Hardwood flooring is used in areas of the home with high traffic. Knowing the do’s and don’ts when cleaning such floors is crucial if you want them to last longer and maintain their appearance. Sites such as https://www.junckershardwood.com/wood-flooring/solid-hardwood-flooring/grey-wooden-flooring and others on the wide web have tips on woodcare that will come in handy for anyone who does not know how to go about cleaning their flooring. The type of finish varies from one home to the next, and the cleaning techniques different because of this. Before any cleaning is done, you must understand the type of finish present in your home and adhere to the guidelines for cleaning such.
There is no standard way to clean hardwood flooring. Some of the elements to bear in mind are;
- Routine cleaning
For rooms that you often use within the home, you should have a cleaning routine that helps reduce the accumulation of dirt. Sweeping with a soft brush helps eliminate dust and other particles, which, when left, may result in staining of the flooring. Water and any other spillages ought to be wiped immediately with a piece of cleaning cloth to prevent it from seeping through the finish to the wood, especially with old floors. Having a routine helps maintain the original appearance of the wooden floor, removing the need fora thorough cleaning using abrasion and detergents to dislodge accumulated dirt and stains.
- Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines
Producers in this business provide a guide on the best way to clean the floors they bring to the market. Following the instructions, they avail regarding cleaning is the best way to ensure that the equipment and detergents used are the best for the type of finish. For those who have no idea who manufactured the floor in their home, the type of finish will help them choose the best cleaning methods to use to keep the floor tidy. PH neutral detergents such as dishwashing liquid are best for wooden flooring.
- Work small areas at a time
When cleaning wooden floors, you should work on smaller areas at a go. This is to prevent detergent drying up, or water pooling on the floor as this could have adverse effects on the floor. Sweeping and dusting the floors will help make cleaning with water easier as they remove loose dirt and particles, which will make the floor dirtier when they mix with water.
Some of the products the manufacturers recommend for cleaning hardwood flooring may be costly or unavailable in your jurisdiction. This, however, does not mean that you can rely on home remedies to remove dirt and stains. Soap and water may be the appropriate option in such cases as other cleaning detergents may contain chemicals that will ruin your floors. Oils, sprays, and waxes are among things that you should avoid using on hardwood flooring. They may seem like the solution to bring the shine back, but they may end up causing damage to the floor or accidents within the home.
When it comes to hardwood floors, the number one rule is prevention. If you want your flooring to last for decades with care and maintenance, then sanding every so often will keep scratches at bay while giving your wood a fresh appearance that’s worthy of polishing!
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