Hardwood floors are a beautiful flooring option for your home. Hardwood offers a classic, sleek look for almost any room and a maintenance plan that is both simple and affordable. Cincinnati, OH’s Huber Lumber Co., the area’s leading supplier of lumber. building supplies, and more, explains how to clean your hardwood flooring in a few easy steps that will keep your floors well-maintained for years to come.

If you have hardwood flooring or are considering installing hardwood, here are the basic steps to keeping your floors in the best shape possible:

• Clear the Area: Move furniture and other items out of the space that must be cleaned. Use furniture pads when moving your pieces to protect your flooring from scuffing and other damage.
• Remove Surface Dirt: Using a dry mop or vacuum, give your hardwood flooring a surface cleaning to remove any dirt, hair, or debris. If you use a vacuum, do not use a beater bar attachment as it may scratch your floor’s finish.
• Mop: For polyurethaned floors, use a damp mop and a mild cleaner. When mopping, move with the grain of the flooring in smooth strokes and ring out the water well. For lacquered or shellacked flooring, do not use water, as it can stain or cause buckling. Instead, use a manufacturer-recommended stripper to remove the old wax layer before applying a new one.
• Buff: For any remaining residue after mopping — and to make the floor shine once more — buff the floor with a soft cloth. This can be done by moving your hand in a circular motion across the floor. You can also rent a floor buffer to make it a little easier, but this will cost you more.
• Wood Cleaner: For extra shine and a deeper cleaning, use a wood floor cleaner that’s been verified by the manufacturer for your type of floors. Follow the product’s diluting directions on the label and always wipe up excess liquid. Standing water or liquid will damage wood surfaces.

Huber Lumber Co. is the Cincinnati area’s top provider for lumber and building supplies. The company offers materials for homeowners and construction businesses alike, supplying quality lumber and supplies for kitchen cabinets, porches, patios, and more. For more information, visit them online or call (513) 731-4035 today. You can also find the company on Facebook and Twitter.