The Dos and Don'ts of Cleaning Your Wood Floors

With today's advanced finish technologies, wood floors are very easy to clean and keep beautiful. But there are some specifications to follow while cleaning your floors on a day to day basis. The following guidelines on the do's and don'ts will help every wood floor keeper in the cleaning process.

• Wipe away spills immediately.

• Sweep the floor using a soft, fine bristle broom for the day to day cleaning of your wood floors.

• Vacuum your wood floors using a soft brush as an attachment. It can be done twice a week.

• Use a damp mop to wipe the floor.

• Wipe up food and other spills immediately with a dry or slightly damp towel.

• Make sure to dry the floor soon after a damp mop, cleaning a spill or removing a stain.

• Use water to clean your wood floors.

• The mop must NOT BE dripping with water. Excessive or standing water can damage the wood and also dull the finish.

• Use oil soaps because they can leave a residue on the floor. Neutral pH based wood floor cleaners can be used.

• Use wax-based cleaners, harsh detergents, abrasives, or steel wool to clean wood flooring.

Most importantly, you need to follow the instructions recommended by your installer/retailer or floor manufacturer. Make sure you know about the floor type, the finish type and the cleaning and maintaining procedures for your wood floors.