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How to Clean Hardwood Floors: 7 Quick Tips

If done correctly, hardwood floors are very easy to clean and maintain. Following proper steps will help ensure that your floors last for many years to come. Here are some important tips to follow when it comes to cleaning your hardwood floors:

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  1. For the day-to-day cleaning of your hardwood floors, use a soft, fine bristle broom to sweep up dirt and grit.
  2. You can also vacuum your hardwood floors a couple times a week. Use a soft brush as an attachment.
  3. Prevent debris from coming onto your hardwood floor by placing mats and rugs at all entrances.
  4. Rugs should also be used to cover high-traffic areas; move them periodically if exposed to regular sunlight to ensure the UV rays don’t unevenly fade or change the color of the wood and/or stain.
  5. Avoid water and remember that moisture should not come in contact with the floor. Water can damage hardwood, causing irreversible problems like staining, cupping, and buckling.
  6. Wipe up spills immediately with a lightly dampened cloth, then follow up with a recommended cleaning product. If liquids are allowed to sit on the floor, they can seep into the wood, causing the finish to split and your floors to warp. While it may be possible for hardwood to be installed in areas like laundry rooms and kitchens, extra care must be taken for any spills that may occur.
  7. Oil soaps should not be used as they can leave a residue on the floor. Neutral pH based wood floor cleaners can be used when cleaning hardwood floors. Make sure you dry the floors right away.

Along with these tips, it’s always best to follow the specific manufacturer recommendations for your hardwood floor.

What steps do you take to keep your floors looking like new?
 

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(7) Comments

  1. I would love to use Holloway House Quick Shine floor finish for that hospital- look shine. Says its safe for hardwood – but do you agree?

  2. I think cleaning spills in any case is always a good idea. If not, it’s always me that ends up stepping in it! I never thought about using soft bristle brooms to clean it. I used to have to scrub cement floors at a restaurant so I’m used to putting my back into it. I’ll have to keep this in mind when I clean wood floors. Thanks for the heads up!

  3. Hello,
    this is a great article. Can you please give me some advice on what to do with laminate flooring that is peeling? Is there any way to fix the problem?
    Thank – you , Dee

    • BuildDirect Product Expert Team

      Hi Dee,

      Thank you for the feedback! We’re glad you enjoyed our article. Unfortunately you would need to replace any laminate planks that are peeling as there is no way to repair this top layer. Sorry we couldn’t be of more help! Please let us know if there is anything else we can help out with.

  4. These are all wonderful tips of cleaning a hardwood floor. All of these tips are very efficient in used, and it can give us good cleaning methods to apply in our floor. Thank you for all the great tips of cleaning that you have posted here.

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