Hardwood Floor Cleaning and Care: Keeping Your Floors Gleaming and Protected

Hardwood floors are a beautiful choice for any house. In fact, it's the number one request home buyers and renters have when house hunting. What's more, 54% of homebuyers are happy to pay more for a home that has hardwood floors.

Installing hardwood floors is definitely not a low-cost home improvement project.

That said, your hardwood floors will surely be a beautiful, priceless, and enviable part of your home for many, many years to come.

Now that you've installed hardwood floors, it's time to learn all you need to know about hardwood floor cleaning and care. Hardwood floors are long-lasting, but you have to treat them well.

You want to make sure that you're cleaning and caring for your hardwood floors properly for optimal results. If you don't, you can cause long-term damage to your floors.

Keep reading for some tips and tricks on hardwood floor care and cleaning.

Identifying the Right Cleaning Tools for Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floor cleaning and care is a critical part of preserving your investment in both looks and longevity. In order to keep your hardwood floors gleaming and protected, it's important to identify the right cleaning tools for the job. Start by purchasing a soft-bristled broom, dust mop, and microfiber pads that are safe for wood floors.

To deep clean hardwood floors, you should also buy specialized, approved wood floor cleaners and microfiber mop heads. To mop, use a damp microfiber mop and a quarter-cup of floor cleaner to an entire gallon of warm water.

Use a mop slightly dampened with water only when there is noticeable buildup, such as pet dander, mud, or other residues.

DIY Hardwood Floor Cleaning Tips

Begin by sweeping or vacuuming your floors regularly to remove dirt and dust.

Diluted vinegar and warm water is a great DIY homemade cleaning solution for spot cleaning your floors. Don’t forget to apply water gently as it can easily seep too deep into the wood and cause damage.

Once the floors are dry, you can use a wood finish to keep them looking their best. Sticky substances can be removed with a damp cloth. It's also important to use felt protection on the bottoms of furniture that comes in contact with hardwood floors.

Regular waxing is also a great preventive tip. This will help shield your floors from scratches and dirt, making them easier to clean in the future. Following these simple DIY tips can ensure your hardwood floors look beautiful for years to come.

The Benefits of Professional Hardwood Floor Cleaning and Care

Maintaining hardwood floors can be a challenge, but professional hardwood floor care provides many benefits. Professional cleaners are able to deep clean the floors and remove any dirt or debris that is embedded in the crevices and cracks of the hardwood.

They also use specialized cleaning solutions to help prevent buildup and provide protection against future damage. Additionally, they can apply a wax finish to the floors to enhance shine and protect against spills and scratches.

This protection can extend the life of your floors and ensure they look their best.

Professionals also use the right tools and products to help prevent scratches and scuffs to ensure your floors stay looking beautiful longer. In addition, they have techniques for removing tough stains and offer treatments that protect the flooring from future damage.

Professional hardwood floor cleaning can also address one of the most frustrating floor maintenance issues. Wax build-up! Wax build-up can dull your floors and hide the beauty of the wood underneath.

A professional cleaning service such as ours can remove this build-up and restore the original gleam.

If you're thinking of selling your home, a treatment like this could even increase the selling price. According to reports, the ROI on installing hardwood flooring is between 70-80%. If you don't have to install new flooring, but can make your hardwood floors look like new—this could boost your sale price.

Protecting Hardwood Floors from Damage

Hardwood floors add both beauty and class to any home.

They do, however, require time and effort to keep them looking their best. Taking preventative steps to protect hardwood floors from damage is the best way to preserve their luster.

Simple ways to protect hardwood floors from damage include placing rugs and mats in high-traffic areas, such as doorways, to cut down on slipping hazards. Rugs and mats also act as dirt traps, reducing the number of debris that makes its way in.

If left on the floor and trodden into the boards, dirt and sand can cause dulling and scratching.

Also, using furniture protectors on chairs and table legs will help to lessen surface scratches when furniture is being moved.

Cleaning and care also play an important role keeping your hardwood floors gleaming and protected. Regular sweeping and dusting will pick up dirt and grit and reduce the chance of scratches.

Mop monthly with a damp mop and your favorite hardwood floor cleaner. And whenever liquid is spilled, act quickly to wipe it up as liquids can damage the wood’s finish.

Make sure to use the right mop and cleaning solution for your hardwood floor. With the right cleaning and care, your hardwood floors will remain protected and gleaming for years to come.

The Pros and Cons of Different Floor Finishes

When it comes to hardwood floor cleaning and care, the pros and cons of different floor finishes can be an important consideration.

Polyurethane is an incredibly hard-wearing finish, and requires very little maintenance. However, it can be expensive, and the application process must be done by a professional.

Wax finishes are more cost-effective; however, regular waxing is required in order to maintain the floor’s luster. Oil finishes are another great option, as they don’t require waxing or professional application. But they do require periodic maintenance and cleaning.

Are You in Need of a Reliable Floor Cleaning Service?

Hardwood floors make a beautiful addition to any home. With regular maintenance and proper hardwood floor care, you can keep your floors gleaming and protected for years to come. From regular dusting and mopping to occasional deep cleaning and spot treatments, now is the time to properly care for your flooring to maximize its longevity and beauty.

Invest in your hardwood floors, and they will provide you with flawless beauty for decades. Are you looking for a professional hardwood floor cleaning and care service?

Cleaning by Jen proudly serves: Chesterfield, Macomb, Washington, Shelby, Richmond, and the surrounding areas in Michigan. Contact us for a wood floor cleaning estimate.