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Cleaning Hardwood Floors Tips
What to Look for in a Hardwood Floor Cleaner
Properly cleaning your hardwood flooring requires a cleaner specifically designed for this purpose. Hardwood floor cleaning products recommended by the hardwood floor manufacturer are ideal. Avoid using soaps and waxes as they can damage the finish of the floor over time and require the floor to be sanded to return it to its original state. Ideally cleaners should be pH neutral and leave no residue behind once dried.
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Hardwood Floor Cleaners
There are many floor products to choose from and choosing the right hardwood floor cleaner can seem like a difficult task. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct hardwood cleaner. This is important because there are different products depending on the finish of the floor and a hardwood floor cleaner specifically designed for the finish of the floor should always be used. A local home improvement store will carry a variety of cleaning products, making it easy to find the products you need.
Hardwood cleaners that leave no residue are best suited for the purpose of cleaning hardwood floors. Wood floor cleaning products, including special mop heads and applicators, are available in kits combined with the products you choose. Be sure to follow the cleaning product recommendation for application since they could differ by manufacturer.
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Cleaning Mold from Wood
Cleaning mold from wood can be extremely difficult. It is best to prevent this from happening in the first place by cleaning up standing water and using a dehumidifier in humid climates. Once a floor has mold, there are a few products that can be used to remove it. Non-toxic dry cleaning fluid can be used for mold that is on the surface of the hardwood floors. Once the mold has penetrated into the wood it will be necessary to repeatedly bleach and sand the wood to eliminate the mold. Ensuring that the mold is completely removed is critical as it can grow back if not eliminated. Refinishing the floor will be necessary to restore the wood to its original condition.
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Hardwood Floor Cleaning Tips
Diligent hardwood floor care will keep your floors looking clean and beautiful for years to come. Small scratches caused by dirt and sand can dull the finish on hardwood floors. Sweeping with a broom, dry mop or vacuuming will help to keep this type of damage to a minimum. Spills should be cleaned up immediately with a soft cloth to prevent the wood from swelling. A damp cloth can be used for cleaning up more difficult stains, however hardwood floor care with a wet mop is not recommended.
• There are cleaners available that restore the shine to a hardwood floor and can be purchased at a local home improvement store. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the appropriate cleaners. Cleaners are specifically designed for the type of finish on your floor, so it is important to note the finish before purchasing a cleaner. Hardwood floors should never be cleaned with soaps or waxes since these types of cleaners can damage the finish and over time, even the wood itself. • To prevent surface damage, avoid rolling heavy furniture and appliances on the floor. Use plywood, hardboard or appliance lifts if necessary. Use protective castors/castor cups or felt pads on the legs of furniture to prevent damage to the flooring.
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Hardwood Floor Cleaning Machines
One way to make caring for your hardwood floor easier to is purchase a hardwood floor cleaning machine. These machines can be used to polish and buff a hardwood floor to a luster finish. The pads are interchangeable which allows the same machine to be used to clean carpets and tile as well. This versatility makes a hardwood floor cleaning machine a worthwhile investment for many homeowners.
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Cleaning Hardwood Floors with Vinegar and Water
Cleaning hardwood floors with a weak solution of vinegar and warm water could damage your floors over time. Repeated exposure of hardwood floors to water will cause them to expand and damage your flooring investment.
Using products that are specifically designed for cleaning hardwood floors is a better option. When purchasing these products, it is a good idea to invest in wood floor cleaning products that are suggested by the manufacturer.
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Cleaning Hardwood Laminate
Cleaning hardwood laminate is extremely easy if you follow a few guidelines. Laminate floors are specifically designed to be durable and therefore, an occasional cleanup with a broom or dry mop is all that is needed to keep the floors looking like new. Harsh cleaner or abrasive materials should not be used since they can ruin the finish of the laminate floors. Stains can usually be removed with a damp cloth. When damage does occur to the floor it should be repaired or replaced promptly to prevent further damage. A touch-up kit can be purchased from a local hardware store for deep scratches. In the event that a laminate plank becomes damaged beyond repair, it can be easily replaced without causing additional damage to the floor.
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Simple Hardwood Floor Care
Daily hardwood floor care can go a long way to extending the life and beauty of the floors. Cleaning hardwood flooring with a broom or vacuum will remove dirt and sand which can scratch the floor finish. Additionally, standing liquid can ruin a floor by causing the wood to swell. Therefore, cleaning up spills immediately when they occur or placing rugs in high traffic areas is suggested to maintain the appearance of hardwood floors.
