How to deep clean hardwood floors to keep them looking their best
If you’ve ever watched any show involving home renovations, you probably know how sought-after and special hardwood floors are. It’s not surprising that something so sought-after probably requires a bit of maintenance, too. Hardwood floors are different from laminate, vinyl and linoleum. They require a special type of deep cleaning.
“Some floor types, such as tile or luxury vinyl, are more durable and waterproof,” explains Kathy Turley, Director of Marketing for Home Clean Heroes Virginia Beach, Virginia. “Wood is a more porous material, so you’ll want to minimize liquid absorption.” Below, we’ve asked Turley for her best tips on how to deep clean hardwood floors the right way.
Tips for deep cleaning hardwood floors
You will first need to clean the surface dust and debris off your surfaces with a dust mop/vacuum. This is just like a regular cleaning. Then, it’s time to wet the mop with a cleaning pad and warm water. “A soft cleaning pad will trap dirt as you go,” explains Turley. “Remember: avoid using too much liquid—if you accidentally use a little more than intended and the floors are damp, just be sure to go over everything with dry cleaning pads.”
Make sure you look for stains and buildup between floorboards while mopping floors. “Putty knives can be used to gently scrape away grime, then gently spot clean anywhere that needs extra attention,” suggests Turley. “It’s optional, but using an antibacterial wood floor cleaner will disinfect the floor with a mop.”
How to Remove Stains From Hardwood Floors
According to Turley, it’s best to use a mineral oil and apply it to the stain, then use a dry microfiber cloth to buff the stain away. “You don’t want to use that oil as a spot cleaner (like you would use Resolve on carpet),” warns Turley. “After you buff the stain, we suggest distributing the oil to a larger section on and around the original stain site. Then, let it sit or ‘cure’ for several hours, and then wipe away with a clean dry microfiber cloth.”
Deep Cleaning Hardwood Floors: What You Should Avoid
When deep cleaning hardwood floors, there are some things to avoid. Avoid harsh cleaners or alkaline cleaning products, such as vinegar. “Abrasive cleaners can scratch the floors and alkaline can dull the finish on the floor,” explains Turley. “If you are going to use vinegar, you will want to dilute it with water—a 50/50 mixture should do the trick.”
Keep in mind that wood is porous and can absorb liquids if it is used too often, causing damage to the floor. “You’ll need to take into consideration whether or not your floor has a finish (like a polyurethane) which acts as a barrier (and the water will pool) or if it is natural or unfinished, in which case the wood will absorb the water,” explains Turley.
Tips to Keep Hardwood Floors Clean
While indoor carpets are great for hardwood floors, you should not cover them with them. “Having guests and family remove their shoes before walking on your hardwoods can cut down on dirt and debris brought in on the shoes—unfortunately, this can act almost like sandpaper on the finish,” explains Turley. “This can dull or scratch the wood.”
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