Are your hardwood floors looking dull and grimy? Maybe your regular cleaning just isn’t cutting it, and it’s time for a deep cleaning. We are here to help! Proper maintenance of wood floors is essential if you want to protect them and keep them looking in the best shape possible for your home — not to mention, keeping them clean for your family and visitors. The best way to effectively maintain hardwood surfaces is to hire a professional hardwood floor cleaner to periodically deep clean, clean, polish, and renew your floors, but these are some of our favorite tips and tricks to get your wood floors sparkling clean between professional cleanings.
Prep
Before you get to deep cleaning, give your floors a good routine cleaning. If your vacuum has a hardwood floor setting, go over your floor to remove dirt and crumbs on the surface. Pay special attention to corners and near baseboards where debris tends to collect. Follow this up by gently mopping with a dry microfiber pad to remove dust and other fine particles.
Mopping
There are a few things to keep in mind when mopping hardwood floors. First, try to avoid traditional store-bought soaps and detergents, as these tend to leave a sheen or film on the surface and may even contain harmful chemicals. Try simply using a water and vinegar solution to mop your floors. Next, don’t allow water to pool on your floor. Pooling water can cause the wood to warp and can result in permanent damage. To avoid this, wring your mop out thoroughly, use cleaner sparingly, and if necessary, dry your floors manually after mopping.
Buff the floor with a non-abrasive material
After clearing away the dirt, buffing your hardwood floor can be a great way to clear remaining dirt and give your floor some extra shine. Use a microfiber cloth or a non-abrasive towel to avoid scuffs, and work in the direction of the grain.
Avoid using oils or waxes
While oils, waxes, and similar store-bought products may seem like a good idea to keep your floor looking shiny, they often result in a build-up of residue and can cause lasting damage.
Have your floors professionally cleaned
Even after your best efforts, your floors may need some extra TLC. Professionally cleaning your hardwood floors regularly will keep them sparkling and protect against scratches and buildup from normal wear and tear.
How to Choose a Hardwood Floor Cleaner: The Chem-Dry Process
The Chem-Dry professional wood floor cleaning process is the safest and most effective way to clean solid wood and engineered wood floors as well as LVT (or luxury vinyl tile) flooring. This is because of the many benefits of our superior process, including:
- A deep clean using industry-leading equipment, including rotating brushes that remove dirt, grime, and allergens from deep in the grain of the wood
- A green-certified hardwood floor cleaning that is safe for both people and pets
- Minimal use of water to protect the wood from damage
- A vacuum that extracts both water and contaminants
- An optional cleaner to eliminate dust
- A durable polish that leaves a protective barrier and healthy shine
When choosing a hardwood floor cleaner, the best decision for you and your home is to go with North Star Chem-Dry in Apple Valley – a company and name you trust. Our professional wood floor cleaning is not only the best option for getting your wood floors looking beautiful again, but also the best way to keep them clean and clean for you and your family. Chem-Dry is the Healthy Home Authority when it comes to keeping your home clean and healthy, including wood floor cleaning. Schedule an appointment today!