Hardwood floors can add charm to any home, providing a richness and natural beauty that carpet simply cannot match. Wood floors are durable and will last a long time with minimal care to keep them in good condition. When cleaning hardwood floors, it’s helpful to break care into three categories: daily care, quarterly care, and preventative maintenance. You don’t have to spend hours cleaning your hardwood floors every day—instead, a cleaning schedule can provide guidelines to follow, ensuring the best life for your floors and allowing you to focus on other important tasks (dinner, laundry, etc.).
Quarterly and Preventative Maintenance for Hardwood Floors
Each day, dirt, grit, and sand are brought into the home on the bottoms of shoes, then scattered throughout the house by normal activity. For large families, the amount of dirt and grime is greater, often deposited in high-traffic areas (like the kitchen or entryway). This grit can scratch hardwood floors, dulling the finish. To remove dirt and sand, sweep the floors with a soft broom about three times per week (or daily if you’re up for it!), and vacuum regularly using the soft-bristled hose attachment. Even if your vacuum is set for hardwood floors, the spinning bristles of an upright vacuum can damage the floor, so the hose attachment with a soft brush is ideal. To catch dirt and grime on the way in, place rugs or mats in entryways and hallways, and vacuum those regularly as well. A major enemy of hardwood floors is water, so if a beverage is spilled or snow is tracked in, be sure to wipe up the moisture immediately (this is especially important in winter). If the beverage is sticky or sugary, use a damp towel to wipe it up, then dry the area with a clean cloth. If liquid is left on the hardwood floor for too long, it can seep between the floorboards and cause warping.
Regular sweeping, however, doesn’t prevent grease and dirt buildup on hardwood floors, so a deeper cleaning should be done every three months. Any cleaning product used on hardwoods should have a neutral pH, and one specifically formulated for wood floors is ideal. Follow the instructions on the cleaning label, use a soft mop, and apply the cleaner/water solution sparingly. If, after cleaning, the wood floors feel sticky or have residue, rinse them with a vinegar solution (¼ cup white or cider vinegar in 1 gallon of water). Avoid using regular detergents or any cleaner with ammonia, as they can strip the finish of the floors. Floors with a wax finish (which many new floors don’t require due to a polyurethane coating) will need to be buffed approximately twice a year; follow manufacturer recommendations for waxing and buffing. If you find a stain on the floor, clean it with your chosen wood cleaner, rinse with the vinegar solution, and dry with a clean towel. Rub fine-grain sandpaper along the wood (following the grain) until the stain is no longer visible. Buff with a cloth, and then apply wax or finish to protect the area.
Though daily and quarterly cleaning is crucial, preventative maintenance is the best way to avoid major floor issues. Hardwood floors can be dented and gouged by heavy items, so protect the floors from hard contact. Use felt pads under table and chair legs so they can be slid easily without scratching the floor. Never drag furniture across wood floors; always pick it up instead. Also, high heels can dent floors, so avoid wearing shoes with spiky or narrow heels on hardwood floors. When hosting a party, ask guests to remove their shoes. Well-placed area rugs and runners can also protect the floor from dings and dents caused by routine activity. Sunlight can also damage wood floors, causing discoloration; if your floors are exposed to south or west-facing windows, consider closing the blinds or drapes when the sun shines brightly.
With a little extra care every now and then, your hardwood floors can maintain their high quality and look new for many years. With strategically placed rugs, a light sweep every few days, and a good scrub every three months, cleaning hardwood floors can be simple—and you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy their rich beauty every day.
