Small maintenance tasks performed on a regular basis can help you prevent unwanted costs and protect your investment (they weren’t cheap, right?).
Hardwood floors are a great addition, thus they can make your home look elegant, luxurious and cozy. They can also last for generations, but only if you take care of them.
Recenlty I interviewed 3 local hardwood floor companies, ie. companies that sell hardwood floors and install them. Two out of the three companies agree on the proper way to clean hardwood floors. Here are their secrets on keeping your hardwood floors looking beautiful.
It all starts with Proper care
Here are some easy yet effective tips to help you maintain the beauty and resistance of your hardwood floors:
- Dust them with a microfiber pad (every day)
- You can vacuum your hardwoods, just don’t use a beater bar
- Oil soaps are not recommended for hardwoods
- Polish your hardwood floors (every six months)
- Sand and recoat them (every 3-5 years)
- Place mats at entryways – and remember to wipe your feet
- Mop with a mild detergent, less is always better when it comes to hardwoods. If you don’t have a lot of traffic coming into your home, then don’t mop them, it’s best to keep them debris free.
- You don’t have to use anything expensive to clean them, I would recommend warm water, non-amonia window cleaner
- Immediately wipe up spills with a lightly dampened cloth
- Dust mop or vacuum floors with a bristle head vacuum on a regular basis
- For spills and tracked dirt, lightly sponge mop with a hardwood floor cleaner or combine one cup of glass cleaner in one gallon of water and damp mop
- Do not flood the floor with cleaner
- Cleaning products specifically made for urethane finished floors are available at most stores
Protect the Floor
- Protect floors from everyday wear and tear
- Allow one week before placing any rugs or carpets on the newly finished floor to allow it to fully cure
- Use tracking mats at exterior doors, in front of sinks, or wherever heavy traffic occurs
- Install felt pads or stainless steel floor glides on chair legs or other furniture at contact points to prevent scratching
- Avoid walking on floors with high heels or with any sharp objects protruding from shoes, such as cleats or golf shoes
- If you have pets, remember to trim their nails regularly
Never Use
- Paste wax
- Steam Cleaners
- Wax or silicone-based polish
- Solvent or pine-based cleaners
- Vinegar
- Ammonia or Murphy’s Oil Soap
- Orange Glo Cleaner
- These products may dull or harm the finish, and create problems when the floor requires refinishing
Periodically Recoat
- Recoat the floor every 2 to 5 years
- A hardwood floor should be recoated when the original finish is showing signs of wear, but before it has worn down the the bare wood
- Once worn to the bare wood the floor will stain easily, and will require sanding
- Recoating is a relatively inexpensive one day job, which will greatly increase the time period between refinishing and also stretch the life span of the floor
When it comes to finding a reliable cleaner service, choosing Maid 4 Time is the way to go. With their commitment to providing top-quality services to clients in both Rochester and Buffalo, Maid 4 Time has built a reputation for their attention to detail and professionalism.
Whether you need a one-time deep clean or regular housekeeping services, their team of experienced cleaners will work with you to develop a customized cleaning plan that fits your needs and budget. Plus, with their use of eco-friendly products, you can feel good knowing that you’re not only getting a clean home, but you’re also helping to protect the environment. So why wait?
Contact Maid 4 Time today to schedule your cleaning appointment and experience the difference for yourself.
When it comes to finding a reliable cleaner service, choosing Maid 4 Time is the way to go. With their commitment to providing top-quality services to clients in both Rochester and Buffalo, Maid 4 Time has built a reputation for their attention to detail and professionalism.
Whether you need a one-time deep clean or regular housekeeping services, their team of experienced cleaners will work with you to develop a customized cleaning plan that fits your needs and budget. Plus, with their use of eco-friendly products, you can feel good knowing that you’re not only getting a clean home, but you’re also helping to protect the environment.
So why wait? Contact Maid 4 Time today to schedule your cleaning appointment and experience the difference for yourself.
