How to Clean and Maintain Your Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are a timeless and elegant choice for any home. They look great with any decor, are sturdy and durable, and provide better air quality than carpets. However, they require regular cleaning and maintenance to stay in optimal condition. There are a few different ways to clean your hardwood floors, depending on the type of finish and the level of soiling.

For light cleaning, you can use a commercial wood cleaning product such as Bona soap or Murphy Oil Soap. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. You can also make your own cleaner by mixing one part vinegar with 10 parts warm water and adding a few drops of Castilla liquid soap. For more powerful cleaning, you can use a mix of water and white vinegar with a few drops of dish detergent.

It's important to dilute the vinegar, using ½ cup of white vinegar for every gallon of water, as it can be too strong and harmful on its own. For more heavy-duty cleaning, you can use a wood cleaner made with essential oils and botanical ingredients that is safe for treated wood and hard, non-porous surfaces. You don't need much product; you can use a wood floor cleaner about once a month. The best way to scrub hardwood floors with a surface finish starts by saturating a sponge mop with the cleaner, wringing out excess liquid until the mop head is damp but not dripping, and then scrubbing 3-foot sections of the floor with circular movements to remove dirt and grime.

It's also important to take preventive measures to protect your hardwood floors from damage. This includes using doormats at all entrances to your home to trap dirt and debris, vacuuming regularly, and using felt pads on furniture legs to prevent scratches. Finally, you can use homemade cleaners such as white vinegar or essential oils to make your hardwood floors shine. Be sure to dilute the vinegar before using it, as it can be too strong on its own.

Essential oils such as lavender, rose, cedarwood or lemon are great for cleaning hardwood floors and filling your home with an enchanting scent.