How to Care for Hardwood Floors
Nothing gives a home more beauty and charm than hardwood floors. To keep them looking beautiful, you must know how to properly care for them. Using the wrong type of cleaning solutions can leave hardwood floors looking dull, thin and lifeless. It is also important to take preventative steps to avoid scratches and scuff marks.
- Use a dust mop to sweep hardwood floors. A vacuum can be used on the "floor" setting to remove dust and debris, but it might be a good idea to test it somewhere else first. Never use the beater brush of a vacuum on hardwood, as the brush can cause scratches.
- Use equal parts of white vinegar and water to clean hardwood floors. Mix the homemade solution in a large bucket. Place a mop in the bucket and wring it out until it is barely damp. Do not use a very wet mop on hardwood floors because this can cause warping and buckling of the wood, which is the worst that can happen. Once the area is cleaned well, immediately dry with a clean rag.
- To shine hardwood floors, use an equal mixture of white vinegar and olive oil. Place the mixture in a spray bottle. Spray smaller areas at a time and use a clean rag to give a nice shine to the floors. This should be done once per month to keep the hardwood floors at optimal shine, and it will keep them moisturized and prevent drying out.
- Protect hardwood floors from scratches by placing area rugs in high traffic areas. Use plastic sliders under furniture legs to prevent them from causing deep scratches.