Hardwood floors are both beautiful and long-lasting, but they require regular upkeep to stay looking their best. Fortunately, there are several natural ways to keep your hardwood floors clean without resorting to chemicals.
- Debris Removal:
Dirt and debris buildup on floors over time, so it’s essential to regularly sweep them away. Not only will this give your floors a refreshed look, but it also protects the finish by preventing stains from penetrating the surface.
- Utilize a Vacuum:
Vacuuming your hardwood floors at least once a week is essential to eliminate dust and dirt that can build up over time. A vacuum with a dust mop attachment works best, but if you don’t have one, dry microfiber cloth or broom can do the trick too.
- Floor Mats:
To reduce dirt and grit tracked into your home, place floor mats from Ultimate Mats, inside and outside your entrances. Doing so will prevent accumulation of particles such as dirt or sand that could harm the flooring underneath.
- Furniture Pads:
If you have heavy furniture in your home, investing in high quality floor mats and pads is a wise idea. These will protect your hardwood floors from scratches or gouges when moving the pieces around.
- Selecting the Appropriate Cleaning Solution:
It is wise to select a cleaner specifically tailored for your hardwood floor type. Whether it is soap or acid-based, make sure it is safe for hardwood surfaces. Steer clear of solutions containing ammonia, bleach or other harsh chemicals as these can damage the finish and sheen of your floor.
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- Soak a Mop in Cleaner:
When using spray-on cleaner, be sure to saturate a rag or sponge mop with the cleaner before wiping it across your wood floor. Alternatively, you can use a damp mop (microfiber options are recommended) to work over the cleaner and then wipe up with a dry towel as you go.
Depending on how dirty and grimy your hardwood floors are, you may need to mop them multiple times a week for thorough cleaning. Alternatively, you could simply sweep them a few times each day in order to remove any accumulation of dust particles.
- Stains and Spills:
Hardwood floors are porous, unlike tile or short-fiber carpeting, which absorb liquids quickly. This can lead to stains and discoloration when spills aren’t cleaned up right away.
- Apply a Protective Oil:
If your floors have become stained or discolored, applying protective oil can help with the process of removing the stain or restoring color. Oils such as lemon, citrus or tung oil will offer long-term protection for your floor while keeping it looking pristine.
- Remove Hazing:
If you’re not careful, your hardwood floors may become covered in hazing – a film that forms over the surface of wood. This haze can be difficult to remove and may take anywhere from six months to a year for it fully to go away.
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