You invested your hard-earned money into beautiful wood flooring, so you should make sure you know the right way to take care of them. Floor Coverings International of Northeast Columbus, OH® can share our vast knowledge about wood floor cleaning practices that tackle messes without leading to damage. Connect with us today for a free, in-home consultation, or check out our guide below for more information.
What to Use to Clean Wood Floors
It’s important to know what products and machines to clean wood floors with. pH neutral cleaners are the safest for use on hardwood, and you should always avoid harsh acids and chemicals. There are plenty of vacuum/mop combinations that make both wet and dry floor cleaning a breeze. Just make sure the mop has a microfiber cloth pad for gentleness.
Can You Steam Clean Wood Floors?
No, we do not recommend steam cleaning wood flooring. The combination of consistent moisture and high heat does not react well with hardwood boards. Likewise, you should stay away from steam cleaning laminates.
Here Are the Best Ways to Clean Wood Floors
The basic wood floor cleaning process generally involves sweeping or dry mopping away dirt, dust, and loose contaminants daily, as well as spot cleaning spills immediately. However, you should also know how to deep clean wood floors to address heavier grime buildup. Follow these steps for careful and effective wood floor cleaning…
- First, sweep or vacuum away loose dirt, debris, pet hair, and other contaminants.
- Next, use a microfiber mop to clean with the grain, and avoid over-wetting the site.
- Finally, allow the floor to completely air dry or go over sections with a dry microfiber towel.
- After completing the above steps, you can also apply a fresh coat of polish to really make your boards shine!
The process for how to clean engineered wood floors doesn’t vary much from solid hardwood. While engineered wood can hold up better under moisture, we still recommend using very light amounts of water for cleaning.
Know the Differences in How to Clean Laminate Wood Floors
Laminate may be more naturally resistant to moisture than solid hardwood is, but the cleaning process is more similar than you might think. It’s still best to use minimal water when washing wood laminates to avoid buckling, warping, or fading. The one big difference to keep in mind is that laminate can handle slightly stronger cleaners, making stubborn stains easier to deal with.
FAQs for Wood Floor Cleaning
If you have specific questions about your wood floor cleaning project, we’re here to give the direct answers you need! Check out the following FAQs to get started:
Is there a specific method for how to clean bamboo wood floors?
Cleaning bamboo wood flooring generally follows the same process as regular wood cleaning. You’ll prep the area by sweeping away loose debris, use a gentle pH-balanced cleaner on the surface, then gently mop with a microfiber cloth without using too much moisture. From there, allow the surface to completely dry.
Can you clean wood floors with vinegar?
No, it is not recommended to use vinegar for wood floor cleaning. This is due to the highly acidic nature of vinegar, which can eat away at your floor’s protective finish and cause a cloudy appearance.
Do you know how to clean paint off of wood floors?
For water-based paint, simply scrape away the paint gently with a plastic scraper before using warm, soapy water to wipe away the rest of the spill. For oil-based paint, lightly dampen a clean cloth with paint thinner or denatured alcohol. Then, rub the cloth over the splatter to soften it before using a toothpick to scrape away remaining blots. Wipe the area dry with a clean cloth when finished.
Our local team doesn’t just excel at wood installations. We want to make sure you fully understand how to take care of your materials for long-term beauty and performance. Reach out today with any more specific questions about how to clean laminate wood floors and more in Northeast Columbus, OH.
Learn Proper Hardwood Floor Cleaning Around Lewis Center, OH Today
Figuring out how to clean laminate wood floors, engineered wood, and solid wood after installation just got a lot easier. Floor Coverings International of Northeast Columbus, OH® will make sure you’re up to date on all the proper care techniques, so you can enjoy your new wood flooring for decades to come. Call (614) 977-1011 today to book a free, in-home consultation today.
