Wood floors add natural beauty and warmth to the home. They’re also durable, long-lasting, and emanate a timeless character even when they age. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize there is a right and a wrong way to clean them. Do it right and your wood floors will retain their gorgeous color for years to come, but do it wrong and they’ll quickly lose their luster. 

Read on for expert advice from the Fort Collins cleaning service professionals at Clean Bees, and keep peace of mind that you’re cleaning your floors safely without any potential damage. 

The Importance of Keeping Wood Floors Clean

Keeping your wood floors clean is essential for their protection and longevity. The color and appearance of the wood itself may shift over time, but it’s important to ensure this only happens as a result of natural aging, and not as a result of damage caused by poor maintenance. 

Ultimately, regular cleaning of wooden floors helps maintain their aesthetic appeal and durability. A good cleaning removes dirt, dust, and grime, preventing them from forming into stubborn dark spots or from scratching and damaging the wood surface. Wooden floors are finished and sealed, and cleaning the floor regularly helps preserve it so that it will continue to shine and look its best. In the long run, regular cleaning and maintenance will lead to lower repair and replacement costs while ensuring your floor retains its natural beauty for many years to come. 

Types of Wood Floors

Wood floors can be categorized by the type of wood and by the type of manufacturing method. 

There are two main types of wood used for flooring: softwood and hardwood. Common hardwood flooring choices include oak, walnut, and maple, whereas softwoods include pine, cedar, spruce, and yew. Softwoods come from coniferous trees (gymnosperm trees) and hardwoods from deciduous and evergreen trees (angiosperm trees). Not all softwoods are necessarily softer than all hardwoods, but hardwoods do tend to be a better option for floors with high levels of foot traffic.

Wood floors are also manufactured in a variety of ways. The most common types are solid wood flooring, engineered wood flooring, laminate flooring, reclaimed wood flooring, parquet flooring, bamboo flooring, and cork flooring. Installed properly, all of the manufacturing types have their benefits and are generally cleaned by the same methods. 

Essential Tools for Cleaning Wood Floors

Having the right tools on hand will make the cleaning process easier and more effective. These include:

• A soft-bristle broom or dust mop
• A vacuum cleaner (with a floor-brush attachment)
• A microfiber mop
• A pH-neutral wood floor cleaner
• Soft, absorbent cloths (microfiber)

How to Clean Wood Floors

Cleaning your wood floors should be done according to a set schedule, including weekly, monthly, every 6 months, and every 5 years. Every week (or daily if needed), it’s important to clean off any dust, dirt, hair, or food particles that have accumulated on the wood. Most of the work can be taken care of using your soft-bristle broom or a vacuum cleaner, but for best results (especially preventing any scratches) use a microfiber cloth. 

Every other week (or every month at the least) you should clean the wood with a slightly damp mop. Too much water is bad for the wood and can cause permanent damage. Even better, you should use a flat-headed spray mop - this means the cleaning liquid is instantly soaked up, preventing any moisture from soaking into the floor. At this stage, using a pH-neutral, certified wood cleaner is a great choice. 

Depending on the type of wood floor you have, you may need to include some form of polishing every six months to a year or so. This will fill existing scratches for a smooth finish, polish the wood for a glossy shine, and provide protection against future stains, spills, wear and tear. Unfortunately, there are so many different types of wood flooring on the market, that it’s best to  contact the manufacturer to find out for sure if your floors require polishing. 

The Do’s and Don’ts to Prevent Damage 

There are several things to be aware of when cleaning wood floors and here are our top tips:

Tip #1 - Clean Spills Immediately

Spills can seep into the wood and stain it if not cleaned up promptly. Use a soft, absorbent cloth to blot spills as soon as they occur.

Tip # 2 - Use the Right Cleaner

Always use a pH-neutral, non-abrasive cleaner designed specifically for wooden floors. Avoid using water and vinegar, soap-based cleaners, or steam cleaners, as they can damage the wood and the finish. We also recommend NOT using home remedies for this reason. 

Tip #3 - Use a Damp (Not Wet) Mop

When mopping, less is more. Excessive water can warp wood, so it’s better to use a damp mop rather than a soaking-wet one. After mopping, dry the floor immediately with a clean, dry towel.

Tip #4 - Use Mats, Rugs, and Furniture Leg Protectors

Prevent dirt and grime from reaching your floors in the first place by using mats and rugs in high-traffic areas. This simple, proactive measure can significantly reduce the amount of cleaning needed.

Similarly preventative, it’s smart to use protective pads under furniture legs to avoid scratches when moving furniture. Also, avoid walking on wooden floors with high heels or sports shoes with spikes, as they can cause dents.

Tip #5 - Be Aware of Your Pets 

Your pet’s claws can often be a hidden culprit. If you don't know where those odd scratch marks are coming from, check your pet’s claws and have them trimmed regularly. 

A Professional Cleaning Service Can Help Keep Your Wood Floors Looking Their Best 

There is a lot to keep in mind in order to safely clean your wood floors, and your floors are just one of the many parts of your home that need attention to maintain a clean and safe living environment. If you need a helping hand, don’t hesitate to contact Clean Bees! We are the area’s most trusted Fort Collins cleaning service for homes, offices, and rental properties. Visit our website to schedule an appointment.