Tips for Cleaning Hardwood Floors
Cleaning Hardwood Floors
Achieving those shiny hardwood floors can be a challenge. Whether it is walnut, maple, ash or oak, you can always find a solution that cleans your floors efficiently. Cleaning hardwood floors on your own should be as hassle free as possible. Even though dirt is more visible on hardwood then on carpet, you should not neglect your floors from a good wash. Keeping the surfaces clean and waxed will allow your hardwood floors to last longer. Vacuuming often is beneficial, yet some commercial cleaners and home solutions can brighten your floors even better.
Hardwood Floor Maintenance
Cleaning Hardwood Floors
Before cleaning hardwood floors, make sure you know how to properly take care of them. UV rays can be some of the most damaging factors in the life of your hardwood floors. Curtains and minimal sunlight will help the fading process. Keeping the UV rays off the flooring will minimize the natural fading of the floors. Don’t be alarmed though if the color of the floor changes over the years. Since it is organic it is only natural for the flooring to change coloring and shape.
Furniture can be a factor as well. Make sure to rearrange furniture at least once a year. Wood is porous and can be affected by heavy weight. Allowing the weight to be shifted often enough will allow the wood reprieve of heavy weight. It also helps by placing felt or cloth underneath furniture legs. This will prevent the wood from being scratched. This goes along with shoes as well. High heels and children’s sports shoes can scratch up your hardwood floors as well. Treat your floors nicely and they will shine for years.
Rugs and mats are a good idea around doorways and high traffic areas. This allows the floors to stay protecting and collect the majority of the dirt. Rugs around doorways will allow the outside dirt to be trapped before it travels to the floors. It will also help with collecting any water that may be on your shoes as well.
Tips for Cleaning Hardwood Floors
Cleaning hardwood floors with vinegar is a cheap and quick way to polish and shine your floors. Combine a half cup of white vinegar to one gallon warm water. With a soft mop wipe floors evenly, making sure to not leave any standing water. Vinegar is an easy way to cut through grease, stains and wax buildup without spending a lot on special floor cleaner.
Cleaning Hardwood Floors with Tea
To create a shine to your floors for a cheap price, try some black tea. Boil a pot of water and steep two bags of tea for two minutes. With a clean soft rag, gently wipe floors. Make sure the rag is damp, not soaking. Standing water can warp floors and create long-term problems. Once dry the tea should allow your hardwood floors to sine brilliantly.
Cleaning Hardwood Floors with Ammonia
Many people may think ammonia is a quick fix to floor cleaning. You must be careful when using ammonia on your floors though. Vinegar and tea are a safer form to cleaning, yet if you do not have them in your home, you can combine 1 tbs. to 2 gallons of warm water. This will help cut germs and dirt on your floors. Like stated before, wring out your mop before cleaning so standing water is not an issue. Since ammonia has a strong odor, it is safer to use the above options while cleaning your floors. If ammonia is somehow ingested while cleaning, please act immediately and safely with these guidelines.
Prevention and maintenance is always the best solution. By making sure your floors are kept clean year round will ensure your floors lifespan. Constant maintenance and cleaning will keep the finish looking like new. Since refinishing floors can be very costly, prevention will save you time and money in the long run.
If you feel you cannot tackle your floors on your own, turn to us for your cleaning needs and find a cleaning company near you.
