Cleaning your hardwood floors
As a new generation starts to buy their first homes, it is important to continue educating on the necessity of cleaning your floors properly. With all the different kinds of floor cleaner, it can become overwhelming to know where to start. There are a lot of good resources out there that inform good cleaning tips and tricks.
Here is an overview:
Choosing the right cleaning solution is a priority; knowing what type of finish is on the floor is the first step. For most “normal” finishes (Poly, Water based, UV Cured Aluminum Oxide), a general hardwood floor cleaner will do the trick. Some special Oil finish floors need specific cleaners to make sure they are not damaged. Summit requires a certain cleaning kit for every oil floor sold. Normal floor cleaners will destroy and void warranty on an oil finish floor. Reading the cleaning solution bottle is the next step and a crucial step; some cleaners come as a concentrate, you don’t want to use a concentrate without diluting it to the specified ratio first. That would be like drinking orange juice concentrate, i.e., not tasty. Most prefinished flooring manufacturers have a set guideline for cleaning and maintenance of your floor. Follow that guide to the “T” and your floor will be clean and last a lifetime. Floor “polishes” are not recommended to be used, and in most cases, will void all warranties on the floor.
Using the right mop is another important factor when cleaning your floors. Generally, a microfiber dust/wet mop will do very well to make sure that any dust or tiny rocks on the floor do not scratch while cleaning; a flat head mop with microfiber pad is perfect. You will want to use a dedicated “wood floor mop” if possible. Making sure you vacuum (soft bristle head) or sweep beforehand will immensely cut back on potential scratching from left over debris on the floor.
Never use a steam cleaner on hardwood floors; those are best used on tile, or linoleum. Always try to use felt bottom pads for under chairs and tables, this cuts down on scratching from chairs being pulled in and out, preventing rocks from sticking to the feet and making a mess of your floors. Cleaning up spills on the floor immediately is another factor in keeping your floors looking new. Regular cleaning and preventative measure will ensure your floors last and look great for years to come!
WRITTEN BY CAMPBELL WESTRUM
