaning as often as possible. Keeping your floor free from dirt and dust helps prevents scuffs and scratches. A clean floor is a longer lasting floor.

•Use proper tools to clean your floor – a mop paired with a machine washable, microfiber pad for dusting and cleaning. Electrostatic action attracts dirt, microparticles and common household allergens.
•Avoid using water and vinegar, soap-based cleaners, wax or steam cleaners on your hardwood floors. Vinegar and water actually dull the floor’s finish over time, while soap and wax leave residue. Steam cleaners put heat and excessive water on your floor, which can lead to cupping and long-term damage.
•Regular dusting and cleaning keeps hardwood floors looking new. But protective mats can further your floor’s life. Use natural rubber rug underlayments with a waffle pattern in entry ways or high traffic areas, and use felt floor protectors on furniture.