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Wood floors are coveted for several reasons, not the least of which is their aesthetic appeal. Many people prefer wood flooring because dust and dirt do not become trapped as they would in carpet fibers, seemingly making wood flooring easy to clean.
Most floors endure a lot of wear and tear. However, with care, wood flooring may last for decades. Part of that care includes understanding how to properly clean and maintain wood floors so they look their best. The following are some steps for keeping wood floors as pristine as possible.
• Remove shoes. Removing shoes, particularly heels, is a good idea when walking on wood floors. Sharp heels, cleats, and other shoes can scratch or dent wood flooring. All shoes can track in excess dirt, which can also contribute to a lack of luster.
• Sweep or vacuum frequently. The experts at The Spruce suggest sweeping, vacuuming, or dust mopping wood floors daily. Dirt and dust make floors more slippery, and dirt or sand particles can lead to scratches.
• Learn your flooring type. Wood flooring is broken down into three main categories: solid hardwood flooring, engineered hardwood flooring and laminate wood flooring. Traditional hardwood is made of planks or strips of any hardwood covered in a wood stain. Engineered flooring is manufactured by gluing together several thin plies of hardwood. Laminate flooring looks like wood but generally is a veneer or a photographic image of wood covered by a thick layer of melamine resin over fiberboard.
• Skip harsh cleansers. Regardless of flooring type, most are covered by a sealant that can become streaky or dull if the wrong cleanser is used. Avoid chlorine bleach, ammonia, pine oil, or undiluted vinegar. Instead, choose a cleanser that is specifically recommended for the flooring type. Do not allow water or solutions to sit on the floor, which can contribute to staining and warping. With laminate flooring, avoid wet mopping unless the flooring is specifically marked as being able to be wet. The underlayers of laminate flooring can warp if it gets wet.
• Damp is better than wet. When cleaning wood flooring, use a damp rather than a soaking wet mop. Better Homes & Gardens says standing water can damage wood surfaces.
• Use the hard floor setting. Adjust the vacuum to a hard flooring setting when vacuuming, which will not engage the brush rollers on the vacuum head. Rollers can scratch wood and laminate flooring, advises The Home Depot.
• Use repair products as needed. Scratch and repair kits can fill in minor scratches. Wood floor polish and wood waxes also can revitalize worn floors. Again, ensure the product is safe for your particular flooring before use.