Wood flooring is a big investment, and whether you inherited hardwood when purchasing your home or specifically chose it during a remodel, you’ll want to protect your flooring for years to come. Cleaning hardwood floors is critical to preventing scratches, preserving the finish, and ensuring your wood floors shine for their full functional lifespan.
Take care of your wood floors with these handy cleaning and maintenance tips from the experts at Floor Coverings International® of Plano!
The (Safe) Way to Clean Hardwood Floors
Both hardwood and engineered wood floors have slightly different cleaning best practices than composite floors like vinyl or laminate. Wood flooring is more susceptible to water damage, which means wet mopping is out of the question. Instead, focus on removing dirt, protecting flooring in high-traffic areas, and using safe hardwood flooring cleaners as needed.
1. Sweep and vacuum.
A daily sweep is a safe, efficient way to remove the dust and debris that leads to scratches and scuffs. Vacuuming wood floors is an option, but make sure you’re using the right settings. Look for your vacuum’s “hard floor” or “bare floor” settings, or select the lowest height setting and turn off the beater bar. This protects your floor from scratches while still using suction to remove debris.
2. Dry mop.
Never use a wet mop on wood floors, but you may be able to use a damp mop. There are several products designed for wood floors, though we highly recommend following the manufacturer's specific wood floor care instructions.
- Never leave standing water on hardwood floors; if you’re leaving a puddle, your mop is too wet.
- Don’t use steam mops unless there are specific instructions provided by your floor manufacturer.
- Don’t use vinegar on hardwood floors, which can dull the finish.
3. Protect your floors.
Place a door mat at every entrance to your home to prevent dirt from being tracked onto hardwood floors. This is especially important if your wood floors run right to your primary entry points. Consider using runners or rugs to extend the entryway, and always use rugs or furniture pads beneath couches, tables, and other types of furniture.
Read more: How to Care for LVP Flooring
What To Clean Wood Floors With
You may already have some of these hardwood cleaning staples, but if not, they’re valuable tools for preserving your wood floors.
- Microfiber mop
- Soft-brush broom
- Vacuum (don’t use the beater bar)
- Dedicated wood floor cleaner (check your manufacturer's website for recommendations)
Always test wood floor cleaners on an inconspicuous part of the floor, such as a corner or under a large rug. This reduces the risk of widespread discoloration or damage if there is an issue.
How Often to Clean Your Hardwood Floors
Consistency is the key to wood floor maintenance. Know that busy homes, especially those with pets and children, will need more frequent cleaning, but the following wood floor cleaning schedule is a great starting point.
- Sweep daily
- Vacuum weekly
- Damp mop monthly (or as needed) and always after sweeping
- Use a wood floor cleaner monthly or seasonally
- Apply a fresh coat of finish every five years
- Sand and refinish every 7-10 years
Stick to your routine, and you can expect solid wood floors to last several decades with refinishing, and engineered wood floors will last two decades or more, too!
Count on Plano’s Flooring Specialists
Floor Coverings International® of Plano is the area’s top flooring contractor. We bring national resources and local expertise to every residential and commercial project, plus a convenient, stress-free process. See why hundreds of Plano residents love working with us; schedule a free, in-home consultation or call (214) 707-4988 today to get started!
