Wooden floors add timeless beauty and elegance to any home or office space. When first installed, the rich, glossy finish of a hardwood floor can transform a room, making it feel more inviting and polished. However, to maintain that lustre, wooden floors require regular care and proper cleaning. Without attention, they can easily become scratched, dull and covered with grime, which can make even the finest floors lose their appeal.
The good news? With the right cleaning routine and a few preventative measures, you can keep your hardwood floors looking their best for years to come. Here’s a detailed guide to help you care for, deep clean, and preserve your wooden floors.
Basic care regime for hardwood floors
Establishing a regular cleaning schedule is key to maintaining the natural beauty of your hardwood floors. Dust, dirt and even hair can act as abrasive particles that scratch and wear down the surface if not removed frequently.
-
Daily Dusting: Use a microfibre floor duster or dry mop to collect dust and debris. Microfibre is gentle on wood, while effectively trapping dust particles.
-
Weekly Vacuuming: Vacuum your floors at least once a week using a vacuum with a floor brush attachment.
-
Regular Damp Mopping: Occasionally, a damp mop (making sure it’s not dripping wet) is necessary to lift grime that dusting and vacuuming can’t tackle. Use a microfibre mop, and always wring it out thoroughly to avoid pooling water on the wood, which can cause damage over time.
How to deep clean your hardwood floor
Regular deep cleaning of your hardwood floor should help to preserve its colour and shine. Use a wood-cleaning product diluted according to instructions and lightly mop the floor using the diluted floor cleaner. Make sure you wring the mop thoroughly to avoid dripping too much water on the floor. Mop again with clear water if instructed to do so on wood-cleaning products, then dry the floor immediately with a microfibre cloth.
Regular cleaning should keep your floor in good condition, free from a build-up of dust and grime. If your floor has gone beyond this stage, then it may require a bit more work. It’s quite a DIY job to sand and refinish hardwood floors, so unless you are confident that you know what you are doing, we’d recommend you hire an expert to do the job for you.
Tips for preventing wear and tear
There are a few things you can do to prevent general wear and tear on your hardwood floors.
-
Place Mats at Entrances: Mats at exterior doors help trap dirt and moisture before they reach your floors. Use both an exterior mat and an interior one to double the protection.
-
Use Rugs and Floor Protectors: High-traffic areas benefit from rugs, and furniture should have felt gliders or protectors to prevent scratches, especially for pieces that are frequently moved like chairs. When moving heavy furniture, remember to lift rather than drag it to avoid gouges.
-
Rugs in Play Areas: Children’s toys can be rough on floors but adding an area rug in play spaces can protect your wooden floors from scratches and dents caused by playtime.
-
Avoid Sharp Footwear: Ensure high-heeled shoes are in good condition and free from broken tips, as they can cause deep scratches in the wood.
-
Wipe Spills Immediately: Wood is porous, and liquid can seep in if it’s not cleaned up quickly, leading to warping or staining. So, make sure that any spillages are wiped up straight away.
-
Avoid Wax and Oil-based Cleaners: These products may leave a residue that dulls the finish, or worse, damage the protective layer on your hardwood.
When to get your hardwood floor refinished
When your floor begins to look lacklustre and cleaning no longer restores the shine, it could be time you considered having your wood floor sanded, resealed and polished. In areas where there’s a lot of footfall, you’ll likely need to consider doing this every 2-3 years. For those areas that aren’t used as often, simply adopt a care and cleaning regime and you could have a beautifully kept hardwood floor for many years.
At Supreme Cleaning, we offer professional floor cleaning services to restore your floors to their former glory. Get in touch today for a quote.
