Did you know that hardwood floors weren’t popular in homes until the late 19th century?
With so much elegance and beauty, it’s hard for many homeowners nowadays to imagine their houses without hardwood flooring. Although hardwood floors look great, they do require a lot of care. Aside from regular sweeping or vacuuming, deep cleaning hardwood floors is another chore that’s crucial for maintaining their appearance.
Do you want to know how to deep clean hardwood floors? Keep reading for 6 expert cleaning tips.
1. Check Your Floor’s Finish
There are two types of hardwood finishes that affect the way you clean your floor. Most residential hardwood floors have a surface finish, which makes them easy to clean. However, if the hardwood has a penetrating finish, you’ll have to put more care into maintaining your floors.
If you don’t know which kind of finish your hardwood has, you can do a quick water test. Pour a few drops of water on top of your floor and see what it does.
If the water sits on top, the hardwood has a surface finish. If the floor absorbs the water, the hardwood has a penetrating finish.
2. Gather the Right Cleaning Supplies
Once you know what kind of hardwood you have, you can buy the appropriate cleaning supplies. The best way to deep clean hardwood floors is to find a solution that’s designed for your type of finish. If you use a cleaner designed for the opposite kind of finish, you risk permanently damaging your floors.
If you don’t have a vacuum with soft bristles or a mop, you’ll need those too once it’s time to start cleaning.
3. Vacuum Before Deep Cleaning Hardwood Floors
If you skip straight to mopping, you’ll end up pushing lots of dirt across your floor. Not only is this unsanitary, but sharp particles can create unsightly scratches on the wood.
Going over your floors with a vacuum cleaner first is a quick and efficient way to remove any dirt. It’s important to use a vacuum with soft bristles that can get between any cracks. A broom can also get the job done, but you have to pay close attention to make sure you clean thoroughly.
4. Mop Parallel to Your Floorboards
After you’re done vacuuming, the next step to deep clean wooden floors is to grab your mop and cleaning solution. Before you put the solution on your hardwood, it’s important to read the instructions to see if you need to dilute it first.
When you’re ready to mop, make sure you move parallel to your floorboards so the solution can get in between each crack.
5. Address Any Stains After Hardwood Floor Deep Cleaning
Most stains and scuffs can be removed by gently scrubbing the affected area with no. 000 steel wool and floor wax. If the stain is oil-based, all you need to do is wet a soft cloth, add a few drops of dish soap, and rub the stain until the grease dissolves.
6. Consider Hiring a Professional Cleaning Service for Easy, Beautiful Results
If you’re busy, you don’t enjoy cleaning, or you worry about damaging your hardwood floors, you always have the option to call in professionals to get the job done right. Cleaning services are a convenient way to maintain the home of your dreams without breaking a sweat.
Do You Want to Give Your Entire Home a Deep Clean?
Now that you know the best tips for deep cleaning hardwood floors, you can make sure your home always sparkles.
Do you want to keep your house spotless? If so, Lemon Blossom Cleaning Services would love to help you with any cleaning job big or small. Contact us to learn more about our services and to book your appointment.
