Hardwood flooring is popular with homeowners due to its timeless, elegant aesthetic, but it can be soft and easily damaged. If you have these wood floors in your residence, knowing how to clean them is crucial to maintaining their appearance. Here are a few tips to help you care for this delicate material.

3 Common Hardwood Cleaning Mistakes

1. Using a Vacuum

Using a vacuum to remove dust, dirt, and debris from hardwood floors isn’t recommended. Repeated use of a vacuum brush scratches and marks the wood, leaving unsightly scars. Although certain vacuum attachments are more hardwood friendly, use an electrostatic cloth attached to a mop to remove built-up debris.

2. Applying Too Much Water

While it’s safe to use water to clean your floor, do so in moderation to avoid unnecessary damage. If you use too much water, it’ll seep through the cracks, which leads to warping, separation of the planks, and discoloration. Instead, use a lightly damp mop, and once done, quickly dry the floor.

3. Cleaning With Chemicals

Hardwood flooring is protected by their sealed finish, but using too many chemical cleaners can ruin this protective barrier. Oil based cleaners, bleach, and acrylic waxes will dull the finish and cause unsightly discolorations. Instead of cleaning the surface, harsh chemicals will damage the wood, causing the need for expensive repairs.

 

Hardwood is incredibly delicate, and if you’ve damaged your flooring, consider switching to vinyl. This material offers the luxurious look of hardwood without the temperamental cleaning requirements. If you’re tired of unsightly, scratched, and damaged hardwood floors, contact the vinyl experts at OCG Building Supply LLC, in Honolulu, HI. Since 2013, these professionals have provided Oahu homeowners with luxury vinyl flooring options in 15 different colors. Their skilled installation team is licensed and insured, and all flooring comes with a manufacturer’s warranty. View their vinyl options online, or call (808) 841-9425 to request a free estimate.