THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN WOOD FLOORS

If you are searching for the best way to clean wood floors, you’ve come to the right place! Keep reading for our easy step-by-step guide for excellent results. 

Cleaning Hardwood Floors 

When it comes to cleaning hardwood floors, prevention is always better than cure. 

Wooden flooring is a durable option, and can look incredibly stylish. But it requires a careful approach for maintenance if you want to maximise its longevity. Wood is remarkably easy to damage if using the wrong cleaning tools or solutions, so choosing the right method for a deep clean is paramount. 

Small preventative measures can help avoid damaging your wood floors. Things like taking shoes off at the door, treating spills and stains immediately, and being careful to avoid scuffs when moving furniture. 

How To Tell If Wood Floor Is Sealed

Another important step to consider before tackling a deep clean, is finding out how to tell if your wood floor is sealed. Many floor cleaners are unsuitable for unsealed wood and can cause a lot of damage if used prematurely. 

Most new wood floors are sealed with a polyurethane coating; they’re also stained or painted to protect the surface. This means they are more resistant to stains and water, so you can use a water-based floor cleaner.

On the other hand, in older homes, wooden floors are likely to have a soft, oiled finish, this oil soaks into the grain, hardens it and forms a top seal. If you have this kind of floor it will need to protected with oil or wax instead. So proceed with caution.

To tell if your wood floor is sealed, rub your finger across it. If no mark appears, the floor is surface-sealed. If a mark is left, the floor has been treated with a seal, oil finish or varnish.

The Best Way To Clean Hardwood Floors  

The best way to clean sealed hardwood floors is through regular maintenance. But sometimes a deeper clean is necessary to get that spotless floor satisfaction. Here’s the best way to clean sealed wood floors in just 4 easy steps:

1. Vacuum 

Dust and debris gathers in the crevices of wood flooring very easily, and there’s no better way of clearing this up than with a vacuum cleaner. But make sure to stay away from using a vacuum with a beater bar attachment, which can scratch a wood floor's finish. 

2. Remove Scuffs 

Whenever you move furniture or wear shoes indoors, your wooden floors bear the brunt with pesky scuff marks. For stubborn scuffs that wont budge by buffing with a dry cloth, we recommend apply baking soda to a damp cloth and gently rub the mark until it fades. Then dry off with a fluffy towel or microfibre cloth. 

3. Choose the Best Cleaner for Sealed Wood Floors

Hardwood floors are easily susceptible to scratches, warping, peeling, stripping,. Harsh chemicals in mainstream floor cleaners like Ammonia and even synthetic fragrances often wear down the finish of your wood floor's natural shine and value. Not to mention, chemical cleaners can be very damaging to our health to breathe in. We recommend opting for a natural, non-toxic alternative. 

If you have a sealed wooden floor, try Spruce Eco Floor Cleaner. It was created with the help of scientists to be highly effective on sealed floors without harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrance. It leaves behind no sticky residue, only the gorgeous natural scent of Bergamot, Patchouli and Geranium organic essential oil blend.

4. Mop the Right Way 

Most types of mops work well for wooden floors, whether that be a traditional mop or a bottle mop. Sponge or rag mop are particularly great for leaving your floors steak-free. Whatever mop you use, be very careful not to saturate it in too much water. As big puddle can be damaging to wood and cause discoloration.

Work around the room in sections, mopping and drying as you go. 

So there you have it! Our top tips on the best way to clean wood floors. Are you feeling inspired to get Sprucing? 

If you are looking for a natural floor cleaner that is better for your floors, your health and the planet, consider checking out Spruce Floor Cleaner to learn more.