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, doing so can often leave your floor looking dull and dirty, and it may even cause damage to the wood. The best approach to keeping your hardwood floors clean and polished is by using a vacuum cleaner. Even wiping the floor with your hands can risk scratching the finish of the wood.
Many people think placing rugs over wooden floors will protect the wood, but this isn’t enough. Wood requires regular maintenance to retain its shine and luster. If you have older hardwood floors that need some TLC, here’s how you can restore their shine.
The Three Essential Steps for Cleaning Hardwood Floors
Cleaning hardwood floors by hand is both time-consuming and risky. It’s better to use a vacuum cleaner to keep your floors in top condition. Here are three basic steps you should follow:
1. Vacuum the floor thoroughly, focusing on corners and areas behind furniture where debris tends to gather.
2. Sweep up any remaining dust or debris with a broom or hand broom.
3. Wipe the floor with a damp cloth and a neutral cleanser (like Murphy Oil Soap), using long, straight strokes from left to right and then again from right to left. Make sure to rinse the cloth and wring out any excess water before wiping the floor again. Repeat this process until the floor is clean and dry, then buff it with a soft cloth and polish if necessary.
What You’ll 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 loose debris
- A microfiber cloth or towel
- An empty spray bottle, like those used for household cleaners
- 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 susceptible to dirt and dust accumulation, so you should vacuum at least once a week. To prevent further buildup, gently wipe down any visible stains with a damp cloth or paper towel.
If you have pets, pay extra attention to this task, as pet hair can easily lodge itself in the wood and start scratching the finish. For pet owners, using an old toothbrush to remove excess hair from your floor is a good idea.
When Should You Use a Mop and Water?
While a mop and water aren’t recommended for routine cleaning, there are instances when they’re necessary. If your hardwood floors are extremely dirty and require a deep clean, use a specialized cleaner designed for wood floors rather than a general household cleaner.
Before using a mop, it’s essential to prepare the floor properly. If you’re using a steam mop, ensure it’s clean and ready. Fill a bucket with warm water and add enough cleaning solution to create sudsy water.
Vacuum the floor thoroughly, making sure the vacuum cleaner is on a setting without the brush roll engaged to avoid damaging the floor. Be cautious when vacuuming around furniture legs and other fixtures. After vacuuming, sweep up any leftover dust and debris with a broom or hand broom.
Next, use a damp mop, cloth, or paper towel to wipe any remaining stains with the grain. If you have a floor-sized rug in your home, use it as a barrier between your furniture legs and the wood floors to prevent scratches.
For tough stains, lightly dampen a microfiber mop or soft cloth and scrub the floor gently. Then, rinse with a damp cloth to remove any excess soap. If your floors are filthy or have stubborn stains, let them dry before proceeding. This is especially important when using a steam mop, as too much moisture can damage hardwood floors.
To enhance the shine of your hardwood floors, apply a small amount of liquid wax and buff the floor with a soft cloth. You can also polish the floor for added protection and shine, ensuring the polish aligns with the wood grain.
What Causes Scratches on Hardwood Floors?
Several factors can lead to scratches on hardwood floors, including furniture legs and pets. To prevent scratches, use protective rugs under furniture with sharp feet, like stools, ottomans, TV stands, and chairs.
If scratches occur, there are several ways to fix them. Rubbing toothpaste into the scratch with your finger can buff out fine scratches thanks to the abrasives in toothpaste. If this doesn’t work, try using a pencil eraser or wax. If neither remedy works, 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 methods succeed, you might need to let the scratch dry and then use fine-grit sandpaper to eliminate it.
How to Prevent Scratches on Hardwood Floors
Preventing scratches is always easier than repairing them later. To avoid damage, place felt pads under furniture legs that could harm the floor, such as chairs.
Another option is to lay down rugs throughout your home to act as barriers between furniture and the wood floors. The rugs should be heavy enough to stay in place but not so heavy that they cause harm to the floor.
If you have children or pets that are likely to play on the floor, encourage them to stay on rugs or carpets to protect the hardwood surfaces.
Pets may also attempt to scratch wood, especially when they’re nervous. Ensure your pets are calm before letting them roam freely on the floor, and keep their nails trimmed to prevent scratches.
How to Make Hardwood Floors Shine
Starting with a clean surface is key. Before applying any cleaner or polish, sweep or vacuum the floor thoroughly. This ensures you’re only applying the polish to the wood itself and not on dirt or grime mixed in. Also, mop up any standing water to avoid damaging the wood after polishing.
When choosing a product, opt for an oil-based wax. This type forms a protective layer once it dries. A paste filler can help fill scratches or nicks on the wood surface if necessary.
Apply two coats of polish, allowing each coat to dry fully before applying the next. Buff out any excess product once everything is dry.
Clean up spills immediately with a small towel or cloth. For stubborn stains, try using common household products like vinegar or baking soda to remove any residue.
Use floor mats near entryways to prevent dirt from being tracked inside. These mats will help keep your floors looking great for years.
Tips to Keep Your Hardwood Floor Shiny
- Dry your floor quickly after mopping, but slightly moist surfaces aren’t a problem.
- Choose the right cleaner for your floors and follow the instructions carefully.
- Sweep or vacuum regularly and mop at least once a week to remove dirt and dust buildup.
- A microfiber cloth is ideal for polishing hardwood floors; fold it into smaller sections to reach every corner.
- Commercial wood floor polish is an option, but make sure it’s oil-based.
How to Use Hardwood Floor Polish
- Apply polish sparingly with a soft cloth to avoid excessive buildup.
- Polish the floor in sections if using a liquid or paste wax-type product. Start at one end and work towards the opposite wall.
- Buff any excess product off the surface once it’s dried.
- Polish your hardwood floors every six months to a year for optimal results.
Conclusion
Shiny hardwood floors not only look great but also help reduce heating costs during winter by reflecting light and creating a cleaner appearance. With a few simple steps, you can maintain these floors beautifully at home.