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How To Clean Prefinished Hardwood Floors

by Arizona Hardwood Floor & Supply • April 19, 2023

Prefinished hardwood floors are a popular choice for homeowners because they are durable, easy to maintain, and come in a variety of styles and finishes. However, keeping them clean can be a challenge, especially if you don't know the proper techniques. This article will discuss the proper way to clean your wood floors.

Cleaning Prefinished Hardwood Flooring With Dust Mop

Here are some tips from the experts at Arizona Hardwood Supply on how to clean prefinished hardwood floors to keep them looking their best and prevent streaks.

Sweep or Vacuum Regularly - The first step in cleaning prefinished hardwood floors is to remove loose dirt and debris. This can be done by sweeping the floors with a soft-bristled broom or vacuuming them with a hardwood floor attachment. Be sure to avoid using a vacuum with a beater bar, as it can scratch the surface of the floor. A dust mop or a microfiber cloth are also good options for keeping your wood floors clean.

Use a Microfiber Mop - After removing loose dirt and debris, use a microfiber mop or microfiber cloth to clean the floors. Dust mops are gentle on prefinished hardwood flooring and won't scratch or leave streaks on the surface. They are also more effective at picking up dirt and dust than traditional mops. Use a dusting mop weekly to stay on top of messes, and don't get your mop pads wet.

Use a pH-Neutral Cleaner - When it comes to cleaning prefinished hardwood flooring, less is more. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the finish of the floor. Instead, use a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for prefinished hardwood floors. These cleaners are gentle on the floor and won't leave a residue or streaks.

Avoid Water - Warm water is not a medium to be used to clean your wood floors. Wet-mopping with warm water should also be avoided. While it's important to clean prefinished hardwood flooring regularly, it's equally important to avoid using too much water. Water can seep into the seams of the floor and cause damage and streaks to the wood. Instead, use a damp microfiber mop, and be sure to dry them thoroughly after cleaning.

Address Spills and Stains Immediately - Accidents happen, and spills and stains are inevitable. To prevent them from setting in and damaging the finish of the floor, address them immediately. Use a clean, damp cloth to blot up spills as soon as they occur. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the finish of the hardwood flooring.

Use Mats and Rugs To Protect High-Traffic Areas - Finally, to prevent scratches and scuffs on your prefinished hardwood floors, it's a good idea to place mats and area rugs in high-traffic areas such as entryways and hallways. You should also put felt pads under the legs of your furniture. Floor protectors will help protect the finish of the floor and keep it looking great for longer.

Cleaning prefinished hardwood floors doesn't have to be a daunting task. By following these simple tips, you can keep your flooring looking their best and extend their lifespan. Remember to sweep using a broom or vacuum cleaner regularly, use a microfiber mop, use a pH-neutral cleaner, avoid water, and address spills and stains immediately. With these tips, your prefinished hardwood flooring will look great for years to come.

Animals On Hardwood

We all love our furry little family members, and because we love them and our hardwood floors, it's important to keep their nails trimmed for their comfort and to prevent scratches on your wood floor. Floor protectors are also good investments to extend the life of your wood floor.

Pets can drag in dirt from the outside and damage the wood flooring in your home. Make sure you're bathing them often, and be sure to keep their little paws and nails clean and remove dirt by wiping them off before they come inside.

Make sure you do your research and listen to the experts when it comes to maintaining and cleaning your prefinished hardwood flooring.

If you only take one thing away from this article, let it be how to maintain your flooring and that the best ways to clean your prefinished hardwood floors are to:

  • Use a clean cloth made of microfiber to clean your floor.

  • Use a clean cloth to immediately clean any spills that can damage the wood of your floor.

  • Use a cotton mop and a pH-neutral cleaner on your entire floor.

  • Never use dirty water to clean. It's best to avoid any type of liquid; clean or dirty water is just bad news for your hardwoods. Dust-mopping can't be beaten and will help you extend the life of your wood flooring.

  • Don't use sheet vinyl or tile floor care products on wood floors. Self-polishing acrylic waxes cause wood to become slippery and appear dull quickly.

If you're not sure what type of cleaner to use for your wood flooring to keep it looking great, even after extensive research on prefinished hardwood maintenance, then reach out to the pros at Arizona Hardwood today. We'll answer all your questions on what type of microfiber dust mops are the best, how to clean substantial dirt buildup without damaging your flooring, and the best cleaning products to use on our prefinished hardwoods.

Contact Arizona Hardwood Floors Today

We are always available for any questions you may have about prefinished hardwood cleaning in your home. Put our knowledge to work for you. Click here to contact us or call (623) 742-9663 (WOOD) today. If you would like to talk to us in person stop by one of our convenient Valley locations to discuss your project.