In this guide, you’ll find tips to make finished hardwood clean and beautiful, and we also show you the best methods for getting unfinished hardwood flooring clean and ready for refinishing. Prevent marks on hardwood floors by using floor protectors under furniture and adding rugs in play areas to ensure children's toys don't scratch the floor. We've got the low-down on how to make sure everything from your perennials to your roses are ready when the snow flies. Especially with hardwood floors, scratch-causing heels and cleats should be checked at the door. Deep cleaning with a cleaner recommended by the manufacturer. Then use an old toothbrush and the Homemade Wood Floor Cleaning Spray below to get rid of the gunk. When considering how to clean hardwood floors, don't overlook vacuuming. Anthony Masterson Photography, Inc. Credit: When using a vacuum cleaner, ensure you disable the beater bar attachment or use one without it. Step 1 Mix 2 tablespoons white vinegar with 2 quarts warm water in a large cleaning bucket. The best way to clean hardwood floors starts with smart preventive measures, which not only help protect floors but also cut down on the time you spend cleaning. Clean wood floors with vinegar by adding 1/2 cup white vinegar to a gallon of lukewarm water. We reach for them after school and after dinner. Don't use vinyl or tile floor cleaners as these products will damage, rather than clean, wood floors. See how you can personalize your home's entrance with holiday front door decorations, including evergreen wreaths, garlands, pinecones, and pops of plaid. Once you've revived your old flooring, sweep, vacuum, and … Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. Hardwood Floor Deep Cleaner . A regular once-over with a broom or dust mop will do wonders for cleaning hardwood floors. © Copyright 2020 Meredith Corporation. Rinse with a clean mop dampened in clean water, but only if the cleaning product requires it. Editor's Note: Vinegar can dull certain hardwood flooring finishes, so always test your solution in an inconspicuous spot before using the ingredient to clean your floors. In addition to these daily best practices, follow our tips for cleaning wood floors to keep your home in top shape. This winter front door display is layered with holiday cheer. Unsealed wood floors are different from finished hardwood floors because water can be easily absorbed through the wood, having a greater impact on the life and condition of the flooring. For how to deep clean hardwood floors (consider doing this cleaning in the spring or just before the winter holidays), use a wood floor mop and wood floor cleaning product diluted according to the label instructions. Try using hydrogen peroxide to remove deep pet odors. Consider your flooring's finish before trying to remove a stain from wood floors. Deep brunettes, sandy blondes, and bold reds are in this year. this website. Kritsada Panichgul, Credit: For quick dusting, use disposable electrostatic cloths. Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. This is necessary to prevent damage to the surface of your hardwood floor. This material is designed to trap dust and grime. The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained, A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To, Call Your Stylist: These Hair Colors Will Be Everywhere This Spring, 7 Small But Impactful Ways to Fit Self-Care Into Your Day Right Now, Luna, Bella & Lily Top This Year's List of Most Popular Cat Names. If you're concerned about using harsh chemicals, look for hardwood floor cleaners that are Greenguard Gold certified, which means they're safe to use in homes with kids and pets. Learning how to clean hardwood floors with vinegar will save you money on top of providing a safe cleaning method for your floors. You probably already know … Here's how to tell the differences between each architectural style. Clean ground-in dirt off hardwood floors with a vinegar solution. Along with a spot to sit down and a place to store shoes, keep a rag or cleaning cloth tucked away next to the door to quickly clean up errant puddles on wood floors. Wipe up excess liquid because standing water can damage wood surfaces. If necessary, screen and refinish your old flooring, and avoid sanding unless it's absolutely necessary. This technique is ideal for cleaning high traffic areas as well as kitchen and bathroom wood floors. Options for the best mop for hardwood floors include those with a microfiber head. But if your floor isn't new, or you can't consult the manufacturer, pick a product that is specifically made for cleaning wood floors. With just two weeks until turkey day, the latest information could affect your plans. Never use sandpaper, steel wool, or harsh chemicals because they can permanently damage the finish. Grab a glass of milk because we're about to dunk peanut butter cookies, oatmeal-raisin cookies, snickerdoodle cookies, and many more of our all-time favorite cookie recipes. They can often recommend a specific cleaner to use for their product. For weekly or biweekly cleaning, vacuum with a floor-brush attachment. Follow the tips for how to clean hardwood floors with a mop, above, to prevent water damage. The wood manufacturer will always recommend the best cleaner for a prefinished hardwood floors which is gentle on finish and effective in dealing with dirt.