How to Clean Wood Floors and Remove the Stains

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Table of Contents

A wooden floor has that unique and chic appeal to a home or establishment. As aesthetically pleasing as they may seem to be, it requires diligent maintenance on a regular basis because the wood floor may not be reliable against depreciation if it’s constantly exposed to water and solutions like cleaning agents. With this being said:how to clean wood floors the proper way? Seeing apparent white spots or depreciated marks on the floor when it makes contact with bleach or soap can be quite frustrating is indeed frustrating. But the good news is that there are tons of ways how to clean hardwood floors without damaging the floors’ integrity. Today, I share with you the proper method of how to clean wooden floors and the frequency of cleaning them. So without any further ado, let’s get right into it…

mopping wood floor

Dos and Don’ts When Cleaning and Maintaining Wood Floors

Before I discuss the best way to clean wood floors, it is important that we identify the dos and don’ts of the process before anything else and go any further. So here are the factors you have to take note of first and foremost before you can start working with your floorboard and a wooden floor cleaner:

The Dos of Cleaning Wooden Floors

  • Sweep your wooden floors as regularly as possible because rough dirt can leave scratch marks when it’s dragged across the room
  • You may also need to put rubber stopper on the foot of the sets of furniture inside the room so they won’t leave scratches as well
  • Carpets and rugs are not only for aesthetic purposes, but it also gives you functionality in preserving the wooden floor. The covering actually protects the wood from depreciation when they are exposed directly to the sun on a constant basis
  • When there is an accidental spillage, wipe them dry as soon as possible to prevent the development of moisture that would progressively break down the wood
  • Check the floorboards for any cracks or damages. If you find any, it is important that you consult a professional first before doing any work because the cleaning solutions may damage the wood further

The Don’ts of Cleaning Hardwood Floors

  • Never left any washed floorboards wet. Again, wet spots and high humidity could destroy the wood
  • Use only tap or lukewarm water with a mild wood floor cleaner. Water that’s either too hot or too cold could also damage the wood
  • Refrain from using shoes with spike soles to prevent scratching
  • Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or brushes for obvious reasons
  • Avoid using wax cleaners because they attract more dirt
wooden floor

Materials Needed to Clean Wood Floors

The following are the essential items you need how to clean timber floors:

  • A dry wipe cloth or rug
  • Lemon juice or vinegar
  • Isopropyl/rubbing alcohol
  • Dishwashing liquid
  • Scrubber or brush that has a soft profile
  • Cotton balls
  • Hairdryer or a heat gun
  • electric fan
  • Unused credit card or putty knife with a blade made from hard plastic putty
  • Microfiber dust mop

How to Clean Wood Floors (with Clear Steps)

Now that we already know the points before getting started and the materials needed for the task, we move forward and determine the answer to the question of what is the best way to clean a hardwood floor:

Step 1: Preparation

  • Prepare a basin and add two cups of dishwashing liquid to a lukewarm water
  • Put the dry rug or cloth in the basin and wring it until you see that it’s no longer dripping
  • Remove dust and debris ahead of time, which can be removed with a microfiber dust mop or broom. The fibers in the mop hold the dirt, and you can toss the mop head in the washing machine for a clean mop every time

Step 2: Proper Cleaning of the Wooden Floor

  • Wipe the floor with the soaked cloth or mop. Work in one direction from one area to another
  • If there are stains on the floor, use the soft-bristled scrubber or brush, or plastic knife putty. You can either use any of them as long as you brush or scrape them gently in order not to scratch the surface
  • Wipe the floor with another piece of rug and let them dry with the electric fan on or by opening the window to allow the air to dry the floors

Step 3: Remove Stains

  • You can use isopropyl or rubbing alcohol for mild stains
  • For harder stains, you can use lemon-lime or vinegar. But how to clean a hardwood floor with vinegar or lemon-lime? You can simply pour the appropriate onto the surface and then wait for five minutes before you brush them off
  • You can also use a heat gun or hair dryer. Place the tip of their tips on top of the stain and scrape them off once you notice that the marks are softening

How Often to Clean Hardwood Floors

You need to swipe and wipe the floorboards on a daily basis. However, cleaning them may not be as frequent as one might have initially thought. Experts suggest that the wooden floors should be maintained with cleaning solution at least once to twice a month only.

Of course, the frequency of maintenance also depends on the quality of the wood. You may have to do them as regularly as possible for lower-quality floorboards. With this being said:it is important to be mindful of the quality of the wooden floors you are shopping for and choose the best one that suits your needs and preferences, such as MyHomeware’s walnut hybrid flooring.

floor board room

Conclusion

Cleaning the hardwood may seem a simple task to accomplish, but the matter of how to clean wood floors takes time and diligence to do the right way and without damaging the integrity of the floorboards in your home. We hope that this post has been helpful and that you now know how to protect your wood floors better. Now it’s the time to take action and make your room perfect!

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Clean Wood Floors

Can I Steam the Hardwood Floor?

A solid hardwood floor can withstand the high temperature and moisture coming from a mop steamer. However, you have to be certain that gaps between the floorboards are properly sealed. And it’s better not to steam the floor if it’s not hardwood or well sealed, otherwise it may be easily damaged under a mop steamer due to excessive heat and moisture.

What Should You Not Clean Hardwood Floors With?

Never attempt to use cleaning solutions with harsh chemicals or abrasive properties which may scratch the finish. And kitchen items like vinegar and lemon juice are also not suggested for large use because they may damage the seal of the floor. In reality, you can use a simple dishwater soap to do the task.

Is it OK to Mop Wood Floors with Water?

Never use water directly on the floor. Remember that direct or persistent exposure to water and humidity depreciates the wood faster. In cleaning the floorboards, it is important that you wring the mop or cloth thoroughly before you wipe the floors with it so you can dry them effectively.

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