How to Clean Hardwood Floors and Make Them Look New

Hardwood floors have a unique appeal. It fits every décor style. From rustic to bohemian to industrial, wooden floors present a perfect foil to them. There’s also something about the material that captivates people. It could be the feeling of warmth it conjures. Or it could be its durability.

Building and design trends change every year but hardwood flooring remains popular. Demand for this material remains high. This is even in the midst of the pandemic and the war between Russia and Ukraine. The two countries are the top exporters of hardwood. Despite these limitations, experts expect the industry to hit $48.26 billion in 2023.

It’s important that you learn how to clean hardwood floors if you plan on having them in your home. Regular maintenance will help them keep their shine. It will also be healthier and safer for everyone in the house. Even a light layer of dust can make these floors slippery. Here’s what you can do to keep them shining and looking like new:

Clear the Space

Independent house cleaners will tell you it’s easier to deep clean floors if they have room to maneuver. It’s why it’s best if you clear the room scheduled for cleaning. Remove the furniture if possible. If not, make sure it’s out of the way. Use furniture pads when moving large or bulky items. It will prevent the floor from scratching.

Remove Dirt and Debris

The first step to cleaning floors is to remove every speck of dirt and dust. You can use a broom or a vacuum. Brooms are cheaper and easier to wield. Vacuums give a more thorough cleaning though. It’s also a faster way of getting rid of dust. But make sure your vacuum doesn’t have a beater bar. It can leave scratches on the wood. Check that there’s no debris stuck on the underside of the vacuum as it will cause similar problems.

Cleaners for hire swear by a microfiber mop though. They say the fibers of the mop are best for attracting and trapping dirt. It’s also easier to clean. You can remove the mop head and toss it in the washer. It will save you money in the long run.

Concoct a Good Cleaning Solution

There are a lot of effective commercial cleaning products you can use. Many experts swear by Bona or Murphy’s Oil Soap. But you can also make your own cleaning solution. One of the best cleaning agents is vinegar. Mix a cup of this tangy liquid with a gallon of warm water. You can use either distilled white vinegar or a dash of cleaning vinegar. Dip the mop head or a cleaning rag and wipe the floor.

Don’t like the smell of vinegar? That’s not a problem. You can use regular dishwashing liquid. Add a few drops to your bucket of water. If all else fails, regular water will also do the job well.

Use the Right Mopping Strategy

Yes, there’s a method to mop hardwood floors. The best independent cleaning services will check that the mop they’re using isn’t dripping wet. You want it to be damp. You won’t do your floors any favor by saturating them with liquid.

Always start at the far corner of the room. You should then work your way to the door. This will ensure you mop every square inch of the floor. It’s also a good idea to use an “S” motion when mopping.

We Can Handle All Your Cleaning Needs

Clean My Space CT is all about our clients. We’re dedicated to providing them with high-quality service. It’s why we’re one of the top cleaning firms in the Connecticut area. We’ve been in the business since 2008. We offer affordable and flexible cleaning plans. We specialize in residential and commercial cleaning. We also provide disinfection and move in/move out cleaning services. Give us a ring at (860) 539-8725 and request a quote. You can also contact us at info@cleanmyspacect.com.