Wood flooring can be a beautiful touch, creating warmth and a homey feel. The shine of a clean, lustrous floor is a beautiful thing. However, wood floors are notorious for being difficult to clean. If you have wood flooring or you are thinking about installing it, there are some basic cleaning practices that you should know.

Preventing Damage and Messes

First, in the interest of keeping the area clean and preventing damage, be sure to have entry mats at every door. Keep pets’ nails trimmed to avoid scratching the floor. Also, keep the humidity level in mind, as humid conditions can cause boards to swell and dry conditions can cause them to shrink. Wipe up spills immediately when they occur, and do not slide heavy objects across the floor.

Cleaning and Polishing

1. Sweep or dust every single day. This will get rid of the dirt and dust that sits on the surface of the wood before it has time to get caked on. This regular cleaning routine will make all the other steps easier.
2. Mop regularly–but not with water. Water can actually damage real wood floors rather than make them sparkle, partly because it can seep into the crevices between boards. Instead, try a 50-50 blend of white vinegar and vegetable oil. Try using a spray bottle to coat the floor with a thin layer of the mixture, then massage it into the floor with a cloth mop. The oil will help to give the floor its shine, while the vinegar will clean out the dirt and grime. Once the floor is coated, use a soft towel to wipe in circular motions, buffing and drying the area. Repeat this process about once a week in areas that get a lot of traffic. Low-traffic areas might do okay with being treated less often.
3. If the floor is extremely dirty, try using a solution of plain white vinegar, or a commercial cleaning product designed for wood floors, to work on cleaning and breaking up the grime first. Once the base layer of dirt has come free, follow with the vinegar and oil solution to condition and shine the floor.

When a Routine Cleaning Isn’t Enough

There are times when even a thorough cleaning job won’t bring back the beautiful glow of your wood floor. If you’ve tried the DIY cleaning, perhaps tried some commercial cleaning products, and still aren’t satisfied with the cleanliness of your floor, it might be time to bring in a professional. Before you consider purchasing and installing brand new wood, consider finding an expert. A seasoned professional may be able to restore the texture and natural luster of your floor without you needing to replace an inch, even in a heavily soiled home. Be sure to call Coit Cleaning and Restoration for all your flooring and household deep cleaning needs.