How Do You Deep Clean Wood Floors?

Wood floors can be a wonderful addition to any home. Many people love wood floors because of their versatility when it comes to decor, as well as the natural beauty they can bring to a home. Another reason why homeowners love wood floors is that they are considered to be low maintenance compared to other floor surfaces. However, it would be a mistake to assume that just because you have wood floors, you do not have to do anything to maintain or care for them.

In fact, proper maintenance of wood floors is essential if you want to protect them and keep them looking in the best shape possible for your home — not to mention, keeping them sanitary for your family and visitors to your home. The only way to effectively maintain hardwood surfaces is to hire a professional hardwood floor cleaner to periodically deep clean, sanitize, polish, and renew your floors, in order to keep them clean and looking fresh.

In between your professional deep cleanings, however, there are things you can do to help maintain the integrity and health of your hardwood floors. Here are a few tips:

Sweep or dust daily

Probably the best thing you can do for your hardwood floor is to sweep or dust them regularly with a gentle broom or cloth. Over time, dust particles as well as dirt and grime can build up on the surface and in the grain of the wood. Allergens and bacteria that accumulate on the floor not only can spread through the home and be detrimental to one’s health, but they can also cause damage to the floor through scrapes and other surface damage. For this reason it is important to use a gentle broom that won’t scratch your floor.

Mop

Mopping is also a common way many people try to keep their hardwood floors clean. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when mopping. First, try to avoid traditional store-bought soaps and detergents, as these tend to leave a sheen or film on the surface, and may even contain harmful chemicals. Next, it is crucial to avoid allowing water to pool on your floor. Pooling water can cause the wood to warp and result in permanent damage. To avoid this, wring your mop out thoroughly before you use it, and if necessary, dry your floors manually after mopping.

Vacuum

An alternative to mopping is vacuuming, although care should be taken. Vacuums are heavy, and also have the potential to scratch the surface of your hardwood floors. Be sure to use a vacuum that has a hard floor function and be cautious of vacuums that have beater bars and wheels that could cause dents.

Buff the floor with a non-abrasive material

After clearing the dirt, buffing your hardwood floor can be a great way to clear remaining dirt and give your floor some extra shine. Use a microfiber cloth or a non-abrasive towel to avoid scuffs, and work in the direction of the grain.

Don’t use oils or waxes

While oils, waxes, and similar store-bought products may seem like a good idea to keep your floor looking shiny, they often result in the build-up of residue, and can cause lasting damage.

Have them professionally cleaned

The most effective way to keep your hardwood floors in top condition and protect your investment in them is to have them professionally cleaned. This will not only deep clean them to make them and your home healthier, but it will restore the natural beauty and add a shine that will help prevent future build up.

If you do choose to have your floors professionally cleaned, the best decision for you and your home is to go with Hampton's Chem-Dry – a company and name you trust. Our professional wood floor cleaning is not only the best option for getting your wood floors looking beautiful again, but also the best way to keep them clean and sanitary for you and your family. Hampton's Chem-Dry is the Healthy Home Authority in the Hannibal & Quincy area when it comes to keeping your home clean and healthy, including wood floor cleaning.