Hardwood is a timeless flooring option that can bring a touch of luxury to a home. Aside from increasing property value and adding beauty, this material is durable and easy to maintain—as long as you follow the proper practices. Below are a few of the do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when cleaning your hardwood flooring.

Do:

Use hardwood-safe solutions.

Use a mixture of soap and water to mop your hardwood flooring at least once or twice a week. Avoid any solutions offered at a hardware store as these can be abrasive to the wood. Applying steam with a steam mop can help to remove stubborn residue. 

Clean stains right away.

Waiting too long to clean up a spill can cause the liquid to penetrate the surface of the wood, which will lead to warping. Use moist paper towels to absorb spills right away before they have a chance to stain. 

Don’t:

Use a hard-suction vacuum.

Avoid hard-suction vacuums as these devices can scratch the hardwood surface and damage the flooring. Instead, use a soft-bristled brush as they are more gentle. An angled brush will also help you clean the hard-to-reach places.

Add wax or polish. 

While you might want to give your hardwood a nice shine, adding wax or polish will behind a residue that sticks to your flooring. This is unsightly and difficult to remove. It can also create a safety hazard as the floor will be slippery from the grease. 

When you’re ready to install hardwood flooring in your home, turn to the experts at General’s Hardwood Flooring in Monroe County, NY. For over 16 years, this locally owned and operated company has specialized in hardwood flooring installation and repair, including refinishing and recoating. They’re known for their exceptional craftsmanship and dedicated customer service. Call (585) 303-5704 or visit them online to learn more about their services.