Keep the beautiful hardwood floors in your home clean and in excellent shape by using the proper cleaning products on them. Environmental factors, such as too much sunlight, can also cause damage to your floors, so take steps to protect your floor from the sun by using drapes or blinds or by covering portions of the floor with a throw rug.
Microfiber Cloths
The first product to use to keep your hardwood floor clean is a microfiber dusting cloth. As you run the cloths across the floor, they trap dust and debris within their fibers. You can use a washable cloth or purchase disposable ones. The most convenient way to use microfiber clothes is to use ones that attach to a specially designed mop. You can also simply run the cloth across the floor with your hands. Remove loose dirt before using any other cleaner on the floor.
Vinegar and Water Mixture
You can make a hardwood floor cleaner at home simply by mixing 1 gallon of warm water with 1 cup of white vinegar. You can fill a spray bottle with the mixture and spritz on the floor as you run over it with a dry sponge mop or microfiber mop. You can also dip a rag in the mixture and rub on the floor, and then quickly dry it with another rag.
Water-Based Floor Cleaner
If you do not want to make a wood floor cleaner at home, you can purchase a commercially made one. Most water-based wood floor cleaners contain alcohol, surfactants and water. They are designed to be used on sealed wood floors, so that the wood surface doesn’t absorb the water and become damaged. Most water-based cleaners are simple to use. They typically do not need to be diluted with water. You squirt a small amount directly onto the floor, then wipe with a rag or mop. Most cleaners dry cleanly and do not need to be rinsed off.
Oil Soap
If you have a finished hardwood floor, you can use oil soap to clean it. You shouldn’t use oil soap on an unfinished floor or on a waxed floor, since doing so can damage the wood. Pour a small amount of the soap into a bucket and fill it with warm water. Dip a mop in the bucket and wipe all over the surface of your floor. There are also pre-diluted versions of oil soap available. To use, you simply squirt directly on the floor and mop clean.
