Hardwood floors should be cleaned regularly to avoid scratches or even warping, but using a rough cleaning cloth can create streaks on the wood floor or even damage the wood. General cleaning is to use a dry mop which should be done regularly, but it would be better if you clean it using a warm water or a soft cleaning cloth.
Here are some of the best ways to clean hardwood floors.
Step
Method 1 of 5: General Cleaning
Step 1. Sweep the floor regularly
Clean the dust by using a dry mop on the floor surface every day to remove dirt.
- Although hardwood floors are scratch-resistant, excess dirt, hair, and debris can cause scratches if left untreated over time. However, scratches will not appear if the wooden floor is cleaned regularly.
- In addition to using a dry mop, you can also use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush connection.
- Do not use a regular floor brush. The tough straw bristles on the brush can damage the floor surface.
- Sweep in the direction of the wooden floor. Sweeping in the direction of the wood flooring will allow you to remove any dirt that gets between the grooves of the wood flooring pieces.
Step 2. Immediately clean up any spilled liquid
Use a cloth or sponge to clean up any spilled liquid on the wooden floor.
- Don't let liquids, even plain water, sit on the hardwood floor for too long. Liquids can stain or even damage the protective coating on wooden floors.
- Absorb the liquid using a dry cloth.
- Wet a cloth or sponge before cleaning the spill area to remove any remaining stains.
- Dry the area using a soft dry cloth. Do not let the floor look wet.
Step 3. Just use a mop to clean the hardwood floor thoroughly
Do not use a vaporizer or scrubber as laminate flooring is not as strong as other types of flooring and can be easily damaged by equipment such as vaporizers, polishers and polishes. If your floor looks dull, just grab a mop and scrub it vigorously to clean it. Even if you need to scrub a few times to get a clean look, a mop is still safer for hardwood floors.
If the floor isn't clean after everything you've tried, you can still seek professional cleaning help
Step 4. Use vinegar or a mild detergent if you need a cleaning agent
Alternatively, use a commercial product formulated for laminate flooring. Be sure to read product labels and use them properly. Just a little product can make a big difference.
Avoid cleaning agents that promise to polish the surface of the floor because these products can cause wax grease to build up on the floor. Similarly, don't use pine-scented products on laminate floors as they can leave a soapy residue that can make the floor look dull
Method 2 of 5: Using Hot Water
Step 1. Fill the bucket with hot water
The water doesn't need to boil, but it should be more than warm.
- Clean thoroughly, mopping the floor should be done every month or when the floor is already visibly dirty.
- Hot water is arguably the best way to clean hardwood floors, because if done right it won't leave scratches. This method will not damage the coating on the hardwood floor, as water is a mild and gentle cleanser.
Step 2. Soak and wring out the mop
Soak a mop or sponge in hot water and wring it out until it's slightly damp.
- You can also use a regular mop, but to remove the stain it's better to use a sponge.
- The mop must be wrung out well before use. Even stagnant water can become a stain on wooden floors if not cleaned properly. Therefore, the mop should be slightly wet before you use it.
Step 3. Clean the floor thoroughly
Sweep the entire floor, from the corner to the exit.
- You can also do this from one side of the room to the other. The only method you should avoid when cleaning is from the outside to the center, because you have to walk on freshly cleaned floors and you have to wait for the floor to dry to get out of the room.
- When the mop starts to dry, you may need to soak it again and wring it out a few times during the cleaning process.
Step 4. Dry the floor
If the wooden floor is still wet, you should allow it to dry. If not, wipe it with a microfiber cloth until it's clean and dry.
- Do not use a rough cloth, as this can scratch the floor.
- Do not let water sit on the wooden floor for a long time.
Method 3 of 5: Using Vinegar
Step 1. Make a solution of vinegar and water
Pour 60 ml of white vinegar into a 1000 ml spray bottle. Fill the rest of the bottle with water then shake to mix it up.
- Mixing white vinegar is especially useful if your hardwood floors are stained with mud or other stains that are causing the floor to become dull.
- White vinegar is too abrasive to use in its pure form, so you have to mix it with water.
- You can also make another solution using vinegar by mixing 80 ml of white vinegar with 3 drops of liquid detergent and 4 liters of warm water.
Step 2. Spray the mixture on the wood
Spray the vinegar mixture on every 30.5 sq cm of wood flooring.
Don't spray the entire floor with vinegar at once. You should wipe the solution off the floor immediately, and spraying the entire floor at the same time will prevent you from getting the vinegar off the entire wood finish
Step 3. Wipe off the solution with a damp mop or plain cloth
Do this immediately after spraying the vinegar solution on the floor, wiping it off with a damp towel or sponge.
- You can also use a soft microfiber cloth. But don't use a rough mop.
- Make sure you wring out the mop or cloth before using it. Do not soak the floor with water, as this will create moisture and may cause the floor to warp.
Step 4. Dry the wooden floor
If water still soaks the wood, clean it with a dry microfiber cloth.
If only a small amount of water remains on the wood floor, you can let it evaporate on its own
Method 4 of 5: Using Mild Soap
Step 1. Fill the bucket with hot water
Add about 4 liters of warm water to a large bucket.
The water doesn't have to boil, but it should be more than warm
Step 2. Add detergent or baby shampoo
Add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of baby shampoo or liquid detergent to the hot water and stir until well combined.
- Do not use fragrances or coloring detergents, as these can cause streaks or damage the wooden floor.
- Baby shampoo is gentle enough to use on hardwood floors, but don't use adult shampoo.
- Mix the soap and water with your hands until the soap dissolves and bubbles start to form.
- Do not use harsh cleaners, such as bleach or other cleaning chemicals.
Step 3. Soak and wring out the mop
Soak a mop or sponge in the soap solution. Squeeze until slightly wet.
- Soapy water is a good choice for cleaning floors that have been exposed to mud, dirt, or other debris.
- You can also use a microfiber cloth, but a mop is preferable because you'll be cleaning the entire floor at the same time, not just cleaning small patches.
- Too much water can cause hardwood floors to warp. Therefore, do not let the mop is too wet.
Step 4. Clean the floor from one side to the other
Starting from one side of the room to the other side that covers the entire floor.
- You can also start from the center all the way around the room. The only thing you should avoid is cleaning by starting from the outside to the center of the room, as you will have to step on the floor you just cleaned to leave the room.
- Soak and wring out the mop again if necessary to make your way out of the room.
Step 5. Dry the wooden floor
If you use a little water, the floor will dry quickly with the help of the wind. If it shows no signs of wind drying, dry it with a dry microfiber cloth.
Don't let the water sit too long
Method 5 of 5: Removing Stubborn Stains
Step 1. Clean the bloodstains using window cleaner
Spray a small amount of window cleaner on the stain and immediately clean it with a cloth soaked in warm water.
- Use a non-abrasive microfiber cloth.
- The sooner you clean the stain, the easier it will be to remove it.
Step 2. Clean the gum with a plastic knife
Scrape off the gum stain with a plastic knife and rub it clean with a soft damp cloth.
- Wet the cloth with water to make it perfect.
- Do not use a metal knife, as it is too rough and will erode the floor.
Step 3. Remove soda, wine, crayon, or ink stains with a damp cloth
These stains can usually be removed with just a slightly damp microfiber cloth.
- You soak the mop in water.
- For stubborn ink stains, you may need to add a small amount of detergent or ink remover to the fabric to remove the stain. Make sure the dirty area is clean again by using a cloth dampened with warm water.
Step 4. Remove nail polish, shoe polish, or tart stains with nail polish remover
Add a small amount of nail polish remover to a microfiber cloth and rub the stain until it lifts.
Clean the area with a microfiber cloth and then soak the microfiber cloth in clean water after cleaning the wood
Step 5. Remove heel marks using a pencil eraser
Simply rub the eraser on the stain until it lifts off the wood.
Step 6. Remove frozen fat
Use an ice pack until the fat hardens. Use a plastic knife to scrape off the frozen fat.
- Do not scrape grease with metal tools.
- Remove any remaining grease stains by spraying a small amount of window cleaner on the area and wiping it off with a damp cloth.
