How to Clean Old Hardwood Floors?
Now that you’ve decided to replace your laminate floor or wall-to-wall carpet with timeless hardwood flooring, you must learn how to clean hardwood floors. It’s the only way to ensure they remain attractive for years to come. Yes, one run with a microfiber mop and a cleaning agent can ensure longevity, but it isn’t always the best option.
Besides, there’s a catch! Our experts in hardwood floor installation in Los Angeles ask every homeowner to refrain from using any cleaning product that claims to rejuvenate, shine, revitalize, or polish wooden surfaces. It does sound counterintuitive, but these cleaners are often fabricated for short-term results only.
What to use?
So, what should you do to keep your hardwood flooring in tip-top shape? There aren’t any rules worth following while selecting a cleaner for deep cleaning. Different finishes demand different treatments.
Return to the roots whenever you feel doubtful. Mix a few drops of a recognized and widely used hardwood surface cleaner with four cups of warm water and scrub the floor with it. Or, let your floor experience the joys of aromatherapy with an essential oil.
Some people say you should go for a solution of white vinegar and water, but others are strongly against applying acidic substances to hardwood floors. After all, it may dull the surface over time.
What to avoid?
Time-tested, inexpensive cleaning agents are reliable, but it doesn’t mean you can use whatever you can get your hands on at the supermarket. There are a few cleaning products you should avoid at all costs. Chlorine bleach is the perfect example. Even a diluted version of this chemical can weaken the structure of wood. If applied, you’ll definitely notice hazing. Polyurethane floors may look cloudier than usual due to wax accumulation. Treat hazing by dipping a clean cloth in warm water and wiping the floor with it. It’s the safest way to eliminate the cloudy film. Use a microfiber cloth, if you have it.
DIY steps to clean hardwood floors
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Sweep every day
The first rule with hardwood floor cleaning is daily sweeping. You can’t skip it. Grime and dirt buildup prevent the surface from shining, which means keeping all debris away is the key. In reality, sweeping can reduce damage. Even pet hair is potentially dangerous to hardwood flooring. Naturally, you have to be proactive. So, sweep the surface every day, followed by a dry mop or dust mop to remove the remaining dirt. Use a microfiber mop to retain the material’s luster.
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Regular vacuuming
Apart from sweeping, regular vacuuming is advisable. This will help you pick up even the smallest particles sweeping can’t manage. Also, the strong suction of vacuum cleaners will be useful in pulling up dust from the crevices between planks. Just remember to turn on the hard floor setting. Otherwise, the brush roll or beater bar will kick into action and leave scratches on the surface. You may also use flat attachments to protect the floor from bristles. You don’t want to deal with scuffs, right?
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Mopping
Mopping hardwood floors can be beneficial, but only if done correctly. After you find an appropriate cleaning agent, use it on the surface with a wet mop without overdoing it. Also, don’t let the water stand and form pools. Otherwise, the material will swell. Microfiber mops are better than their cotton-based counterparts. They can prevent excess water from messing things up. Experts claim a microfiber mop takes almost 20 times less liquid, which makes it perfect for the task. Don’t use steam and a steam mop. While it can deep clean the floor, it’ll allow vapor to enter the spaces between the planks.
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Fixing scratches
Grime, pet dander, and vacuum bristles can leave scratches on the floor, leaving even the most finely crafted hardwood surface looking ugly. Then again, minor scratches add character to the house. They’re part of owning a hardwood floor. If you want to get rid of them, use a stain marker for touch-ups. For deeper dents, a wax stick should suffice. Some people are more serious than others about scratch removal. If you’re one of them, choose a stain marker that matches the color of your floor. Then, use fine-grit sandpaper to buff off all scuffs. Take a clean piece of cloth, apply a small quantity of stain, and wipe the floor. Restore the shine by brushing on a little bit of polyurethane if necessary. Remember to use the same finish.
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Floor maintenance tips
By now, you should have a relatively clear concept of cleaning hardwood floors, but there’s more you need to know. The surrounding aspects of the floor play a crucial role in its durability and care. Wood showcases a dramatic reaction when exposed to temperature and humidity. So, you must contemplate these elements, even if you can’t control them. Thankfully, the material is natural, which means it’ll inform you whenever a problem pops up. Note the red flags. For instance, if there’s too much moisture above, below, or around the surface, the wood will cup. Cut the source of the water, especially any standing water, to prevent cupping. Excess dryness is also an issue that induces cracks, gaps, and splits. Counter the situation by introducing a little moisture to the air. It’ll allow the surface to settle down.
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Add another coat
Whenever you notice the floor wearing down, recoat it. It’ll be relatively easy as it doesn’t require sanding. The process involves applying another coat to the top of the surface to restore the luster. To do it, deep clean the floor first. Then, buff to facilitate adhesion, and finally, apply the coat. This strategy prolongs the floor’s life by many years. You’ll run into several floor finishes on the market, but you should pick one based on your floor’s needs and specifications. That’s the specialty of wood floors: they can be repaired, refinished, and recoated at will!
Wrapping it up
How to clean hardwood floors? You have all the answers. Just don’t let the difficulties and strict rules of cleaning scare you. We’ve provided you with the right techniques and suggested the right supplies. If you need professional support, contact our hardwood floor installation specialists in Los Angeles.
Also Read: What Color Flooring Goes With Oak Cabinets?
FAQs
How can one effectively prevent scratches on hardwood floors caused by furniture movement, and what are some recommended solutions for this?
The best way to prevent furniture scratches is to use felt protectors or pads on the legs of tables, chairs, and other furniture pieces. These pads distribute the weight evenly while reducing scratches. You should also lift the furniture pieces when moving them instead of dragging them across the floor.
Are there specific hardwood floor cleaning practices recommended for homes with pets, considering issues like pet dander and accidents?
Pet owners must sweep and use the vacuum cleaner more frequently to get rid of pet hair and dander that may gather on hardwood floors. Use a soft brush attachment or a specialized pet hair attachment to capture pet hair effectively without scratching the surface. To prevent odor and stains, clean up pet accidents quickly using an appropriate cleaner for hardwood floors.
What are the signs that indicate it’s time to refinish or recoat hardwood floors, and what steps should be taken before starting the process?
Look for noticeable scratches, dullness, and signs of wear. These should tell you when to refinish the floor. Before you start the refinishing project, clean the surface to remove dirt and grime. A bit of sanding should be enough to get rid of scratches and scuffs. Buy a compatible finish depending on the type of hardwood and existing finish.