Throughout the day, your hardwood floors endure a slew of indoor activities. From foot traffic and shifting furniture to toys and pets, it’s inevitable that the floorboards will have the occasional stain and scratch. Maintaining the integrity of the flooring will keep your home fresh, polished, and rejuvenated. To know how to get rid of stubborn scuffs and spots, refer to the questions and answers below.

4 FAQ on Hardwood Floor Maintenance

How do I remove a stain?

When removing a stain, first clear all dirt, debris, and furniture from the area so that the stain is easier to remove. Depending on the type of hardwood, you can mix a mild detergent with warm water in a bucket to clean the stained area. Exposed wood floors should be cleaned carefully and with minimal water and detergents to avoid aggravating the stain. Lacquered and sealed floors are protected from excess damage, so you can take more liberty with cleaning methods. For potent stains resulting from alcoholic beverages, food, or ink, use a stronger detergent or specified hardwood floor cleaner.

Can I use any cleaning product?

Recommended cleaning products for hardwood flooring include mops, cloths, and some detergents. Using a damp mop or cloth with a water- and detergent-based solution is effective for most stain removals. Detergents should be mild to avoid damaging the floor. But for stronger stains, commercial hardwood floor cleaners, ammonia, or white vinegar work best. All should be used with caution and diluted with water to minimize damage. Remember to use minimal amounts of water since hardwood flooring is water-resistant but not waterproof. 

What if the floors get scratched?

First, clean the spot thoroughly with the methods mentioned above. For light scratches, use a blending pencil to contrast the color of the scratch and a finish restorer to seal the repair. For deeper scratches, sand down the area and apply a new coat of finish to restore your hardwood flooring.

What can I do to restore the shine?

If the finish on your hardwood floors is dull, use floor polish to restore the boards to their natural, shiny glow. Remove all furniture, and clean the area with a broom and damp mop to avoid sealing in dirt and dust. Then, with a flat-surface mop, work the floor solution in against the wood grain in compact strokes. Let the area dry for an hour and wait a full day before moving the furniture back to avoid re-scratching the floorboards.

Knowing how to effectively and efficiently clean and preserve hardwood floors can be a laborious task. Luckily, the professionals at The Carpet Shop of Sturgeon Bay, WI, are eager to help with flooring installations, treatment, and maintenance. Through their extensive experience, The Carpet Shop can determine the best service for your hardwood floors. To learn more about their flooring practices, visit them online or call (920) 743-7188 for inquiries.