How to clean a hardwood floor

Hardwood flooring is a tough, durable floor covering that lasts 100 to 150 years, provided it is properly maintained. Unlike ceramic tile, the wood used for flooring is sourced primarily from North America, making it a responsible choice for consumers who favor local products. However, it is essential to follow maintenance and protection guidelines to ensure the longevity of your hardwood floor.

In this article, we’ll explain how to clean your hardwood floor by following the appropriate steps and avoiding common mistakes. We’ll also share helpful tips to prevent common mistakes and keep your floor in good condition for many years to come.

 

The best maintenance is prevention:

Controlling humidity

Controlling the ambient humidity in your home is crucial to protecting your wood floor and furniture. Since hardwood is an organic material sensitive to humidity fluctuations, it’s essential to maintain a relative humidity level between 35% and 50%. To measure humidity levels, we recommend using a hygrometer, which will indicate whether the air is too dry or too humid.

It’s also essential to quickly clean up any liquid spills on the floor and to avoid washing down with water, as wood and water don’t mix. To preserve the quality of your wooden floor and furniture, avoid leaving liquids or food on the floor for long periods, and clean up stains immediately to prevent them from becoming embedded in the surface.

Avoid excessive exposure to the sun

Prolonged exposure to sunlight and intense artificial light can alter the colour of exposed wood. This chemical reaction, known as oxidation, is a normal process but can affect the quality of your wood floor. It is, therefore, essential to protect your floor by avoiding exposure to bright light sources.

 

To prevent wood oxidation, we recommend using curtains, blinds or protective films on windows to limit the amount of direct light entering the room. If you have intense artificial lighting, it’s also important to protect your floor by using accent lamps rather than pendant or recessed lights.

Limiting your wood floor’s exposure to direct light can prolong its life and maintain its natural beauty for years to come.

Avoid scratches

To prevent scratches and other damage to your wood floor, we recommend the following measures:

Attach felt pads under the legs of all furniture to facilitate movement and prevent scratches. It’s important to keep the pads in good condition and replace plastic castors with larger rubber or soft polyurethane ones for better protection.
Avoid walking on the floor in shoes that can scratch or damage the surface, such as pointed heels or shoes with hard soles.
Use entrance mats to prevent the accumulation of dirt, sand and other debris on the floor. These mats will also help prevent scratches caused by shoes and objects dragged across the floor.
Following these simple tips, you can protect your wood floor from scratches and damage and extend its life.

 

Clean according to your hardwood floor finish

Knowing how to clean your wood floor according to its finish is crucial. Whether you have a solid or engineered wood floor, its finish determines the appropriate cleaning method. It’s important to note that a pre-oiled floor should not be cleaned like a pre-varnished floor.

It is, therefore, essential to determine the type of finish on your wood floor before starting any cleaning. If you are unsure, we recommend that you consult a professional.

Varnished wood floor

We recommend regular cleaning of varnished hardwood floors using either a vacuum cleaner or a microfiber mop to avoid the accumulation of sand and abrasive dust that can damage your floor’s varnish. Use a pH-neutral maintenance product specially formulated for prefinished hardwood for regular cleaning. For best results, spray the product directly onto the mop and clean the floor without wetting it excessively. Please note that this product should not be used on waxed, oiled or unfinished wood floors.

Oiled hardwood floor

Oiled floors have the advantage of masking scratches, which is unusual with varnished floors. However, oil-treated wood is more vulnerable to water and other liquids. That’s why it’s essential to clean up spills promptly and prevent water from standing on the floor.

Use a cleaning product specially designed for oiled floors and recommended by the manufacturer. These cleaners are based on water and mild surfactants to remove dirt and stains without damaging the oiled finish of your hardwood floor.

Avoid abrasive products such as vinegar or dish soap, which can scratch the wood surface. Also avoid using scouring cloths or pads to avoid damaging the oiled finish.
Don’t use large quantities of water to clean your oiled floor, as this can penetrate cracks and crevices in the wood, causing staining or even warping. Instead, use a slightly damp microfiber mop.
Clean your oiled hardwood floor regularly, but not too often, as excessive cleaning can strip the oil from your floor, making it more vulnerable to stains and water.

Steps to clean your wood floor

1. Remove dirt and debris: before cleaning a hardwood floor, it’s essential to ensure it’s free of all dirt and debris. Use a soft broom or vacuum cleaner to remove all dust and dirt particles. Remove all debris, including small stones and other abrasive particles that could damage the floor surface.
2. Prepare a homemade cleaning solution ? You can move on to the cleaning stage after removing all the dirt and debris. Although many websites advise preparing a homemade cleaning solution based on vinegar and essential oils, we don’t recommend this option. We recommend using a specialized Bona product.
3. Clean the floor with a damp mop: Once you’ve prepared your mild cleaning solution, you can start cleaning your hardwood floor. To clean the floor, use a soft, damp mop, starting by soaking the mop in the mild cleaning solution. Squeeze the mop well to remove excess water. Then start cleaning the floor using long, even strokes, not leaving wet or soaked areas. Work methodically, cleaning one small section of the floor at a time.
4. Wipe the floor with a dry towel: After cleaning your hardwood floor with the mild cleaning solution, wiping it dry immediately is crucial to avoid any water build-up on the surface. Use a clean, soft, dry towel to wipe the floor. Be sure to wipe all areas thoroughly to avoid wet or soaked areas, which can damage the hardwood and compromise the quality of its finish.
5. Shine the floor with a finishing product: Once you’ve cleaned and dried your hardwood floor, you can give it a shine with a finishing product. Although there are many finishing products on the market, choosing a product specifically designed for hardwood floors is important.

Here’s how to apply the finishing product: Use a soft, dry mop to apply the finishing product to the floor, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Work methodically, applying the finish to a small section of the floor at a time.
Allow the finish to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Once the finish is dry, use a soft, clean towel to wipe the floor and shine the surface.

Different cleaning methods for different types of stains

Different cleaning methods exist for different types of stains on hardwood floors.

Red wine stains

If you encounter red wine stains on your hardwood floor, one trick is to sprinkle salt over the stain to absorb excess liquid. Then use a mild cleaning solution to clean the stain, not leaving any streaks. If you have ink stains, you can use rubbing alcohol to remove the stain. Apply the alcohol to a clean cloth and gently rub the stain until it disappears. Be sure to rinse the treated area well with clean water and dry immediately with a dry towel to prevent water from seeping into the wood.

Grease or oil stains

If you’re dealing with grease or oil stains on your hardwood floor, baking soda can help remove them. Sprinkle it over the stain to absorb the oil or grease, then clean the area with a mild cleaning solution.

You may need a cleaner specially designed for hardwood floors for more stubborn stains. Be sure to choose the right product for your type of floor and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid using abrasive or harsh cleaners, as they can damage the surface of your hardwood floor.

 

Conclusion

Adopting these simple steps to clean your hardwood floor guarantees its condition will be preserved for many years. Maintaining a regular cleaning and maintenance routine is crucial to avoid scratches, stains and damage to the floor. In addition, using the right products and tools can help preserve the natural beauty and shine of the wood.

If you have any questions about cleaning or maintaining your hardwood floor, don’t hesitate to contact our hardwood floor experts in Montreal. We’re here to help you maintain the condition of your floor and answer any questions you may have about hardwood floor maintenance.

Remember, your hardwood floor represents a significant investment in your home or business, so it’s essential to care for it by following these regular maintenance tips. Your hardwood floor will continue beautifying, enhancing, and bringing comfort to your space for many years.