In 2011, the value of US shipments of hardwood flooring reached $1.5 billion. It is one of the most popular choices for flooring in US homes. And it is not difficult to understand why. Hardwood flooring offers a timeless look while being hardwearing and comparatively easy to care for.
Do you have a hardwood floor, or are you considering having one fitted? If so, you’ll want to know how to handle it properly. So read on as we present a step-by-step guide to how to clean wood floors.
1. Clear the Space
The first thing you must do is clear the space you will clean. It’s very easy to be tempted to clean around your furniture. But if you do this every time, large parts of your hardwood floor will not get cleaned. So when you come to move the furniture, you may find that the finish is quite noticeably different in those areas.
So try to always clear as much of the space as you can. You don’t always have to empty the entire room, but move as much as is practical.
2. Vacuum the Floor
If you mop the floor without vacuuming it properly first, you will encounter several problems.
The first is that when you come to mop, you will smear the dirt and dust around your floor, which will not leave it looking its best. But more importantly, you could scratch the wood if there are hard bits of debris on the floor. This would leave you needing a new floor, So before anything else, give the entire floor a good vacuuming. If you’re worried your vacuum may be too abrasive, try using a dry mop to clean up all the dust and debris.
3. Mop with Hardwood Floor Cleaner
Follow the instructions to mix this with the required amount of water. Dip the mop into the mixture, then squeeze out most of the liquid so the mop is damp rather than wet.
Start at the furthest point from the door and mop in broad strokes across the room, until the entire floor is covered.
4. Polish to a Shine
Once the floor has dried, it’s time for a polish. Attach a polishing cloth to the bottom of a dry mop, and buff the entire floor surface. This should leave you with a clean floor with a stunning shine.
Did you find these tips for how to clean wood floors useful?
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