How You Can Clean Hardwood Floors Yourself ?

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Hardwood flooring instantly transform the elegance of your home’s interiors from 0 to 60! Sure, marble flooring and elaborate tiling work are lovely, but nothing rivals the rustic, but contemporary, beauty of hardwood floors. Wood (in almost any form) is in a class of its own; thus, it is essential to clean and preserve hardwood floors since even little damage or unsightly stains may reduce them from 60 to 0 (in an instant)!

As lovely as they are, hardwood floors may be difficult to clean and maintain. This is due to the fact that they often have a coating or finish that necessitates more specialized cleaning procedures, as well as equipment and solutions capable of properly cleaning the surface without causing harm. Though they need a bit more maintenance than other kinds of flooring, it is definitely worth the additional work to maintain your hardwood floors sparkling and beautiful! Continue reading to learn how to accomplish exactly that.

Table of Contents

Determine the Finish Type Ahead of Time

It is important to understand the sort of finish on your hardwood flooring so that you can clean it properly. Modern hardwood floors are typically coated with a polyurethane or acrylic coating (unless otherwise specified), but ancient hardwood floors may be untreated and just stained (they have no surface-seal or protective film).

If you’re not sure about the finish of your hardwood flooring, do this easy test:

Apply a few drops of water to a hidden part of the floor.
After a minute, check to see whether the water beads have absorbed into the wood and darkened it.

If the droplets remain intact, the finish is polyurethane, which is more durable and simple to clean. Unfinished hardwood, on the other hand, will soak up water droplets and provide more of a cleaning issue. It should be noted that varnished or lacquered hardwood floors are also classified as stained flooring since, although they are intended to function as surface sealers, they are nowhere like as protective as polyurethane finishes.

Now that you’ve decided on the finish, keep reading to learn how to clean polyurethane hardwood floors.

Cleaning Procedure in Steps (How You Can Clean Hardwood Floors Yourself)

Modern hardwood floors are simpler to maintain since dirt and spills remain on the surface. This is due to the surface-sealer, which prevents moisture from penetrating the wood. However, since the oil component in this sort of finish causes particles to adhere to the surface, they are prone to filth and dust.

Here’s how to remove the grime and stains that are fading the luster of your polyurethane hardwood floors.

Step 1: Clear the Surface of Debris

The first step is to remove any dust and grime from your floor. One of the most successful methods is to use an electrostatic broom, which is essentially a dust magnet! It effectively takes up dirt and debris without the need to clean an area many times. To clear dust, you may also use a vacuum cleaner; just make sure the brush attachment has long enough bristles so that the metal does not come into touch with the floor.

If you discover that dust is still adhering to the surface after using any of the aforementioned cleaning instruments, try wiping it down with an electrostatic dust cloth (sold at supermarkets); they suck up dirt and dust better than most vacuum cleaners.

Step 2: Remove the Stains

You may use a conventional nylon mop to apply a specifically formulated hardwood floor cleaning or a pH-neutral, water-based cleaner. Experts recommend using an alkaline water-based cleaner for very filthy floors, but a baking soda and water solution may help loosen and remove grease and debris. Whatever cleaning solution you select, be sure to dilute the product with adequate water since polyurethane coatings demand mild cleaning agents.

Before beginning the cleaning procedure, immerse the mop in the solution and wring it out well. Avoid walking on the floor until it has fully dried since any footprints will dry up and leave an unsightly trace. In the event of obstinate stains or markings that have had plenty of time to develop, soak a non-abrasive cloth in a moderate solution of water and hardwood floor cleanser and scrub the floor clean with a light touch.

Step 3: Buff it for Shiny Results!

While buffing is not required, it is extremely tempting to get the best shine out of your hardwood floors after washing them. Furthermore, it is quite simple! Grab the softest and most absorbent cloth you can locate (baby cloth diapers are highly suggested) and buff your hardwood floor using one of the cleaning methods listed below:

Lemon juice diluted with water – Buff the floor with a microfiber cloth dampened with this solution.
Soaked and boiling water from two tea bags – Dip a clean microfiber cloth into the lukewarm water, wring away excess water, and begin polishing your hardwood floor.

Cleaning and Maintaining Hardwood Flooring: Dos and Don’ts

While the cleaning procedure outlined above is as clear and succinct as possible, it is quite simple to depart from a cleaning approach when you are in a rush or simply do not have the necessary cleaning equipment and/or materials on hand. Similarly, keeping the condition and beauty of the flooring takes some extra care! For these reasons, keeping a list of dos and don’ts in your back pocket while cleaning and preserving your hardwood floors is essential.

The Do’s

Examine the coating for any scratches or damage. Refinish the flooring if necessary.
To prevent leaving lasting markings on the floor, use rubber leg guards on furniture.
Whenever possible, sweep away debris. If dragged around while walking, abrasive soil may create scratches.
Install doormats at each entry to your house to keep dirt off your floors.
To minimize extended dampness on the surface, wipe up liquid spills quickly using soft paper towels.
Clean spots with a warm, moist cloth.
Before stepping on hardwood floors, try to dry your bathroom slippers as much as possible.
If you do not want to use the DIY remedies recommended in this article, use specifically developed products designed for cleaning polished hardwood floors.
Maintain a consistent temperature throughout your house as much as possible, since unexpected shifts may cause the wood to expand or shrink. Hardwood may get warped under harsh circumstances.
Protect your hardwood flooring from direct or intense sunlight, which may somewhat bleach it.

The Don’ts

Wear stiletto heels or spiked shoes on the floor unless you have carpeting to preserve your flooring.
To clean hardwood, avoid using hot or cold water; hot water may twist the wood and degrade the gloss.
To clean hardwood floors, never use a damp mop or towel. Excess moisture may harm the coating and, as a result, the wood.
Towels, shoes, mats, rugs, and other wet or damp things should not be left on the floor.
On your hardwood floors, avoid using abrasive instruments and aggressive cleansers.
Avoid using citrus, wax, or oil-based cleansers.
Even though they are recommended for home cleaning, do not use ammonia or vinegar to clean hardwood. These substances have been shown to harm polyurethane coatings.
Keep your hardwood floors clean on a regular basis. Lack of maintenance may cause hardwood floors to seem worn or old before their time.

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