What is the best way to clean solid hardwood floors?

Using a vacuum, followed by a damp microfiber mop, is the best way to clean solid wood flooring.

What is the best thing to wash hardwood floors with?

Dampen a microfiber cloth with a few drops of hardwood floor cleaner mixed with warm water, and then dry the floor is an effective solution.

Is vinegar safe for hardwood floors?

No, vinegar can damage the wood’s finish and should be avoided.

What should I avoid when cleaning solid wood flooring?

Avoid using harsh chemicals, excessive water, or abrasive cleaning tools and steam clean hardwood floors as it can damage the wood.

How to Clean Solid Wood Flooring: Expert Tips for Maintenance and Care

Everybody knows how much solid wood flooring can elevate the aesthetic of any home. However, as beautiful as it is, it requires careful maintenance. Solid wood flooring can last a lifetime, but unlike laminate flooring, they are particularly vulnerable to moisture, scratches, and general wear and tear, making routine maintenance essential. The key to keeping it stylish and extending its lifespan is using the correct cleaning tips and techniques. Using the wrong method can risk durability and dull its shine. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cleaning solid wood floors, with step-by-step instructions to ensure they stay as flawless as the day they were installed.

What is Solid Wood Flooring?

Solid wood flooring comes from trees, most commonly oak, maple, or walnut. Each plank is cut directly from the tree trunk, then shaped and finished to prepare a durable and elegant flooring option. Unlike engineered wood, which consists of multiple layers of bonded wood veneer, solid wood is more sensitive to moisture and abrasive cleaning products, so it is important to know how to clean solid wood flooring correctly.

Daily Maintenance Tips for Solid Wood

Daily maintenance and dust removal help prevent scratches and maintain a clean appearance. The best way to achieve this is to vacuum your solid wood floor first before using other cleaning tools.

Vacuuming

Some dirt and grit can act like sandpaper and wear down the surface of your flooring over time. Regular vacuuming helps prevent marks and scratches. It also ensures that mopping is safe and more effective. Always set your vacuum to the “hard floor” setting to avoid damaging the wood.

Sweeping and Dusting

After vacuuming, you can use a microfiber dust mop with peace of mind to remove any remaining dust and debris. For best maintenance, dust your floors at least once a day, especially in high-traffic areas.

How to Deep Clean Your Hardwood Floor

If you remove stains when they happen, your floor won’t accumulate deep dirt and stains as easily. However, over time, a build-up of dirt, oil, and grime is inevitable and requires a deeper cleaning. Here’s how to clean solid wood flooring for stubborn spots.

Selecting Appropriate Cleaners

Appropriate cleansers protect the wood’s natural finish and prevent it from drying out. It’s always recommended to follow the instructions on any commercial floor cleaner to ensure it suits your specific flooring type and that you’re applying it correctly.

Use pH-neutral cleaners free from harsh chemicals, thus minimising the risk of damage. Blending a few drops of hardwood flooring cleaner with warm water is also one of the effective cleaning solution.

Mopping Techniques

Solid Wood Flooring requires careful mopping. This is because it is highly absorbent of moisture. Therefore, always ensure that you use a damp microfiber mop rather than a soaked onetain.

For stubborn spots or stains, use a lightly dampened cloth with a small amount of wood floor cleaner and then dry the floor immediately after mopping using a soft, dry cloth or towel.

Handling Spills and Stains on Solid Wood Flooring

If water spillages are left on the surface for an extended period, it could heavily damage your solid wood flooring. The best approach is not to allow any water ring or spillages for a long time and to wipe it immediately. For stubborn stains, you can try gently rubbing baking soda on the area and then wipe it with a damp cloth.

Preventing Common Floor Damages

Taking preventative measures to prevent dirt and scratches can significantly extend the life of your flooring and make it easier to clean.

Use house slippers instead of shoes to reduce dirt and possible scratches
Use felt pads or furniture coasters and place rugs or mats in high-traffic areas.
Keep indoor temperatures and humidity consistent to minimise flooring expansion and contraction. In humid weather, consider using a ceiling fan or air conditioner to speed up the drying process.
Keep pet toenails trimmed and filed.
Always lift vases, furniture, and other items—never drag them across the floor

Addressing Specific Issues

To know how to clean solid wood flooring properly, you must know the type of stain, scratch, or dirt.Light scuffs can often be mopped easily. Stubborn stains require a little more pressure and attention to remove. Forget harmful cleaning myths, such as using vinegar to clean the wood floors. According to NWFA vinegar acidity can break down the wood’s finish over time.

Restoring and Refinishing

Whilst a regular cleaning routine can extend the durability of the flooring, over time, your floor needs to be recoated and refinished. The best solution is to call professionals, but you may prefer DIY recoating. Choosing between DIY and experts depends on the flooring’s condition. For deep scratch damage, it is better to leave it to the experts. However, for minor damage, you may be able to get away with restoring it yourself if you are confident enough

Conclusion

Cleaning solid wood flooring doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require proper techniques. Daily dusting, weekly vacuuming, and appropriate deep cleaning methods can protect your floors from damage and preserve their beauty for decades. For best results, always use cleaning products designed specifically for hardwood floors and avoid excess moisture, which can lead to warping. Thinking about giving your hardwood floors a fresh new look? Visit our store or contact our experts today to find the perfect fit for your home!

If you have any flooring queries, email us at info@flooringsurgeons.co.uk or visit our showrooms in Birmingham and Wolverhampton!