How to Clean, Care, and Maintain Hardwood Floors

Cleaning hardwood floors complements every home with its stunning beauty and comfort. But every season brings in new cleaning concerns including ice, dirt, and water not to mention daily traffic, spills, and scratches.

Learning how best to clean, care, and maintain hardwood floors ensures that they always look their best and gives you a gasp of joy every time you come home. But since every home experiences different levels of traffic, it’s important to pick a routine that works best for you.

Here is the best cleaning and maintenance routine that will keep you and your hardwood floor happy for years to come.

1. Spot Clean Promptly

As soon as you notice a spill or sticky stain, clean it promptly using a soft cloth. Unattended spills can discolor the finish or warp your hardwood floors. Make sure to clean them fast and correctly.

2. Dust the Floors Daily

Dusting is one of the most important routines in caring for hardwood floors. A quick dusting ensures that you pick up dirt, dust, and pet dander that can damage your floors. If sweeping daily seems excessive, aim for the high-traffic areas as often as possible. A broom or dust mop is perfect for a gentle clean that extends the life and beauty of your floors. 

3. Vacuum Weekly

Vacuuming every few days to once a week helps to clean up dirt and debris stuck between the floorboards. Ensure to adjust your vacuum’s height so that the bristles are slightly above the floor — just enough to effectively clean the dirt away.

4. Mop the Floors 

Ideally, you’ll want to vacuum the floors to remove any abrasive particles that can create scratches as you mop. Hardwoods are sensitive to moisture so a wet bucket and a dripping wet mop is a big no-no. Preferably, use a microfiber mop for cleaning hardwood floors as it uses less water for deep and effective cleaning. 

A steam mop may be fast and easy to use but it could allow vapor to penetrate through the boards which can cause floor warping. 

5. Resanding 

If your floors look dull or faded, resanding can give them the extra love they need. Resanding involves filling all gaps, knots, and holes for a smooth and flat surface and the application of stains and finishes for that shiny and beautiful look. 

Experts agree that hardwood floors can take several refinishes in their lifespan so don’t hesitate to have resanding done every few years to make them look brand new again. 

6. Refinishing

Refinishing is a vital part of hardwood floor maintenance. It includes buffing out any imperfections caused by wear and tear, scuffing the existing finish, and applying a fresh coat of finish for a shiny new look. Refinishing your floors every 4 to 6 years also provides an extra layer of protection prolonging the lifespan of your floors. 

Contact Classic Flooring LLC for Quality Hardwood Flooring Maintenance Services

For reliable and budget-friendly hardwood floor resanding and refinishing services, look no further than Classic Flooring LLC. We use the best floor maintenance products to transform every detail of your hardwood floor to perfection. Contact us today for a free flooring maintenance quote!

Related Questions

How often should I clean my hardwood floors?

‍High-traffic areas should be dusted daily or as often as possible, with vacuuming done every few days to once a week. This helps remove grit and debris that can scratch the surface.

How do I handle spills on hardwood floors?

‍Blot spills immediately with a soft, dry cloth and avoid harsh cleaners. Quick cleanup prevents discoloration, staining, and moisture from seeping into the boards.

What’s the difference between resanding and refinishing?

‍Resanding smooths the wood by filling gaps and sanding down the surface before applying stain and finish, while refinishing focuses on buffing imperfections and applying a new coat of finish. Both processes refresh the look of your floors and extend their life.

How often should I have my hardwood floors refinished?

‍Most hardwood floors benefit from refinishing every 4–6 years, depending on traffic and wear. Classic Flooring LLC can inspect your floors and recommend the right schedule for resanding and refinishing.