Proper care for hardwood floors is essential if you want them to last. Regular cleaning is key to protecting and maintaining the appearance of your hardwood flooring.
People often say, “The older hardwood floors get, the more beautiful they become.” Yes, that’s true! But only if the floors are well maintained.
Specific cleaning protocols must be followed to avoid damaging the surface of your hardwood floors. Aside from regular cleaning, damage can be minimized by following a few maintenance and prevention measures. The longevity and durability of your hardwood floors can be preserved simply through routine cleaning and proper care.
In the past, the only way to clean and maintain old wooden floors was to use water and vinegar, which was indeed effective but often left floors looking dull over time. If you have a hardwood floor, you have a flooring that, with proper care, can maintain its beauty longer; and if it’s a solid wood floor, it can last for generations. It’s incredible that a hardwood floor can endure that long.
To transform your dull, worn floors into shiny, beautiful, and clean floors, just follow a few simple steps.
Modern hardwood floors are often pre-treated with a surface treatment, meaning they don’t require the same treatment as older wooden floors. Generally, it’s best to clean varnished floors by vacuuming and wiping them with a damp mop. On the other hand, oiled floors must be maintained differently to avoid completely damaging your beautiful hardwood floors.
If you have a varnished hardwood floor, for high-traffic areas like the dining room and kitchen, it’s recommended to wipe your hardwood floors with a damp cloth daily if possible, or at least once or twice a week. Clean less trafficked areas once a month or once a season.
If you have oiled hardwood floors, it’s important to clean them with specific products designed for oiled hardwood. You can also vacuum, sweep, or mop to remove dust and dirt while avoiding excessive scrubbing.
However, if you have a varnished hardwood floor, simply remove dust with a vacuum or broom, then wipe with a slightly damp mop to remove stubborn stains. In fact, frequent vacuuming and occasional cleaning with appropriate cleaning products is recommended.
You likely know that water is wood’s worst enemy, so it’s best to use a damp mop rather than a soaking wet one.
You should use the proper tools to clean your floor, such as a washable microfiber pad mop for dusting and cleaning. The electrostatic action attracts dirt as well as common microparticles and allergens without damaging the hardwood.
Regular dusting and cleaning help keep your hardwood floors looking new. Using suitable cleaning products based on the type of finish on your floors provides protection against scratches and surface damage.
For more information about the best techniques and quality maintenance products to preserve your hardwood flooring, don’t hesitate to contact Artisan du Plancher Montréal with any questions.