According to the National Association of Realtors, although hardwood flooring is an investment, it is worth considering. The organization’s data shows that new hardwood floors are worth the price when they are sold. What’s the best way to clean and care for this popular flooring and keep its natural beauty (and value) shine?
It is not the material (oak, maple, leguminous shrub, bamboo, engineered hardwood, or something more exotic) that decides how to clean a hardwood floor, but the finish.
Commonly referred to as polyurethane or polyurethane, surface finishes are one of the most popular treatments today and are often applied to hardwood floors after installation to protect them and make them more durable and waterproof. These finishes form a protective barrier. According to the American Hardwood Information Center, there are four types of surface finishes: water-based, oil-based, acid-cured, and moisture-cured.
Homes built before 1970, including historic homes, may have original wood floors sealed with varnish, wax, or shellac. These require different cleaning methods. According to the American Hardwood Information Center, this type of finish works by penetrating the wood, coloring the planks and creating a protective cover. Using a wax coating after dyeing prevents wear and tear and gives the floor a beautiful low-gloss satin sheen. However, the classic look requires extra care, as water-based products and mopping can damage the finish.
Before Cleaning: Determine the Surface Treatment
Before scrubbing hardwood floors, determine if they are finished with polyurethane, shellac, wax, or varnish. Perhaps their surface has worn out and no longer provides cover. The U.S. Hardwood Information Center recommends the following tests:
- Place your hands on the wood. If you can feel the texture, the floor has a “penetrating” finish (usually a combination of natural oils, such as linseed oil or tung oil, mixed with drying additives), coated with wax.
- In a remote area, apply a little paint remover. If the finish is blistered, it indicates a surface finish, such as polyurethane, which covers the floor with a protective layer.
- In the middle of nowhere, drop a few drops of water. If the water beads rise and are not immersed in the hardwood, the finish on the floor is intact. If the water is absorbed by the floor or leaves black spots, the wood is unfinished or the protective layer is worn out.
- If you sprinkle a few drops of water, after about 10 to 15 minutes, white spots will form underneath the droplets, and the floor will be sealed with wax. To remove white spots, use a piece of fine steel wool lightly dipped in wax and wipe gently.
- If you suspect varnish or shellac, take a coin and scratch it in an inconspicuous corner of the floor surface. If the floor is sealed with an older finishing method, it will peel off.
Prevent Dirty Wooden Floors
Not wearing shoes at home is one of the best ways to keep your hardwood floors clean. It will significantly reduce dirt, abrasion, and daily wear and tear, as well as reduce cleaning time.
The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) is more specific, warning against walking on wooden floors with cleats, sneakers and high heels. It also provides a cautionary example: a 125-pound woman walking in high heels produces an impact of 2,000 pounds per square inch. In addition, bare heel nails can exert up to 8,000 pounds of force per square inch.
Whether you come up with a calculator or not, the possibility of impacts and dents seems undeniable. However, while you can’t always ask guests to remove their shoes at the door, it can be a policy worth considering for family members.
Things Not to Do
No matter what type of wood flooring you use, NWFA recommends against using cleaning products that are suitable for vinyl or tile floors. Their opinion: self-polishing acrylic wax is not recommended to clean hardwood floors because the wood can become slippery and quickly become cloudy.
Another contraindication: mopping wooden floors wet, as standing water darkens the finish, damaging the wood and leaving a discolored residue. Similarly, avoid over-waxing unfinished wooden floors to restore shine. If the waxed floor becomes dull, try polishing the surface.
The Best Way to Clean Hardwood Floors
To clean finished polyurethane hardwood floors (for floors installed after 1970), start by vacuuming, sweeping, or mopping the surface.
Vacuuming. Vacuum wooden floors daily or at least once a week with a vacuum cleaner equipped with wooden floor accessories. For regular machines, the American Hardwood Information Center recommends turning off the internal rotating brush or stirring rod whenever possible.
Vacuuming regularly helps remove dust and dirt particles, which are the main cause of scratches and darkening of floor surfaces.
Sweeping. According to the American Hardwood Information Center, the first step is to choose a broom with an “explosive tip,” also known as a synthetic fiber end.
Wet mopping. If you want to clean hardwood floors naturally, you should wet mop with a simple solution of pH-neutral soap (such as dishwashing soap) and water, or a cap of a mild detergent, such as Murphy soap, poured into a bucket of water, or use a solution with a product specially formulated for wood flooring, such as Eco Mist Colloid W, Dr. Bonner’s, or Method.
In serious cleaning circles, there is controversy surrounding whether it is advisable to clean hardwood floors with vinegar and water. Ultimately, everyone has to do what works best, however, this approach has fallen out of favor over the past decade, and it is now widely accepted that this solution causes floors to darken faster and is not as effective as simple soap and water.
To start mopping, soak the mop in the prepared solution, wring it out completely, and mop the floor in the direction of the wood grain. Repeat as needed. When the water in the bucket gets dirty, pour it out and refill it. Many experts (including Martha Stewart) believe that scrubbing hardwood floors with a damp cloth by hand is the ultimate cleaning strategy – unless the area is large or the knee protests prove problematic.
But avoid using a cloth or mop that is dripping with water. If your floor does get wet or worse, dry it immediately to avoid streaks!Another tip: After sweeping or vacuuming the floor, put the cleaning solution of your choice in a spray bottle and spray the floor, then use a dry microfiber mop or cloth to mop in the direction of the wood grain.
It’s important to note that a clean floor doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to shine. If the floor loses its luster, it may be time to have it repaired by a professional. Whatever you do, don’t wax your polyurethane topcoat.
How to Clean Old and Unsealed Hardwood Floors
Unfinished or waxed floors, such as those found in old and historic homes, as well as floors where protective seals have been worn, should never be treated with water or liquid detergents as they may penetrate, stain, or damage the floor. Deform the wood. Instead, according to cleaning experts, sweeping and vacuuming with a soft-bristled broom should serve as the main line of defense. NWFA says, stay away from mops: Never wax floors with wet mops.
In addition to basic care, polishing and waxing hardwood floors once or twice a year will keep them shiny.
Old-fashioned shell flooring is not common in most homes. However, if you find yourself the proud owner of this old-fashioned flooring, regular care should include frequent cleaning and vacuuming. Avoid using water and liquid detergents.
How to Clean Engineered Hardwood Floors
Engineered wood flooring is made by incorporating a thin layer of hardwood veneer on a plywood base. The material is stronger and more durable than regular hardwoods, so it has become a popular choice.
The cleaning procedure for this type of wood is the same as for polyurethane-finished hardwood flooring. Keep it clean daily by sweeping and vacuuming, and use a slightly damp mop as needed.
How to Clean Painted Hardwood Floors
Lacquered wood flooring has a strong style statement and is a clever way to disguise imperfectly shaped wood floors. To clean painted wooden floors, sweep, vacuum, or dust with a mop regularly. Stay away from abrasive cleaners and choose a simple soap and water solution for wet mopping to avoid scratching or damaging the painted surface. Experts recommend drying the surface immediately with your hands to avoid streaks and unwanted moisture.