How To Deep Clean Hardwood Floors

Routine cleaning isn’t enough. Instead of just a regular clean, you should also consider deep cleaning your hardwood floors as it not only promotes your home’s cleanliness but also keeps your wood floors in tip-top shape. They may not always be visible, but over time, your floor collects dirt, germs, and allergens that increase the risk of one of your family members getting sick. At the same time, when you deep clean hardwood floors, you’re also ensuring that you’re preserving them and minimizing the possibility of costly repairs down the line.

a clean and tidy kitchen with wood floor

We know all about floors at Innovative Kitchen and Flooring Supply, so we’d like to share the best tips and considerations when it comes to deep cleaning wood floors with you, including pointers on choosing the most suitable hardwood floor cleaners, a step-by-step guide to deep cleaning hardwood floors, and maintenance recommendations.

Benefits of Deep Cleaning Hardwood Floors

Every homeowner wants their house to be clean and presentable. When you regularly deep clean hardwood floors, they not only become more pleasant to look at, but they also promise an increased lifespan. It’s essential to learn how to deep clean hardwood floors because doing so gets rid of heavy dirt buildup and grime in high-traffic areas that your vacuum cleaner alone can’t eliminate. It also improves your home’s indoor air quality, prevents the growth of mold and mildew, and removes oily residues that can cause you or your family members to slip and potentially hurt themselves.

So, for your own safety from accidents and illnesses, as well as your hardwood floor’s long-term health, it’s best to make a habit of deep cleaning your hardwood floors.

Choosing the Right Cleaning Solution for Your Wood Floors

cleaning supplies in a bucket

There are many options for cleaning solutions in the market. You might be tempted to just grab a random antibacterial wood floor cleaner off the grocery shelf, but it’s best if you consider the compatibility of the cleaning products with your floor’s finish. This is important because the wrong cleaning product can cause damage, discoloration, dulling, and warping to your hardwood floors. When this happens, your hardwood floor would require a new coat or refinishing, which is both a hassle and expense you can easily avoid.

To help you out, we’ve put together a list of cleaning solutions that are compatible with specific types of finishes:

Oil-Based Soap Solution

These solutions are safe to use on both finished and unfinished hardwood flooring. They contain natural oils that keep the wood floors shiny and nourished. Oil-based soap solutions are commonly used on older floors, helping restore their luster.

Water-Based Cleaner

A water-based cleaner works well with floors finished with polyurethane and aluminum oxide. They’re quick to dry and help maintain the appearance of your wood floors.

Vinegar and Water Solution

A mild solution of vinegar and warm water (one cup of white vinegar and one gallon of water) can be used on wood floors finished with polyurethane. While it’s cheap and easy to make, it’s best to only use this solution once in a while as it has a tendency to dull your hardwood floor.

Specialty Wax Cleaners

Use specialty wax cleaners for wood floors finished with wax. These are designed to clean dirt and grime as well as add shine to the floors without damaging the wax layer of the floor surface. Don’t use water-based cleaners with harsh chemicals on a wax finish as it can lead to damage on the wood floors.

Eco-Friendly Cleaners

Made from plant-based ingredients and free from harsh chemicals, eco-friendly cleaners are a great choice for cleaning wood floors with polyurethane and oil finishes. Since these cleaners are gentle on the skin, it’s safe for households that have children and pets. When you deep clean wood floors with eco-friendly cleaners, you’re using a solution with non-toxic and environmentally sustainable formulations.

What Avoid When Deep Cleaning Hardwood Floors

When deep cleaning your hardwood floors, here are some things you should keep in mind:

  • Avoid using too much liquid as it can allow standing water to remain on the porous wood floor, eventually causing issues like warping.
  • Don’t use steam cleaners because the heat can cause damage to the floors.
  • Avoid scrubbing the floor with tools like toothbrushes and steel wool as they can cause scratches.
  • Don’t neglect spills and excess liquid on the floor as they can stain.
  • When you’re clearing out the area for cleaning, don’t drag your furniture across the floor. Their legs can leave scratches and deep dents on the wood.

How Often Should You Clean Hardwood Floors?

Generally speaking, you should deep clean your floors every three to six months to maintain their appearance, shine, and cleanliness. However, if you’re dealing with spills and messes more frequently due to pets or children, consider doing it every two to three months. Just make sure that you’re using the correct floor cleaner for the best results.

Step-by-Step Guide to Deep Cleaning Hardwood Floors

mopping hardwood floors

If you want to keep your wooden floor clean and presentable, follow these steps:

Step 1: Gather Cleaning Supplies

Purchase or gather these supplies:

  • Vacuum cleaner or broom
  • Hardwood floor cleaner compatible with your floor’s finish
  • Mop
  • Microfiber cloth or a soft, clean cloth
  • Soft cleaning pad
  • Bucket of lukewarm water
  • Putty knife
  • Floor wax

Step 2: Clear the Area and Sweep or Vacuum the Floors

Move your furniture so you can access your floor properly. Use a vacuum with a floor brush attachment, a broom, or a dust mop to get rid of surface-level dust and particles such as pet hair. Afterward, use a damp mop and a dry cleaning pad to clean the floor and trap any dirt, grime, and dust. Then, use a dry mop to wipe any excess liquid on the floor.

Step 3: Remove Stains, Spots, and Marks on the Hardwood Floors

Follow the instructions on how to use your specific wood cleaner and try it out on an inconspicuous spot first just to see if it works as intended and doesn’t cause any damage. After that, use your cleaning solution to remove any stains, spots, or marks on your floor. You can either use a damp cloth or a damp mop to gently spot clean areas that need cleaning.

However, if there are particularly stubborn grime marks, you can try using a putty knife to gently scrape it away. Another option is to use a microfiber cloth to buff stains away on the wood floors. Finally, mop floors in the same direction as the wooden boards to prevent streaking.

Step 4: Rinse the Floors

When you’re done removing dirt and dust stains, you can rinse the cleaning solution using a mop and a bucket of water. Afterward, wipe the floors with a dry mop or cloth until there’s no more water visible.

Step 5: Polish the Floors

Lastly, polish your newly deep-cleaned floors with floor wax for that extra shine. In case you discover any areas that need more cleaning, use your mop or dust mop to go over the floor again until you’re satisfied with the result.

Tips for Maintaining Your Hardwood Floor

a clean house interior with hardwood floor

Don’t forget to maintain the appearance and cleanliness of your hardwood floors by sticking to a regular cleaning routine. Proactive maintenance and consistently deep cleaning your floors will pay off in the long run as it can prevent expensive repairs and replacements, all while ensuring that your home is a safe and pleasant place for you and your family.

Innovative Kitchen and Flooring Supply for Your Flooring Needs

Innovative Kitchen and Flooring Supply is a licensed and insured company based in Chambersburg, PA offering high-quality services such as hardwood refinishing.

Contact us at (717) 946-8424 and request a free quote today!

Related Post

CLOSE
Which products or Services are you interested in? *
CLOSE