Cleaning Hardwood Floors Tips
Read these 5 Cleaning Hardwood Floors Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Hardwood-Flooring tips and hundreds of other topics.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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