How to Clean Wood Floors

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Cleaning wood floors can be very worrisome. You do not want to choose the wrong cleaning solutions or tools. Wood is very sensitive and if cleaned incorrectly, it can have devastating effects. Once completed, the floors will look new. There is nothing prettier than a clean and shiny wood floor.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Vacuum
Floor duster
Broom
Terry cloth rag or micro-fiber covered mop
Cleaning solution determined by the type of seal that is on the wood

Step1

Sweep, vacuum or dust mop the floors daily. This will prevent scaring and scratching of the wood.

Step2

Determine what type of seal is on the wood floors. There are two types: surface finish which is typically shiny and penetrating seal which has a matte finish. The penetrating seals have an oil, acrylic or wax finish while the surface finish has a polyurethane, water based, refinished or catalyzed finish.

Step3

Buy a cleaner that is applicable for your type of finished wood.

Step4

Wipe this solution on the wood with a terry cloth rag or a micro-fiber covered mop.

Tips & Warnings

Test the cleaning solution first in a small, preferably unseen, area.
Some people use a half-and-half white vinegar, warm water solution.
Brooms with frayed tips work best when sweeping.
Keep children away from the cleaning solutions.
Use the cleaning solutions sparingly. Buildup of the cleaner may occur if used too often.
NEVER use ammonia or bleach to clean wood floors.