Hardwood flooring is any product manufactured from timber that is designed for use as flooring, either structural or aesthetic. Wood is a common choice for flooring as it has a good environmental profile, it’s durable, and is restorable. Special care should be taken to clean them to keep them looking great.
 

What to Use to Clean Old Hardwood Floors

Over time, dirt, oil, and grime can build up on our floors that aren’t removed completely with a weekly dusting. Dusting the floor first will make the work quicker, combined with using a mop that has a dusting agent to pick up dust, dirt, and pet hair that may scratch the surface. Consider a deep cleaning in spring or fall using a wood-cleaning product. Water based cleaners are the safest and easiest cleaners to use on a well finished floor. Make sure to read instructions so it’s diluted correctly. Next, completely wet a sponge or a rag mop in the water and wring it till it’s almost dry and feels slightly damp to the touch. Damp-mop the floor and be careful to prevent any standing water. Rinse with a clean mop that has been rung out. Finally, wipe any excess liquid as it can damage wood surfaces. You can make use of a ceiling fan or the air conditioning to speed drying time.
 

Hardwood Floor Care & Maintenance Tips

When cleaning surface-sealed floors, do not use oils, waxes or furniture sprays. Oils can leave a residue, furniture sprays create a slippery surface and wax takes time to apply and makes re-coating difficult. Don’t use straight ammonia, alkaline products or abrasive cleaners as they can dull or scratch the finish. Don’t rely on water alone or a vinegar and water solution-causes a dingy look.
 

Hardwood Floor Stain Removal

When you attempt to try and remove a mark from your hardwood floor, consider the floor’s finish beforehand. If the stain is on the surface then you most likely have a hard finish, such as urethane. If the stain has penetrated to the wood then you have a soft oiled finish. This is more common in older homes where floors have not been refinished and resealed. Wipe surface stains from hard finishes with a soft, clean cloth and never use sandpaper, steel wool or harsh chemicals that can permanently damage the finish. For soft floor finishes there are things you can do, but always follow up with staining the wood, then waxing and buffing the spot to match the rest of the floor. For dark spots and pet stains, you can rub the spot with No. 000 steel wool and floor wax. If the area remains dark, apply bleach or vinegar and allow it to soak into the wood for about an hour and rinse with a damp cloth. For heel marks, use fine steel wool to rub in floor wax. For oil-based stains, use dishwashing detergent and rub the area with a soft cloth to break down the grease and rinse with clear water. Water marks or white stains can be rubbed with No. 000 steel wool and floor wax. If the stain goes deeper, lightly sand the floor with fine steel wool and odorless mineral spirits. Keep children and pets away until you are completely finished.
 

Wood Floor Refinishing in Boston, Brookline, Lexington, Cambridge, Suffolk, Middlesex, & Norfolk County Massachusetts

Transform your floors from dull and grimy to bright, clean and gorgeous by calling Nadia’s House Cleaning.