For centuries, black tea has been the best way to clean hardwood floors. Steep a cup of black tea in a bucket of cool water and use the solution as a mop cleaner. The tannic acids in the tea will cut through grime and brighten a dull finish. However, you should not use this solution on engineered floors. This solution is best for solid hardwood floors.
To minimize the amount of dirt tracked in, use area rugs. These rugs are like furniture pads for hardwood floors. They keep dirt and scratches from scratching the floor, and they also catch dirt and debris. When choosing area rugs, look for one with a non-rubber, smooth exterior.
Dust and dirt are the most damaging substances to hardwood floors. When cleaning a hardwood floor, be sure to use reusable microfiber pads. These pads will draw dust and debris, and will prevent water from spreading. In addition, if your home is particularly dusty, you may want to use a microfiber mop daily. Another thing to keep in mind is that water is not your friend when cleaning hardwood floors. Water can cause discoloration and even buckle the wood.
Avoid using liquid cleansers on unfinished floors. The cleaners used to clean unfinished floors contain chemicals that can penetrate the finish, stain it, or even damage it. Also, avoid using acrylic polishes and paste wax, as they will dull the finish. Instead, use a soft-bristled broom to sweep the floors. You can also buy wood filler from a hardware store to fill in any visible spots.
Hardwood floors come in different finishes and colors, so they require special care. High-chemical cleaners can cause fumes, and can also damage the environment. Natural cleaning methods are more eco-friendly and safer for hardwood floors. They will also protect your floor from water damage and help maintain its sheen.
Keeping children and pets out of the room while you clean your floors is vital. Water-based stains, such as oil or grease, are easily removed with a wet cloth and No. 000 steel wool. For deeper stains, you can use mineral spirits or fine steel wool. Once you have completed the cleaning process, you may need to repaint your floors with a new color to disguise the treatment.
You can use a solvent-based polish to clean wood floors with penetrating finishes. Before you start polishing your floors, it is important to remove old wax coats. Then, apply a new layer of wax, if necessary. Then, use a soft cloth to buff in the area until it is shiny and clean.
One of the best ways to clean hardwood floors is to vacuum or sweep regularly, depending on the amount of traffic your floors receive. When you have more traffic, dirt and pet hair accumulates faster. The dirt causes your floors to look dull. For best results, deep cleaning your hardwood floors once or twice a week is recommended. In addition to vacuuming, you should also mop your floors every two to four weeks.
