Hardwood floors are relatively easy to clean if you follow this simple advice and guidance. What to do on a daily basis By sweeping your hardwood floor on a daily basis you will be removing small dust and dirt particles that can easily build up on a hardwood floor and contribute towards scratches and dents if walked on. You should sweep you floor using a soft bristle brush or use a vacuum cleaner that has an attachment specifically designed for wooden floors.
Although we recommend sweeping on a daily basis, this does depend on how much the room or area is used. If, for example, you have hardwood in your hallway or a living space then it will probably require a daily sweep, however if you have hardwood flooring in a room that is not used on a daily basis, it can be swept less often.
What to do on a weekly basis
On a weekly basis you should clean your hardwood floor (in the direction of the grain) to remove any unwanted dirt on the surface. Use a soft, microfibre mop with a PH neutral wooden floor cleaning spray. A mop with a removable microfibre pad is great as it can be removed, washed and reused many times. Also, a mop which has a pivoting handle is ideal to reach into the corners of a room. Alternatively a regular mop and bucket can be used but ensure your mop is completely wrung out until it is damp (not wet), as excess water can seep into your hardwood flooring and cause irreparable damage in the form of warping, cracking and discolouration. Cleaning your hardwood floor can be done more frequently than weekly if required, for example, if you have hardwood flooring in your dining room then you may wish to sweep and clean after each meal to ensure that no food that may have been dropped could stain or discolour your flooring.
What never to do
• There are a number of products and cleaning equipment that can be extremely damaging to hardwood floors, so never use any of the following:
• Furniture polish as it can leave a slippery residue that can be hard to remove
• Oils or wax as they can also leave a greasy residue
• A steam mop as the heat and moisture can cause your floor to warp
• A wet mop can also cause water damage to your flooring
• Abrasive or acidic products, or products that contain ammonia can also cause damage and scratching.
What might need immediate action
Although hardwood flooring is quite simple to maintain, there are a few times when immediate action should be taken to protect your flooring. You should wipe away any spills or water accidents immediately, before any of the liquid can penetrate into the flooring. It is also advisable to remove outdoor footwear before walking on your hardwood floor in case they are wet or bring in any dirt, grit or stones.
