Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Wood Floors

The wood floors make any home feel classic elegance and bring a touch of beauty besides the fact that they are durable and comfortable. Nevertheless, they should be given attention to preserve their beauty, more so cleaning. There are numerous homeowners who commit errors that may harm the floor or cause the wood flooring to lose its usefulness. Today, we are going to discuss the most popular pitfalls to avoid in terms of Floor Cleaning and, more specifically, Wood Floor Cleaning, which will ensure that your floors will always be clean and look as good as they did a few years ago.

Using Harsh Cleaning Products

Among the largest errors that people commit when it comes to "Wood Floor Cleaning" is the use of harsh chemicals or cleaning products that are no longer relevant. Most general purpose cleaners include substances such as ammonia, vinegar or bleach that would do well on other types of surfaces, but that could destroy the finish on wood. These chemicals are able to strip protective coating, dry out the wood or leave a deposit which dulls the surface.

Always use cleaning products that are specifically designed by wood floors. They are made to clean the dirt and do not damage the finish of wood. In any uncertain situation, consult the instructions of the manufacturer of your particular flooring, and use pH-neutral solutions wherever feasible.

Overusing Water During Cleaning

Water and wood do not mix well. One of the mistakes that are commonly made in floor cleaning is overuse of water particularly where a person uses a mop that is too moist. Wet or excessively moist cleaning appliances may leak into the seams and cracks of the wood floor leading to swelling, cracking or lasting damage.

The best you can do is employ a lightly wet mop or microfiber fabric. Squeeze the mop into a drip and do not use puddles of water. In case of recalcitrant dirt, apply a special wood floor cleaner and spray it lightly on the surface but not directly on the floor. This helps to avoid moisture accumulation at the same time of effective cleaning.

Skipping Routine Cleaning

The other common error is irregular cleaning. Homeowners are likely to only clean their wood floors when they seem dirty, and this will give dust, dirt, and grit time to build up. These particles are scratchy and may leave the surface scratched hence dulled and worn.

Frequent “Wood Floor Cleaning” will keep your floors maintained and finished. Loose debris is removed by sweeping the floor of a hardwood home daily with a soft-bristled broom or hardwood floor vacuum cleaner. The right cleaner is used as a gentle mop so you can keep the surface clean without any damages. Setting up a routine helps avoid dirt and has a longer life on the flooring.

Using Incorrect Cleaning Tools

The bad tools may do more damage than good in the process of "Floor Cleaning." An example is that a stiff-bristled brush or an abrasive scrubbing pad can cut or destroy the wood. In the same way, carpets vacuum cleaners that have beater bars may leave marks or even gouge the flooring.

Wood floor mops: soft microfiber mops, cloths, or dust mops that are designed exclusively to clean wood floors are best. These cleaners are very efficient to remove dirt without scratching the surface. When applying a vacuum cleaner, make sure it has a hardwood floor setting or via a hard-surface-based model.

Neglecting Spill Management

The most frequent error that can cause irreversible damage is the inability to act as quickly as possible and clean up spills and stains. Wood is porous and liquids such as wine, juice or water may find their way into the surface causing stains or warping when not taken care of.

Whenever a spill happens, always clean it up with either a dry or slightly wet cloth. Do not rub spillage on the floor as this may increase the stain or make it expand. Rather, blot on a low level and wipe a proper wood floor cleaner when necessary. Fast response will help to avoid long-term damage and maintain the floor in good look.

Applying Excessive Wax or Polish

Although most individuals apply wax or polish to keep their wood floors shiny, in excessive amounts, this may cause issues. When these products are used excessively, they may accumulate to form a sticky surface which attracts more dirt and is slippery.

Use as often or as little of the manufacturer-directed frequency and quantity of wax or polish. In most cases, it is adequate to apply the products a few times annually. When over used, it will cause cleaning to be harder and even harm the floor finish.

Conclusion

The key to maintenance of wood flooring is using the right tools, paying attention to manufacturer guidelines and not using much wax or polish. Lastly, make sure that the floor is always dried once it has been cleaned.