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1- What is the proper method for cleaning hardwood floors? Wood Floors, properly finished, are the easiest of all floor surfaces to keep clean and looking like new. The most important rule for hardwood is to vacuum or dust-mop weekly. A "mop kit" (provided by most floor finish manufacturers) or a damp mop using a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water is ideal for spills and general cleanup on floors which have non-waxed polyurethane finishes. Try to avoid using Oil Soaps or chemical cleaners on hardwood floors. For waxed floors, occasional buffing will help remove scuff marks that may appear in the wax coating. A waxed floor need only be re-waxed once or twice a year depending on the degree of traffic. 2- Should I use water to clean my hardwood floors? No matter what finish your floor has, or what claims the manufacturer of the finish says, never intentionally pour water onto your wood floor. While a damp mop is fine for polyurethane finishes in good condition, excessive amounts of water, left standing, may find a way to seep between the boards causing warping or stains. Wax finishes should never be cleaned using water, not even with a damp mop! 3- What are some things I can do to prevent damage to my hardwood floors? The use of dirt-trapping mats outside all exterior entrances to your home, and area or throw rugs at inside all exterior entrances to your home are essential. These mats and rugs will help prevent dirt and debris from getting onto your hardwood floors. Small particles of dirt and debris can scratch, scuff, or stain almost all floorcovering surfaces. In kitchens, use washable throw or area rugs near the sink, stove and refrigerator where the likely hood of spillage is high. Certain species of wood will "oxidize" in strong sunlight, causing the wood to change color or "develop a patina". To avoid an uneven appearance across your floors, move your area rugs occasionally (twice a year) and drape or shade large windows that receive direct sunlight. Use fabric-faced glides on the bottom of the legs of all furniture placed on your hardwood floors. They will allow furniture to be moved easily without scuffing or scratching the floor. Clean the glides frequently since they can get debris and dust embedded in them. For heavier furniture, a rubber ball-caster is best. Do not use plastic ball-casters, they will scratch hardwood. Keep high heel shoes in good repair. Worn-out or damaged heels (those that have lost their protective cap and have exposed the support rod inside the heel) will damage any floor surface, even concrete. Never wear high heels while walking on a hardwood surface!
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