-
There are many brands of floor cleaners. These cleaners fall into two categories. There are cleaners made specifically for hardwood floors and cleaners that can be used on a variety of surfaces.
Cleaning products made for hardwood floors include such products as Murphy's Oil Soap, Orange Glo Mop and Pledge Wood Floor Cleaner. Some multi-surface floor cleaners are Swifter Wet Jet, Clorox Ready Mop and Method O-Mop. - Although the label may include the word "all-purpose" or "multi-surface," not all cleaning products can be used on hardwood floors. Therefore, read the label on any product that you intend to buy or use on your hardwood floor. Make sure that cleaning product can be used on wood floors. If a multi-surface cleaner that excludes wood, such as Pine-Sol, is used on a hardwood floor, it can become dull or discolored.
- Many cleaning products require limited time and effort to use. Some may require the addition of water but generally they contain everything that you need in the package. Keeping a clean floor will eliminate that amount of dirt on the bottom of your feet or socks that is collected when you walk on it. Spills are much easier to clean off a floor as opposed to carpets. Also, freshly cleaned wooden floors are shiny and can make a room appear larger.
- Removing debris with a Dry Swifter, vacuum or a traditional broom several times a week will help prevent dirt build-up. Also, placing throw rugs or mats on frequently used areas, such as the kitchen sink or entranceways, will protect the wood. Removing shoes before stepping on the floor will limit the amount of dirt on the floor.
- If you dread cleaning hardwood floors, you can make the chore more eventful. Though it may seem childish, gliding or even dancing with the mop can be good for a few laughs. It is also a way to exercise and burn calories. If there are hardwood floors in virtually every room in your home, you may want to break up the task, instead of cleaning everything in one day which can be a daunting or dreaded chore.
