How to Deep Clean Hardwood Floors

Hardwood flooring is a significant investment in your home that, naturally, you’ll want to protect, so it can last for decades—or longer. But is regular cleaning enough, or do you need to go more in-depth every so often? What difference does deep cleaning make for your wood floors?

By learning how to care for your hardwood, you can protect your investment, avoid damage from improper cleaning, keep a high resale value, and enjoy healthier living spaces with fewer allergens.

Here, we outline how to deep clean wood floors, and we’ll offer some insight so you can avoid common missteps and keep your floors in great shape.

If you have old hardwood showing its age or damage, you can count on our team at Floor Coverings International® of Southeast Indianapolis, IN, to refresh your floors with skillful hardwood refinishing services.

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When to Deep Clean Your Wood Floors

Daily sweeping and weekly mopping can minimize how often your floors need a deeper clean. That said, it’s best to deep clean your wood floors once per season or three to four times per year, though some high-traffic spaces and homes with kids or pets may need to be cleaned more frequently.

Popular Hardwood Deep Cleaning Methods

When it comes to cleaning hardwood, understanding what kind of finish is on your floors is key. For instance, some cleaners can dissolve certain sealants and expose the floors to damage, and simple water can stain oil-finished wood.

Here’s how to deep clean hardwood floors with different finishes and keep your floors looking beautiful:

For sealed wood:

• Sweep or vacuum. When cleaning floors sealed with polyurethane, it’s best to start by sweeping or vacuuming all the dust, dirt, and potential small stones that could scratch up your rich wood floors.
• Use a microfiber mop. Damp the mop with water and a mild hardwood cleaner and wring out excess water to avoid warping.
• Dry the wood. By drying the hardwood immediately after, you protect against moisture seeping into the boards and causing water damage.
• Test the cleaner on an unseen corner. Whether you’re choosing a commercial cleaner or making a DIY cleaning solution, first apply the cleaner to a small part of your floors where you wouldn’t notice a stain to make sure it won’t damage your floors.

For waxed or oil-finished wood:

• Prep the space. Sweeping or vacuuming dust remains the same step for waxed or oil-finished floors because no matter what cleaning method you choose, you won’t want micro scratches from loose dirt.
• Choose the right cleaner. When you pull out the mop, it’s best to avoid water-based methods to prevent water stains. Instead, you can opt for special wood soaps or oil refreshers.
• Consider rewaxing. If the floor needs it, you might consider adding a fresh coat of wax or buffing out the floors to add protection and shine.

How to Remove Buildup on Wood Floors

Floors with heavy grime start to look dull and may feel dirty even after you’ve just cleaned them. This can happen in areas with heavy traffic; it can also be a side effect of certain cleaners that include wax. The cleaner might make your floors look great for a while, but eventually the wax can build up and make the floors look dull.

Here's how to clear away excess wax and stubborn grime from your floors:

• Soften the wax with a hairdryer or use a wood-safe cleaner to soften thick layers of dirt.
• Gently scrape the grime. Use a plastic scraper or credit card to avoid damaging your floors.
• Wash away any remaining residue. You can gently clean the floors with soap and water or a wood-safe cleaner (for waxed or oil-finished floors).
• Rinse and dry thoroughly. Ensuring your floors are promptly dried after cleaning is an important step for protecting your floors from moisture damage.

Missteps to Avoid

Many homeowners in Southeast Indianapolis and beyond take pride in their wood floors. Unfortunately, improper cleaning is an all-too-common cause for hardwood damage.

Here are some things to avoid, so you can confidently clean your hardwood:

• Harsh chemicals. While cleaners like ammonia or bleach are great for sterilizing, they can also easily strip the finish off wood and expose the floors to damage. When you’re deciding what to clean wood floors with, choose gentle, wood-safe cleaners rated for your wood type.
• Soaking the floors. When wood floors absorb water, they’ll experience discoloration, warping, or even mold growth. Wringing the mop first before applying it to your wood avoids water damage.
• Mismatching cleaners with the wrong finish. Wood floors are beautiful and unique, and knowing the type of finish your floors have can help you choose an appropriate cleaner.
• Skipping drying. When you use a damp mop, it can be tempting to think the floors will dry naturally, like tile or vinyl would. But since wood soaks the moisture in, it can easily lead to warping.

Revive Your Wood Floors’ Natural Glow with Professional Refinishing

Properly cleaning your floors will keep them looking great for a while, but there comes a time with every wood floor that the shine starts to fade and the years of wear start to show. If you have worn or damaged hardwood that’s seen some better days, you can turn to our skilled team of local experts for professional Indianapolis hardwood floor refinishing, and we’ll revive the shine and rich character in your floors!

Ready for Beautiful New or Refinished Wood Floors to Brighten Your Home?

Learning to care for your beautiful wood flooring can help preserve the rich character and prevent accidental damage. By taking note of the finish on your floors, you can choose the right cleaner and care for your hardwood with daily sweeps, weekly mops, and deep cleaning every few months to keep your floors in shape.

If you’re planning on installing fresh, new wood floors, or you have tired old floors you’d like to refinish, Floor Coverings International® of Southeast Indianapolis, IN, is ready to work with you to brighten your home with beautiful hardwood flooring.

To enjoy a Seamless Service experience, give us a call at (812) 900-6320 or set up a free in-home consultation with our team today.