Hardwood flooring is a beautiful addition to any home. It can also be a bit difficult to keep it looking its best. There are a few hardwood floor cleaning mistakes that we are all guilty of making, simply because we didn’t know it was harmful to our floor. Hardwood flooring is an investment, and with the proper care that investment can stay beautiful and add value to your home for decades to come.
Mistake # 1. Using the Wrong Hardwood Floor Cleaning Products
Hardwood flooring needs certain types of cleaning products. When the flooring is installed, a sealant is applied to repel stains and scratches. This sealant is reapplied every time a professional hardwood floor cleaning is done. Many common household cleaning agents can strip away this seal and leave your flooring looking faded or discolored.
Look for products that are specifically for hardwood floor cleaning. They are not as harsh as common cleaners, so they will not strip your flooring of the protective seal. Avoid hardwood cleaners that claim to seal the floor every time you use it. These tend to cause build-up that is difficult to get rid of.
Mistake # 2. Using Too Much Liquid
Hardwood flooring and water are not a good mix. The more liquid you use when you mop your floors, the greater the chance that liquid is going to be absorbed in the seams of the flooring and cause water damage. It’s best to use a damp mop – or better yet, a dry mop – and use a spray bottle to lightly spray the area you are cleaning. Cleaning in small sections will also ensure that you are able to quickly get the area dried.
Mistake # 3. Vacuuming Your Floor With the Wrong Attachment
Running the vacuum across linoleum is a great way to quickly get rid of dust and debris. To do that on a hardwood floor, you need a special attachment for hardwood flooring, or you need to turn the brush off on your vacuum cleaner. The brush can cause scratches in the wood. It’s best to use a microfiber dust mop for dirt and debris control.
It’s important to remember that hardwood flooring is naturally porous. It requires special care and cleaning. Avoiding liquids and abrasives will help your hardwood flooring stay beautiful for generations. This also applies to cleaning tools; you wouldn’t use an abrasive brush on hardwood furniture, and the same goes for your floors.
Hardwood flooring needs some extra care from time to time. A professional hardwood floor cleaning is necessary every few years in order to deep clean the floor and reapply the sealant. At Extreme Carpet Care, we not only deep clean the floor, but we can also refinish and repair damaged flooring. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If it’s been a while since your hardwood floors have had a deep cleaning, then don’t wait – give us a call today!
