Wood floors can take a beating. Whether it’s over long winter months filled with salt and sand or rainy days full of dirt and mud, our feet track in gunk every day. With spring around the corner, it’s the perfect time to rejuvenate and deep clean wood floors.
Fortunately, wood floors are easier to clean than many think. A newly installed hardwood floor doesn’t require much maintenance, if cared for properly. Read on to find out how to clean wood floors the right way and keep them looking like new all year long!
Prevention is Key When it Comes to Keeping Hardwood Floors Clean
The best strategy for maintaining clean wood floors begins with prevention. Protecting floors right from the start, cuts down on the amount of time you’ll spend cleaning them, while helping them last longer.
- Place a floor mat at all exterior doors – inside and out – to decrease the amount of dirt that is tracked inside.
- Set up a boot tray at the main door to avoid damaging floors during snowy or rainy weather.
- Place a cleaning rag in a nearby closet to quickly clean up puddles of water.
- Always have guests remove heels and cleats before entering to avoid scratching the surface.
- Place floor protectors under furniture to prevent marks.
- Use rugs in play areas to keep that toy truck from running tracks in your floors.
Regular Wood Floor Cleaning
How often you clean your floors will depending on the amount of traffic they get. Weekly is standard, but you may need more frequent spot cleaning. If you have kids or pets, you’ll probably need to clean more often.
- Use a dust mop to pick up dust, dirt and any pet hairs from your floors.
- Vacuum with a floor-brush attachment. Do not use a beater bar attachment which can scratch the finish from your wood floor.
- For a super fast dusting, use an electrostatic cloth. You will find reusable options, but disposable options are also handy.
Deep Cleaning for Wood Floors
As we mentioned above, preventative measures and regular cleanings are key. But sometimes a deep clean is in order. Over time, dirt and oils can build up. These are difficult to remove with weekly cleaning. Monthly you might need to go a little deeper than the dust.
- Use a wood floor mop to “damp-mop” your floors.
- Be careful of standing water. Wipe up excess liquid that can damage wood surfaces.
- If you’re deep cleaning during humid months, turn on your ceiling fans or the AC to speed up the drying process.
- Avoid “floor cleaners” and only use products specifically made for hardwood floors. We strongly recommend Bona products to keep your floors looking like new.
NJ Hardwood Floor Sanding & Refinishing Services
DIY cleaning not cutting it? Refinish your wood floors to look like new again!
At Gorsegner Brothers, we specialize in sanding and restoring floors to give them the shine they once had. We provide free estimates for residential and commercial wood floor installation. Contact us online, by phone at 732-291-7263 or visit our showroom at 6 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733 to learn more about wood floor cleaning and refinishing. We look forward to working with you.
