How to Clean Wood Floors

Hardwood Floor Maintenance

What you will need:

• Soft-bristle Broom
• Vacuum with soft brush attachment
• Dust Mop
• Wood polish (spray kind)

Instructions:

1. Sweep floors to remove loose debris
2. Using the soft brush attachment, vacuum floor, making sure to pay special attention to corners where dust and pet hair accumulate.
3. Lightly spray the cloth end of a dust mop with wood polish.
4. Run the mop lightly over the floor. Use caution when walking as floors may be slippery from the polish.

Regular Cleaning Instructions

What you will need:

• Soft-bristle Broom
• Vacuum with soft brush attachment
• Terry cloth mop
• Wood Floor Cleaner (or any low PH floor cleanser)*

Instructions:

*when in doubt about the type of cleanser you should use, check with your floor retailer or the manufacturer of your floor.

1. Follow steps 1 and 2 listed above under routine maintenance.
2. Working in small sections of floor at a time (5’ x 5’), apply a small amount of cleaner and mop, going with the grain of the wood.
3. Repeat step 2 until the entire floor has been mopped.
4. Special Note: Water is a hardwood floors worst enemy. NEVER use a wet mop or large amounts of water to clean your hardwood floor.

Removing Stains and Spills

Certain stains or spills may require more than a quick mop. Here are some of the more common trouble makers:

Stain Removal:

• Blood: Sponge it lightly with a solution of ammonia and cold water. Please remember, NEVER mix ammonia with any other cleaning solutions as it may result in a potentially lethal vapor. Click here to learn about ammonia safety.
• Liquor: Dampen a cloth with warm water and detergent and rub the spot. If that fails, try using a cloth dampened with denatured alcohol.
• Grease: Apply an ice pack (a package of frozen vegetables will do in a pinch) until grease hardens, then gently scrape with plastic spatula or butter knife. Remove remaining residue by placing a rag over it and gently ironing the rag (low setting).
• Crayon marks: Rub with a soft cloth dampened with mineral spirits. If that doesn’t work, apply toothpaste and rub with a dry cloth.
• Nail polish: Use a small amount of scouring powder, warm water, and a plastic mesh pad. Make sure you work the scouring powder into a paste before applying and don’t rub too aggressively too avoid scratching the finish.
• Ink: Wet a rag with warm water and detergent and rub. If that doesn’t work, try a commercial ink remover.
• Heel Marks and Scuffs: Rub the marks with a pencil eraser. Mr. Clean magic erasers are also great for this.
• Chewing gum: Remove excess gum with plastic knife and rub residue with soft clothe dampened with mineral spirits.
• Rust: These require a professional floor finisher to remove.
• Large area stains: If stains cover a large area of the floor, it is advisable to have a professional floor finisher remove them.

After removing any stain, wipe area with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly. If the floor finish has been removed in that area, recoat with appropriate finish or wax. As always, when in doubt regarding a stain call your wood floor retailer or manufacturer.

Cleaning Up Spills:

• Oil: Soak up excess with paper towels. Saturate a cloth with a dry cleaning fluid and place on area of spill for 5 minutes. When done, wipe dry and clean with a mild detergent.
• Tar: Place ice pack on tar until it is hard and brittle. Gently scrape off with a plastic spatula or butter knife. If a light stain remains saturate a rag with cleaning solvent and rub on stained spot.
• Pet Urine: Make a scouring powder paste (mix warm water and powder until the consistency of toothpaste). Gently rub spot with mixture.

Keep Your Hardwood Floors Looking New

• Mop up spills immediately and thoroughly.
• Never wax a polyurethaned floor as it will cause a dull build-up to occur
• Consider using carpet runners or area rugs (being sure to use non skid pads under either) especially for high-traffic areas.
• Try to avoid wearing heavy-soled shoes or high heels on wood floors. In fact, barefoot is best!
• NEVER drag furniture or other items across the hardwood floor.
• Use furniture pads on the bottoms and legs of furniture (available at any home improvement or supercenter stores).
• If you have pets, keep their nails trimmed to avoid nicks and scratches.
• If your floor requires periodic waxing and buffing, don’t skip it! It can add years to the life of your floor, and help prevent stains and scratches. If unsure, contact your floor manufacturer or installer for recommendations.

Cleaners

You can find hardwood floor cleaners at most home improvement stores, or online. Also, several companies sell environmentally friendly cleaners for SEALED hardwood floors (i.e. “Earth Friendly Nonpolluting Floor Kleener” and “EnviroRite Hard Floor Cleaner”).