How to Clean Hardwood Floors

Hardwood flooring is becoming popular again as it was many years ago and knowing how to clean the wood floors is a must to keep homeowners foundation beautiful and long lasting.

There are a few things that a homeowner may want to do when they have an occasional black mark from heels, shoe scuff marks, water or something sticky on their hardwood floors in order to clean the spills and scrapes. All of these messes could be cleaned with a soft damp cloth or some mild cleaner sprayed on a cloth and not on the floor.

Hardwood floors tend to expand and become misshapen when they are wet; therefore cleaning up spills of liquid immediately is a good idea. In addition, it is important not to use too much water or cleaning fluids when taking care of a hardwood floor.

It is important never to use ammonia or a wet mop on a hardwood floor.

Step 1: Begin cleaning a hardwood floor by sweeping up all the grim, dirt and dust with an ordinary broom or the vacuum cleaner. If this is not done, the tiny particles will scratch the floor.

Step 2: One of the best products for a hardwood floor is Murphy Oil or a similar cleaning brand. These oil soaps will clean and polish a hardwood floor and help to keep the dirt and grim away for many weeks of normal walking along it.

Step 3: Use a soft cloth mop that has been lightly dampened with water. Make sure to ring out the mop if it is dunked in the bucket. Never soak the floor with a wet mop.

Step 4: It is important to dry a hardwood floor after mopping it so there is no water damage or disfigurement of the boards from excess water.

A mixture of some essential oils could be used to keep the shine of a hardwood floor while they also provide an aromatherapy scent to the entire room. Any of the citrus oils such as lime, lemon or oranges are fine to use because they will not stain the wood and will create a fresh scent throughout the room. Another natural oil one could use is lavender which has been proven to have a calming effect.

There are many store brands and big name brands of hardwood floor cleaners and polishers that could be used to clean and maintain a beautiful hardwood floor. Some of these products can be used on a monthly basis and a simple dry mop in between applications will be enough to keep the floor looking good.