Here at R&S, we are always committed to going above and beyond for our customers. We do this by continuously furthering our team’s training and certifications to clean all surface types with the most effective methods. More specifically, our team is required to complete a hardwood flooring course to be certified to clean hardwood floors.
Knowing how to clean different surfaces properly is the first step in keeping a home feeling fresh and looking new. When cleaning the hardwood floors in your home, follow these expert R&S tips to ensure your hardwood floors stay as clean as can be in between professional cleanings!
Regularly Sweeping and Dusting Hardwood Floors
The first step to keeping hardwood floors clean is to sweep daily or as often as necessary based on how much traffic the room receives. Use a soft-bristled broom when sweeping hardwood flooring to avoid scratching the surface. Sweeping often will help prevent dirt, oils, and grimy buildup over time. Though routine sweeping doesn’t prevent everything, and regular dusting is also needed, this maintenance can keep your floors looking fresh.
For a quick cleaning job, dust wood floors with a soft microfiber-headed mop. Dusting with a microfiber mop is essential because it is designed to trap debris. Treat the mop with a wood-safe dusting agent to help pick up dust, dirt, and pet hair that might scratch the floor surface. Be aware of the mop manufacturer’s recommendations for using a hardwood floor polish or cleaning agent. Some mops might not even need an extra cleaning agent, and you could use the microfiber cloth alone.
How to Mop Hardwood Floors – Without Damage
Cleaning hardwood floors safely requires minimal moisture. Search for a hardwood floor-specific mop and cleaning product diluted according to label instructions. Saturate the mop head in the water and wring out almost entirely, leaving it only slightly damp. Then, mop the floor using the damp mop; do not leave any standing water on the floor. If the cleaning agent used in the process requires a rinse with clean water, do so with a clean, damp mop head.
Moisture is the biggest threat to hardwood floors, so wiping up any excess liquid in the process right away is important. So, if the weather is humid, run a ceiling fan or the air-conditioner to speed up drying.
Natural Hardwood Floor Cleaning Agent
If you’re searching for the best cleaning agent for your hardwood floors, consider consulting your flooring manufacturer; if your floors are new, you can choose a product that is specifically made for cleaning hardwood floors. There are options that are safe for the hardwood floors and the environment, like Greenguard Gold Certified or simply using vinegar by adding 1/2 cup white vinegar to a gallon of lukewarm water. Follow these tips to prevent water damage on your hardwood floors.
As with any cleaning agent, different hardwood floor types and finishes may react differently to various cleaning agents. Test your solution on a small, inconspicuous area before cleaning the whole area.
Looking for experts to properly clean your hardwood flooring today? Give the R&S team a call: 970.945.7591