To keep your hardwood floors looking their best, regular care is key. With proper care and maintenance, you can keep your hardwood floors looking like new for many years and they will last a lifetime.

The best way to clean hardwood floors

The best way to clean a hardwood floor depends on the type of finish. Surface finishes are found on prefinished floors and are mostly polyurethane. They usually have a shiny appearance. They are easy to care for and maintain; just sweep, vacuum and mop. Penetrating sealants like oils and waxes have a satin or matte finish. Remove the wax and apply a fresh coat once or twice a year. This type of hardwood flooring should not be wet mopped because the water will soak into the wood.

Sweep high-traffic areas daily, and vacuum and mop weekly. When sweeping, use a broom with fine, busted tips to catch dust and sand effectively. To minimize the amount of dirt that gets in, place mats at each entrance.

Vacuum your hardwood floor regularly to remove dirt, as this will scratch and dull the surface. Use a light vacuum with a soft brush head so it doesn’t scratch the floor. Follow up with a microfiber mop to catch fine dust particles.

Next, use a damp, not wet, mop with a pH-neutral floor cleaner formulated specifically for hardwood floors to remove dust and grime. Vinegar is also an effective and safe floor cleaner (see the section on using vinegar below). Wring out the mop completely and mop in the direction of the wood grain. When the water gets dirty, replace it with a fresh batch of cleaning solution. When you’re done, rinse again with clean water. Do not use straight ammonia, liquid detergents or abrasive cleaners as they can dull or strip the finish and discolor the wood. Do not wet mop waxed floors. Simply sweep and vacuum regularly.

Wipe up any spilled food or liquid immediately with a damp cloth, then dry with a clean towel. Water and other liquids are one of flooring’s worst enemies, as they can damage the finish and seep between the floorboards causing warping. Consider placing throw rugs in areas where water can get splashed, like in the kitchen sink.

Wood Floor Care

Hardwood floors are easy to scuff and scratch, so take preventative steps to protect your hardwood floor. Use felt pads under furniture legs and feet and be careful when moving furniture. Take off your shoes before walking on the floor to avoid heel marks and scuffs.

Regular vacuuming will keep the floor free of dirt and grit that can scratch the surface. Sunlight can cause excessive fading, so protect the floor from sunlight by closing blinds or curtains. Some fading may be unavoidable, so rotating furniture and rugs will also help ensure any UV exposure is even across the floor.

When laying rugs on your hardwood floor, be careful. Carpet dyes are known to stain floors, and plastic backings can affect the wood finish.

Cleaning hardwood floors with vinegar

Using vinegar to clean hardwood floors is an economical and environmentally friendly solution to keep your hardwood floor looking good. Mix ½ cup of vinegar with 1 gallon of warm water. Dip a cotton cloth in the solution and wring it out well. Work on one small area at a time, immediately buffing dry with a clean cloth.

Vinegar is great for cutting through grease, removing odors, mildew, most stains, and wax buildup. It will also neutralize alkaline stains like those from hard water.