It is indeed true that the hardwood floors add timeless charm and elegance to your home with their aesthetic beauty and shine. But do you know the luster it has can be lost if not taken care of while cleaning the hardwood floor?
With inappropriate cleaning methods, choosing the wrong cleaners and not using protective measures can dull your hardwood floor and end up with costly repairs. In this blog, we will examine six common mistakes to avoid when cleaning hardwood floors to retain their charm and expand their longevity.
6 Most Common Hardwood Floor Cleaning Mistakes To Avoid
1. Not Cleaning Spills Immediately
Allowing spills to sit on hardwood floors can lead to water damage, staining, and warping. Liquids can seep into the wood, causing it to swell and potentially causing mold growth. To prevent such issues, it’s crucial to clean up spills as soon as they occur using a dry or slightly damp cloth. Immediate action helps maintain the integrity and appearance of your hardwood floors.
2. Using Harsh Chemical Cleaners
The second biggest mistake is using harsh chemicals. Those cleaners contain chemicals like ammonia or bleach, which can strip the finish off hardwood floors, leaving them dull and vulnerable to damage. These chemicals can also cause discoloration and weaken the wood over time. Instead, you can use pH-neutral or wood-specific cleaners that are gentle yet effective. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure you’re using products that won’t harm your flooring.
3. Cleaning with Excessive Water
Excessive water is one of the biggest enemies of hardwood floors. Using too much water during cleaning can cause the wood to absorb moisture, leading to swelling, warping, and even mold growth. When mopping, use a well-wrung mop that is only slightly damp. With this, you can clean the floor without allowing water to penetrate and damage the wood.
4. Not Protecting Floors
Failing to protect hardwood floors from daily wear and tear can lead to scratches, dents, and other damage. Placing felt pads under furniture legs helps prevent scratches when moving items. Additionally, using rugs or mats in high-traffic areas can protect the floor from constant foot traffic. Implementing these protective measures ensures your hardwood floors remain in excellent condition over time.
5. Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning might seem like an effective way to sanitize and clean floors, but it can be detrimental to hardwood. The high heat and moisture from steam cleaners can cause the wood to swell, warp, and even lose its finish. To avoid this hardwood floor cleaning mistake, stick to dry or slightly damp cleaning methods that avoid the risks associated with steam cleaning.
6. Not Using the Right Mops
Using the wrong type of mop can scratch or damage hardwood floors. Avoid string mops that can hold too much water or abrasive materials that can leave scratches. Instead, opt for a microfiber mop that is soft, gentle, and effective at picking up dirt and debris without damaging the wood. Microfiber mops also require less water, reducing the risk of water damage.
Tips To Maintain Shine Of Your Hardwood Floors
- Sweep or dust regularly with a microfiber mop or soft-bristled broom to prevent scratches and maintain shine.
- Use curtains or blinds to protect floors from direct sunlight, which can fade and dull the wood over time.
- Prevent dents and scratches by avoiding high heels on the floor and keeping pet nails trimmed.
Why Choose Professional Hardwood Floor Cleaning?
Excess moisture, wrong tools, abrasive cleaning products, and others are some common mistakes to avoid when cleaning hardwood floors, which can potentially harm your hardwood floor if not mind. However, you may not always be aware of these mistakes and might follow incorrect advice found on the internet.
In such cases, professional hardwood floor cleaning is a great option. Choosing professional hardwood floor cleaning services offers numerous advantages that ensure your floors remain in pristine condition. At Los Angeles Carpet Cleaners, we have the expertise, equipment, and specialized products needed to effectively clean and maintain hardwood floors without causing damage. We can address tough stains, deep-seated dirt, and even minor repairs that DIY methods might miss.
Let us help you preserve the beauty of your floors while delivering spotless results.