How to Clean and Maintain Your Hardwood Floor

How to Clean and Maintain Your Hardwood Floor

Once installed, your hardwood floor will look beautiful, but time, stains, traffic, and spills will take their toll.  So, you need a short course on how to take proper care of your floor, and for that, you’ve come to the right place.

We want you to know everything about hardwood maintenance because the more you know, you’ll be able to keep your floor looking new.

Wood is a natural, beautiful, and timeless décor and design element.

Consistent and proper maintenance will ensure it remains that way.

Entrances Are Your First Line of Defense

Place area mats at each entryway to collect dirt and grit that might be tracked in.

These tiny particles act like sandpaper scratching your floor.

Avoid using rubber-backed or non-ventilated mats or rugs as they can potentially damage your floor. Instead, use mats or rugs made specifically for hardwood floors and remember to shake them out regularly.

In addition to entryways, remember to place mats in any areas where water may be splashed, such as near a kitchen sink.

Invest in These Tools

• Buy a high-quality broom and sweep your new floor regularly to pick up dirt, dust, and other particles.
• A vacuum cleaner, without a beater bar, can be significantly helpful in between planks and other hard to reach areas. Once dirt and grease are gone, mopping with Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner can help restore the luster of your hardwood floor.

Keep in Mind These Cleaning Tips

Cleaning techniques differ depending on the installation and finish of your hardwood floor.

For both site-finished and prefinished hardwood floors, we recommend using an terrycloth mop with a rotating head that makes cleaning under cabinets, corners, and along baseboards an easy task.

Spray a professional wood floor cleaning product to safely remove tough stains and spills without dulling the finish of your floor.

We recommend Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner to maintain your hardwood floors.

All floors with a urethane finish should never be waxed.

A hardwood floor cleaner is useful in cleaning occasional scuffs or heel marks. Merely spray some cleaner on a cloth and lightly rub the stained area. Sticky spots can be removed with a damp towel or sponge.

Do not use ammonia-based cleaners or oil soaps on a wood floor, as they will dull the finish and performance of your floor. These products will affect the ability to recoat your floor later.

Since wood naturally expands when it is wet, never wet mop your hardwood floor or use excessive water. Large amounts of water can cause the wood to swell and may cause your floor to crack or splinter.

Being a natural product, hardwood will expand and contract due to moisture and temperature changes. Minimize water exposure to hardwood floors and clean up spills as soon as they happen.