In our last article, we discussed some of the preliminary steps of cleaning and maintaining your hardwood floors. In this article, we’ll talk about choosing the right cleaning method for your hardwood floors. Remember, if you are unsure about what type of flooring you have or concerned about damaging your floors with the wrong treatment, it’s always a good idea to hire a professional to avoid costly mistakes.     Like we discussed in our last article, the cleaning method that will work best for your hardwood floors depends primarily on what kind of treatment your flooring recieved when it was put down. These are some of the common treatments used on floors along with the recommended cleaning methods. 1. Well Finished Floors Well finished floors are often found in kitchens because their multiple coats of finish make them more water resistant than other types of hardwood. For this reason, water-based cleaners are safe and effective for use on these floors. If you live in a more humid environment, set out fans to speed up the drying process once you’ve cleaned your floors.   2. New Floor Finishes New floor finishes need to be handled with care so as to not fade or dull them over time. Use a mild PH neutral cleaner such as Wood Wash to get an excellent clean without damaging the finish.   3. Prefinished Floors Prefinished floors can be cleaned with the same cleaners as the previous two floors, but more care needs to be taken when cleaning them. Never wet mop a prefinished floor, as the liquid may get down into the seams on the finish and damage the wood. Instead, damp mop the floor and then quickly buff [...]

We love hardwood floors- they’re gorgeous, timeless, and durable. But cleaning them correctly can sometimes be confusing, and if you do it incorrectly it can have costly consequences. We’ve gathered a few tips to help guide you through the process of good hardwood floor care so that you can have clean flooring that will look great for years to come.   1. Prevent Water and Dirt From Coming Into Your Home The first step to cleaning your floors is to keep them clean! Water and dirt wreak all sorts of havoc on your hardwood floors. Water, of course, damages the flooring and weakens it. But dirt can have similar negative effects on your floor- tiny pieces of dirt will rub against and destroy your hardwood’s finish over time.   To prevent this, make sure you close windows and doors when you expect rain, and put doormats inside and outside of your home. The doormats will provide a place for people to dry and rub off their shoes before stepping onto the hardwood. If you are also able to, ask guests and your family members to remove their shoes inside of your home. This will help keep your floors clean and avoid potential damage.   2. Sweep, Damp Mop, or Vacuum Your Floors Regularly We’ve told you why dirt is bad news. The next step to keeping your hardwood floors clean and in great shape is regular light cleaning, including sweeping, vacuuming, or damp mopping. Make sure that you are doing this at least once a week to keep your hardwood floors clean and prevent wear caused by loose dirt. If you use a vacuum, use one that is safe for wood flooring (one that doesn’t [...]