Hardwood flooring is one of the most popular and sought after type of flooring available. It adds a look of class and warmth to every home, and is an attractive alternative to carpet, especially for those who have allergies or other sensitivities. Keeping them clean is essential to the overall look of your home, and to your family’s ongoing health. Thankfully, as time has gone on, cleaning hardwood flooring has gotten easier, and doesn’t have to be the time consuming chore it once was. Here are some tips on how to clean hardwood floors in Charleston SC.
Sweet Or Vacuum First
Use a soft-bristled broom to remove elements that may cause your flooring to get scratched if they get caught under a mop. Be sure that the broom is soft-bristled to avoid other scratch damage. You can also vacuum the hardwood, but be sure that you use your vacuum’s “bare floor” setting or that its bristles are removed, as these will also cause your floor to scratch. If you opt to vacuum, don’t vacuum up anything other than dust.
Wipe Up Spills Immediately
One of the best ways to prolong the life of your flooring is to avoid frequent deep cleans. All cleaners, even those made for hardwood flooring, will cause the finish to wear off over time, so be sure that you are only using them infrequently. To avoid this need, be sure to clean up any spills as they happen. This also helps to prevent the surface of your floor from becoming warped or damaged by prolonged exposure to moisture.
Use Water Based Cleaners
Every expert seems to have their own take on which specific cleaner to use, but almost all of them agree that a water based cleaner is best. This helps to preserve the life of your floor, and won’t leave a residue behind. If your flooring is still under warrantee, using bleach or other abrasive cleaner may even void it!