As is the case with most things in life, there is a right way to clean hardwood flooring, and a wrong way to clean hardwood flooring.
Maybe your chosen method for cleaning hardwood floors is a technique passed down to you through the ages from your great-grandmother. Maybe you recently had hardwood flooring installed and aren’t sure of the correct way to care for your new flooring.
Whatever the case may be, having hardwood flooring installed isn’t exactly cheap, so it is in your best interest to protect your investment by cleaning and maintaining your wood floors the correct way.
The Wrong Way to Clean Hardwood Flooring
- Vacuuming with an upright—The wheels and beater-bar on many upright vacuum cleaners will drive dirt and particulate matter into the finish on a hardwood floor
- Using oil-based cleaning products—The chemicals in many floor-cleaning products leave behind a waxy film that discolors hardwood flooring’s protective finish
- Oversaturation—Water is wood’s mortal enemy; excessive exposure to moisture will cause cupping and discoloration of the planks
- Sweeping against the grain—Always sweep in the same direction of the plank’s grain
- Steam—Again, excessive moisture and pressurized steam are a big no-no
- Vinegar—Don’t believe everything you read on the internet; vinegar will damage your floor’s polyurethane finish
The Right Way to Clean Hardwood Flooring
- Microfiber Dusters—Use a microfiber duster and a spray bottle filled with one of Bona’s specialized wood-flooring cleaners to remove any dirt you weren’t able to remove with your soft-bristled broom
- Clean Frequently—The more diligent you are about maintaining your floor’s finish, the longer your floors will stay shining bright and beautiful
For information on Bona’s wood-cleaning products, visit them online at https://us.bona.com/products/Bona-Clean—Refresh–Hardwood-Floor-Cleaner.html
