Few things in the home are as beautiful as hardwood flooring. It provides a rich and warm atmosphere, and if you take good care of your floors, they may last for many decades. Hardwood flooring is very durable, but if you do not clean them properly or use the right hardwood floor cleaner, you might cause some serious damage. Here are some helpful tips for getting your floors clean and keeping them healthy.
Vacuuming
It is best not to use your vacuum cleaner on your wood floors. Beater bars and some attachments can scratch flooring, so you should consider avoiding them. Instead, use a soft dust mop and go over the entire floor to remove all the loose debris. If you must use your vacuum, use the brush attachment, and you should do this every week to keep debris and dirt to a minimum.
Mopping
You must exercise caution when mopping your wood floors. Do not use water and detergent as it is not good for the finish to saturate it with water. Make sure to use a high quality hardwood floor cleaner, specially made for the job. Some people recommend using diluted vinegar, but it has acidic properties and is not the best choice for wood.
The Value of Prevention
When you take measures to keep your floors clean, you do not have to use a hardwood floor cleaner too often. For example, make sure you have floor protectors underneath all the furniture legs. This not only keeps you from scratching your flooring, but it also makes it easier to move furniture about when dusting or cleaning.
To help keep your flooring looking clean and new, place doormats in front of your back and front doors. You can also put mats just inside the doors for extra security. These helpful tips can extend the life of your flooring and simplify housekeeping.
