Out of all the flooring materials, hardwood flooring is the best flooring material. Hardwood flooring not only gives classy, elegant, attractive look but also develops cozy and warm feeling. Hardwood flooring is costly to install and require special and proper maintenance to maintain their attractiveness.

After installation and initial cleaning of your hardwood flooring, you need to clean it regularly to maintain its shine. Due to improper maintenance your classy hardwood floor will deteriorate soon. Improper cleaning of hardwood flooring ends up in cracked, swelled, expanded board and other damage to the wood.

Basic Hardwood Floor Cleaning Tips:

For last long durability of your hardwood flooring you need to take special care while cleaning. Following essential cleaning tips will ensure proper maintenance of your hardwood floor. Basic cleaning tips you need to follow daily are listed below:

• Use soft bristled broom for sweeping the floor.
• Liquid spills should be mopped away immediately.
• At least twice a week vacuum your floor but use soft brush only.
• It is better to use carpet runners in places with high traffic.
• Make it a point to clean carpet runners regularly to avoid deep seep of dirt.
• It is easier to maintain floors with glossy finish rather than floors with matte finish.
• To avoid excess dirt spoiling your floor, make sure to keep doormats in front of every entrance.
• In case your floor gets damaged, dented or scratched then it is better to follow manufacturers repair instructions.
• You can even ask your family members, guests to remove their foot wear outside.

Wet Mopping Tips:

Water is considered to be the worst enemy of hardwood flooring. Water seeps inside the board cracks and results in deformation, discoloration and swelling of the boards. But if done properly and carefully then you can wet mop your hardwood floor. Below are few important points you need to keep in mind before wet mopping your floor:

• If you are using a cleaning solution for the first time then it is better to test it in corner first.
• Remember not to use Pine-Sol as cleaning solution as it is not recommended for wooden floors.
• Remember that a small amount of cleaning solution goes a long way. Hence do not over use the cleaning solution. Always read and follow instructions provided on the cleaning solution.
• Before applying wet mop on the floor remember to squeeze excess water.
• Depending upon the dirt on your floor, you might require 2-3 buckets of fresh cleaning solution.
• It is better to change the water if it turns black. In case you are still using black water then you are reapplying the dirt on your floor.
• After completion of one round of wet mopping, then with the help of terry or microfiber cloth mop the floor again. This will ensure quick and complete drying of your hardwood floor.

Important Don’ts to Remember:

Here are few important don’ts listed below which will be helpful in proper maintenance of your hardwood flooring.

• Don’t walk on the floor with rough shoes like athletic shoes with spikes or stiletto heels.
• If you have pets in your home then don’t forget to put dog booties before letting them inside your house.
• Don’t forget to keep carpet or rug in places where there are chances of water spills like kitchen sink.
• Don’t forget to put felt cushions on the feet of chairs and furniture.
• Don’t drag your furniture across the floor as it may scuff and scratch the surface.