Cleaning in itself is a challenging process. Even so, cleaning hardwood floors can be more intimidating, most especially if you are not sure about the finish on your floors. Adding a beautiful touch to just about any room, proper cleaning care will ensure that your hardwood floors last for decades.
Robot vacuum cleaners have always been reliable in cleaning these types of floors. They ensure that the surface remains spic and span even without devoting a lot of time and energy. They do not require any manual operation as they have sensors that allow them to clean your hardwood floors independently.
Apart from this, robot vacuum cleaners also adjust their cleaning setting to ensure that your floors are cleaned in the right way. These devices are endowed with the ability to detect the amount of dirt on your hardwood floors. You can be sure that they will never miss a spot. Have no time? No problem. The cleaning devices are capable of cleaning even when you are not home. All you have to do is to set, the automatic cleaning program settings.
Before indulging in the thorough cleaning of your hardwood floors, it is highly important to determine the finish. For instance, surface-sealed floors only require sweeping and mopping because they are easy to clean. On the other hand, varnished or untreated hardwoods are more difficult to clean because their finishing attracts moisture and spills.
The Best Cleaning Tools For Hardwood Floors
With the right tools and equipment in hand, cleaning hardwood floors is an easy task. Ensure that you use:
A microfiber dusting pad
Dusting is the first step to successfully cleaning your floors. It also makes the actual cleaning process much easier. A microfiber dusting pad is easy to use. It gathers a lot of debris without scratching your delicate floors.
Robotic vacuums
A robot vacuum cleaner will ensure that your hardwood floors are spotless with a push of a button and even without lifting a finger. Capable of doing up to 90% of your cleaning chores, they will have your floors well-maintained. When looking for the best robotic vacuums for your hardwood floors, always choose one with a decent suction as it will be able to pick up dirt and grime easily. Here is article about choosing robot vacuum for hardwood floors – The Top 10 Best Robotic Vacuum Cleaners for Hardwood Floors
Vacuum cleaners
Good vacuum cleaning will extend the beauty and life of your floors. Vacuuming will ensure that dirt does not remain on the surface of the floors.
Electric brooms
These cleaning devices will allow you to clean little messes that occur on your floor. As such, you do not have to constantly put your vacuum to work.
Damp mop
To ensure that the floors do not encounter damage such as scratches, use a damp mop and clean the floor according to the grain of the wood. With a dishwashing liquid or all-purpose solution, you will be able to get any debris off the floors. However, if the floors are shellacked or lacquered, avoid using water. This may cause the wood to buckle. Remember, steam mops are not suitable for hardwood floors. When vapor is pushed into cracks and crevices, it may haze the finish.
Spray bottle
Hand cleaning with a spray bottle simply involves misting the floor highly with water or a cleaner that is meant for hardwood floors. After misting, scrub using a separate microfiber pad, which is meant for wet use and thereafter, mop the floor accordingly. For the best results, spray as you mop.
Basic Care For Your Hardwood Floors
- Always speed up the cleaning process by dusting the floor with a mop that easily picks up dirt, dust and pet hair.
- When trying to remove marks, consider your hardwood finish. If the stain has not penetrated through to the wood, then your floor probably has a soft oil finish. On the other hand, if the mark is on the surface, then your floor has a hard finish. It is best to wipe surface stains from a hard finish with a padded, clean cloth.
- Never leave any moisture on hardwood floors. This may permanently damage the wood. Immediately wipe any spills with a wet cloth.
- Choosing the right cleaning agent will allow your hardwood to become durable. Go for water-based detergents or hardwood-specific cleaners.
Conclusion
Remember, hardwood floors bring that warm and earthy beauty to your home. To avoid excessive dirt on your perfect floors, put doormats inside and outside exterior doors. This will cut down the dirt and moisture that is tracked inside the house. You may also want to consider placing a rug over all highly trafficked areas. This will protect your floors and minimize the tear and wear that they may encounter.