Wood flooring adds beauty and elegance to any home and is made to last. All that’s required to keep your hardwood floors in prime condition is the regular application of maintenance coats every three to five years, sanding and refinishing once every few decades, and of course, regular cleanings. Avoid unwittingly damaging your hardwood floors in the cleaning process by avoiding these mistakes.

4 Common Cleaning Errors With Hardwood Floors

1. Using the Wrong Cleaning Products

Not all cleaning products are suitable for wood flooring. Products that contain harsh chemicals damage the finish and cause the floors to look dull. If you use the wrong chemicals, refinishing is the only way to restore the floors to their original luster. Avoid using products that are intended for vinyl or tile cleaning. Ask your floor manufacturer which cleaning products are the safest to use.

2. Neglecting to Clean Spills

Liquid spills are generally easy to remove from hardwood floors provided that you clean them up immediately. If you wait too long, the liquid settles into the flooring, leading in some cases to permanent discoloration. To avoid any issues, wipe up spills thoroughly and promptly with a damp, clean cloth.

3. Getting Your Floors Too Wet

Too much moisture isn’t good for wood flooring. If your floors get too wet, the boards will swell and warp. Never pour water directly on these floors. If they need a good cleaning, use a damp – not sopping – mop and dry them thoroughly with a towel afterward. 

4. Using the Incorrect Tools

When cleaning your hardwood flooring, be mindful of the tools you use. Steam cleaners, for example, have a lot of heat and harm wood floors. It’s better to use gentle, soft towels. It’s also advisable to vacuum frequently to protect against harsh grit. But avoid using a vacuum with beater bars – metal bars designed to beat dust out of carpet fibers – as these will damage wood. 

If your wood flooring need refinishing, trust the experts at American Floors in Riverside, RI. This hardwood flooring specialist has served all of Rhode Island and Southern Massachusetts for 40 years. They provide quality refinishing and cleaning services that will make your floors look like new. They put their customers first and get the job right the first time. If you’d like more information about their services, call (401) 433-0530. Visit their website to view a portfolio of their prior work.