If you’ve recently had hardwood floor refinishing done in your home, you know the beauty, richness, and character it can bring to an otherwise dull or tired surface. At Old Reliable Floor in Cincinnati, OH, the team offers a wide variety of services to restore shine and luster to well-worn floors. As part of their commitment to excellence, they advise customers to avoid using certain cleaning products in order to protect their hardwood floor finish.

Commercial Cleaners To Avoid

Ammonia, Windex, 409, Pledge, and all-purpose cleaners might be great for tackling tough stains and spills on counters and tile floors, but they should be avoided when caring for most hardwood floor finishes. If they’re poured directly onto your hardwood floor, they can be absorbed into the wood and cause stains, swelling, and cracking.

Natural Cleaning Solutions To Avoid

Oil soap, coconut oil, and baking soda all have their place in natural home cleaning remedies. Unfortunately, that place is not on your hardwood floor. Although these cleaners are generally gentler than their commercial counterparts, they can still cause staining. Steam mops using a water-only solution can also be problematic. The temperature of the steam may compromise the strength and texture of your hardwood floor finish and can also lead to an uneven and unwanted saturation of moisture.

How To Clean Your Hardwood Floor

Dry mopping with a soft rag is the best way to sweep away fine debris from your hardwood floor. Weekly vacuuming with a soft attachment designed to avoid scratching the floor will also eliminate the sand and grit that can accumulate in high-traffic areas. Depending upon the material your floor is made of, there may be a specially designed cleaner you can use, but speak with an expert in hardwood floor finishes before you buy anything. Or you can use vinegar  and water 1/3 to 1/2 cup of vinegar  to 1/2 gal. of water, ring out rag or sponge until  almost dry then wipe up floor .  Steaming at the lowest setting  1 or 2x a year is ok.

With these tips, you’ll avoid damaging your hardwood floor and keep it looking like new for years. And if you need hardwood floor refinishing or restoration services for a loved but worn floor, turn to the professionals at Old Reliable Floor Co. For more information, call them at (513) 922-5598 or visit them online today.