Wood floors are a beautiful choice for your home. No matter what style of wood flooring you choose, chances are it will add value and make your home feel warmer. As an added bonus, it will help cut down on indoor allergens. Depending on what type of wood flooring you choose and what type of finish you decide on, there are certain steps you should take
when keeping them clean.
Natural hardwood
Natural hardwood floors are made of just that - natural wood. The planks are milled from a single piece of hardwood and will expand and contract with the changes in your home's humidity. Most modern hardwood floors are sealed with a water resistant formula but it is still important to remember that water is the natural enemy to hardwood flooring, so use it sparingly.
- If the area doesn't see a lot of foot traffic, then sweeping regularly and mopping once a month may be sufficient.
- If there is a lot of foot traffic in that area, then you need to master damp mopping. Wring out your mop as much as possible so that the least amount of water possible goes onto your hardwood surface.
- For a natural cleaner, you can mop your hardwood floors with a mix of vinegar and water; however, the vinegar may reduce the shine of your floors over time.
- Only use cleaners specifically made for hardwood floors when needed.
- For scuff marks or stains, try sprinkling baking soda on the affected area and scrub with a sponge. Wipe the baking soda away with a damp sponge and dry.
- DO NOT use oil-based, wax, polish or strong ammoniated or abrasive cleaners.
- DO NOT use steel wool or scouring powder.
- DO NOT use any type of buffing machine.
- DO NOT mop the floor with soap, water, oil-soap detergent or any other liquid cleaning material. This could cause swelling warping, de-lamination and joint-line separation and void any warranty your wood installer may have offered.
Laminate floors
Follow the maintenance guidelines given to you by your flooring professional, or in the packaging of the brand you've chosen, in order to clean your laminate flooring.
- Use a damp cloth to blot up spills as soon as they happen. NEVER allow liquids to stand on your floor.
- For tough spots like oil, paint markers, lipstick, in or tar, use acetone/nail polish remover on a clean, white cloth then wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.
- Sweep, dust or vacuum the floor regularly with the hard floor attachment to prevent accumulation of dirt and grit that can scratch or dull the floor finish.
- Periodically clean the floor with cleaning products made specifically for laminate floor care.
- Do not wash or wet mop the floor with soap, water, oil-soap detergent or any other liquid cleaning material. This could cause swelling, warping, de-lamination and joint-line separation and void any warranties you may have from your installer.
- DO NOT use steel wool, abrasive cleaners or strong ammoniated or chlorinated type cleaners.
- DO NOT use any type of buffing or polishing machine on your laminate floors.
- For spots like candle wax or chewing gum, harden the spot with ice and then use a credit card or a plastic scraper to carefully lift the spot. Be careful not to scratch the floor's surface. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Any reputable wood flooring company will provide you the details you'll need to maintain your floor and will be able to offer suggestions for products you should be using on your particular wood floor.