Hardwood floors add a level of elegance and sophistication to any area of your home. Maintaining them is vital to protecting their integrity and ensuring that they always look as good as new. The key is to clean them properly. Here’s what you need to know.

How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors Properly

1. Vacuum Them Often

Although you may think that polishing them to a high shine every few days is the best way to maintain your hardwood floors, that’s actually not the case. Simply vacuuming or sweeping them a few times a week prevents dirt, dust, and debris from accumulating and taking away from the wood’s naturally beautiful appearance. 

2. Refresh Them Occasionally

A few times a year, give your hardwood floors some extra attention. It’s difficult to prevent scratches entirely, especially if you have children or pets, but you can apply a scratch concealing sealant that creates a protective barrier that won’t come off during mopping. Adding some polish is an excellent way to refresh the floor’s shine and give it a like-new appearance. If you’re concerned about any nicks, pits, or scratches, have your wood flooring installer assess it for possible repairs.

3. Mop Them Regularly

You should also mop the floors at least once a week to ensure that they remain shiny and clean. Mop flooring that receives heavy traffic — the entryway of your house, for example, or a living room or foyer. After mopping, make sure that you don’t leave behind any standing water. The moisture can cause long-term, costly damage to the wood and ruin its finish. Avoid applying any harsh chemical agents to the floor, too. Try a hardwood floor cleanser diluted with water for the best results.

The experts at Parker Floor Covering take the appearance and condition of your hardwood floors seriously. Based in Hamilton, OH, they’re the area’s leading providers for quality flooring that transforms the appearance of any room in the house. In addition to wood, they also carry an extensive range of ceramic tiles, laminate flooring, and carpeting. Visit the website to learn more, or give them a call at (513) 863-6767.