How To Make Hardwood Floors Shine
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A common misconception about hardwood floors is that they should be cleaned with a mop. However, this approach often leads to a dull appearance and can even damage the wood. The best way to keep your hardwood floors clean and polished is by using a vacuum cleaner. Even wiping them down with your hands can cause scratches and damage to the finish.
Many people think placing rugs over their wooden floors will protect them, but this doesn't shield the wood beneath. Wood requires regular maintenance to retain its shine and luster. If your hardwood floors need some TLC, here’s how you can restore their brilliance.
The Three Essential Steps for Cleaning Hardwood Floors
Cleaning hardwood floors by hand can be both time-consuming and risky, especially for your joints. Therefore, it's best to stick with a vacuum cleaner. Follow these three simple steps:
1. Thoroughly vacuum the floor, focusing on corners and areas behind furniture where debris tends to gather.
2. Sweep up any leftover dust or debris with a broom or hand broom.
3. Use a damp cloth with a neutral cleanser (like Murphy Oil Soap) to wipe the floor in long, straight strokes, first from left to right and then from right to left. Rinse and wring out the cloth before wiping again.
Repeat until your floor is spotless and dry, then buff it with a soft cloth and polish if needed.
What You Need for Cleaning Hardwood Floors
For a quick and efficient way to polish your floors, gather these items:
- A vacuum cleaner with a brush roll or roller brush
- A soft-bristled broom for sweeping up debris
- A microfiber cloth or towel
- An empty spray bottle
- Hardwood floor polish
How Often Should You Clean Your Hardwood Floor?
Regular cleaning is crucial to maintaining the beauty of your hardwood floors. Solid hardwood floors are prone to collecting dirt and dust, so vacuuming at least once a week is recommended. Wipe down any visible stains with a damp cloth or paper towel to prevent buildup.
Pet owners should pay particular attention, as pet hair can lodge into the wood and start damaging the finish. If you have pets, avoid sweeping or vacuuming their hair with a broom or vacuum. Instead, use an old toothbrush to remove excess hair from your floor.
When Should You Use a Mop and Water?
There are instances when using a flat mop and water is necessary. For example, if your hardwood floors are extremely dirty and require scrubbing, it’s important to use a specialized cleaner designed for wood floors rather than a regular household cleaner.
Preparing Your Floor
If you’re using a steam mop, ensure it’s clean and ready for use. Fill a bucket with warm water and add enough cleaning solution to create sudsy water.
Vacuuming
Before starting, make sure your vacuum cleaner is set to a brush roll off mode to avoid any damage to the floor. Be cautious while vacuuming around furniture legs and other fixtures. Vacuum thoroughly, then sweep up any leftover dust and debris with a broom or hand broom.
Sweeping
Use a damp mop, cloth, or paper towel to wipe any remaining stains with the grain. If you have a rug in your home, use it as a barrier between your furniture and wood floors to prevent damage from furniture scratching or scraping.
Scrubbing
Use a lightly-dampened microfiber mop or soft cloth to scrub the floor, then rinse with a damp cloth to remove any excess soap. Allow floors to dry completely, especially if using a steam mop, as too much moisture can harm hardwood floors.
Buffing and Polishing
To give your hardwood floors a glossy finish, apply a small amount of liquid wax and buff the floor with a soft cloth. For extra protection and shine, polish the floor in the direction of the wood grain, ensuring compatibility with your floor type.
What Causes Scratches on Hardwood Floors?
Scratches on hardwood floors can result from furniture legs and pets. To minimize damage, place protective felt pads under furniture legs, especially those with sharp edges like stools, ottomans, TV stands, and chairs.
If scratches occur, there are several methods to fix them. Rubbing toothpaste into the scratch with your finger can buff out fine scratches thanks to the abrasives in toothpaste. Alternatively, try using a pencil eraser or wax to remove marks. If these solutions don’t work, apply a small amount of kitchen oil, such as olive oil, and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth or paper towel.
If none of these remedies succeed, you may need to let the scratch dry and then apply fine-grit sandpaper until the scratch disappears.
How to Prevent Scratches on Hardwood Floors
Preventing scratches is always easier than fixing them later. To avoid damage, use felt padding under furniture that might cause harm, like chairs. Another option is to lay rugs throughout your home to serve as a buffer between furniture and wood floors. Rugs should be heavy enough to stay in place without causing damage.
If you have kids or pets playing on the floor, encourage them to stay on rugs or carpets to prevent scratches. Pets might scratch wood when they’re anxious, so ensure they’re calm before roaming freely. Regularly trim your pets' nails to prevent scratches.
How to Make Hardwood Floors Shine
Start by ensuring the surface is clean. Before applying any cleaner, sweep or vacuum the floor to avoid applying polish on dirt or grime. Also, mop up any standing water to prevent water damage.
Apply an oil-based wax to form a protective layer over your floor. If needed, use a paste filler for scratches or nicks.
Apply two coats of polish, allowing each to dry fully before applying the next. Buff out any excess product for a long-lasting shine.
Clean up spills immediately with a towel or cloth, and use household products like vinegar or baking soda for stubborn stains.
Use floor mats near entryways to prevent dirt from being tracked in. Find affordable options online for both indoor and outdoor mats.
Tips to Keep Your Hardwood Floor Shiny
- Dry your floor quickly after mopping, though slightly damp surfaces are okay.
- Choose the right cleaner and follow instructions carefully.
- Sweep or vacuum regularly and mop weekly.
- Use a microfiber cloth for polishing, folding it into smaller sections for better coverage.
- Opt for commercial oil-based polish if desired.
How to Use Hardwood Floor Polish
- Apply polish sparingly with a soft cloth.
- Work in sections if using liquid or paste wax, starting at one end and moving toward the opposite wall.
- Buff off excess product once dried.
- Polish your floors every six months to a year for optimal results.
Conclusion
Shiny hardwood floors enhance your home's aesthetic and practicality by reflecting light and making spaces appear cleaner. With regular care, maintaining their shine is straightforward.