Hardwood floors lend a unique warmth and beauty to any room. However, they are also subject to a lot of wear and tear, so learning how to care for them is the best way to ensure their longevity. Check out these tips on how to clean and maintain your hardwood floors.
How often should you clean your hardwood floors?
Allowing dirt and dust to accumulate on hardwood floors will leave them dull and scratched. So, give them a quick clean at least once a week to maintain their shine and keep them at their best. However, this will also depend on foot traffic and whether you have kids and pets.
For example, a hardwood floor at the entrance to your home will require more frequent care and maintenance than one in a guest bedroom. In fact, high-traffic areas may require a cursory vacuum or sweep every day and a deep clean every two to four weeks. Liquid spills should also be cleaned up immediately to avoid water marks, bulging, stains, and mould.
To ensure you’re caring for your floors properly, you must check what type of finish has been applied (if any). To do this, place a drop of water on the floor. If the liquid is absorbed or leaves a mark, the wood is unsealed. If the droplet sits on the surface, the floor has most likely been sealed with polyurethane or polyacrylic urethane.
To test for a paste wax finish, rub your finger over the floor. If there's a smudge, it has probably been treated and then waxed. Another way to check is to rub a small piece of steel wool over the floor in a corner—the wool will show signs of a waxy residue.
EspaceProprio Tip If wax builds up over time, it can make wood look dull, even if you reapply it correctly once or twice a year. If this happens, use a commercial wax stripper to clean it and then reseal your floor.
How to clean your hardwood floors
1. Vacuum to remove loose dirt
Begin by sweeping or vacuuming to remove loose dirt and hair. A soft broom with nylon or rubber bristles or a vacuum with a hard floor attachment is best to prevent scratches. A clean microfibre dust mop also works well to remove dust and dirt without damaging your floor. Don’t forget to clean under rugs and mats.
2. Mop in the direction of the wood grain
Too much water can damage your floors even if they are sealed, so only wipe them with a lightly dampened microfibre mop. If the surface is particularly dirty, use a commercial hardwood cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
You don’t need to use a lot, though—a fine mist of about 1/2 tsp of cleaner to 2 sq ft of flooring is enough. If you’re worried that you’ve sprayed too much cleaner, rinse the mop with clean water, wring it, and damp mop the wood again.
EspaceProprio Tip Never clean your hardwood floors with a harsh detergent such as bleach, ammonia, undiluted vinegar, or pine oil. Always use a product that is specifically formulated for hardwood floors and read the label first. Products for vinyl or laminate floors and tiles are also not recommended.
3. Finish with a dry mop
Buff your floor well with a microfibre mop that is completely dry. This ensures there is no leftover moisture and prevents streaking or water damage.
How to maintain your hardwood floors
Keeping your floors in top condition will require regular maintenance. In addition to daily and weekly cleaning, ensure you do the following:
Clean with a damp mop twice a month.
Clean with a commercial hardwood cleaner once a month (and always go with the grain).
Apply a fresh coat of sealant or wax every three to five years.
Lightly sand and refinish every 10 years.
Place a floor mat at each entrance of your house and use rugs in other high-traffic areas. Introduce a no-shoe policy if you haven’t already.
Place felt pads on chair and table legs to prevent scratches and scuff marks.
Use furniture pads or sliders whenever you need to move heavy items.
Keep your pets’ toenails trimmed.
Wipe spills as they happen and rinse afterwards with a damp cloth.
Always vacuum or sweep before wiping with a clean mop. Otherwise, you will simply redistribute the dirt.
Avoid using too much water, cleaning product, or wax. Less is more.
Use distilled or filtered water to damp mop your floors if you live in an area with hard water. The dissolved minerals in hard water can leave your hardwood floor looking dull.
Need a pick-me-up while you clean? Listen to one of our essential EspaceProprio playlists on Spotify or Apple Music.
