How to Mop Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors can add a beautiful look to a home or office. Like any other surface, this type of flooring will be best maintained by proper care and use. You have to be careful when planning to clean your hardwood floors because you do not want to damage them but you do want to make sure they are thoroughly clean and sharp in appearance. Follow these basic rules of thumb when planning to mop your hardwood floors.

Things You'll Need

• Dust mop
• Microfiber mop
• Hardwood floor cleaner
• Bucket
• Water
• Steam mop

Instructions

1. Remove the dust from your hardwood floors with a dust mop. Dust mops like the type offered by Swiffer are an extremely convenient way to remove dirt and dust from your hardwoods. Place the disposable mop pad on the bottom of the mop handle, glide it gently across your floor until all the dust is removed and discard the soiled pad. It may take more than one pad to clean a larger or very dusty area.

2. Consult with your floor manufacturer to see if they recommend a specific cleaning solution for your hardwoods as you do not want to do anything to damage them. Purchase the recommended type of hardwood floor cleaner or a general hardwood floor cleaner if none is recommended. Read the instructions on the cleaner to see if it needs to be diluted, as some cleaners must be mixed in water while others can be sprayed directly on your floor surface.

3. Use a soft microfiber mop to spread your cleaner back and forth across the floor. When it comes time to clean and rinse your mop, make sure you do so thoroughly. You do not want to use a wet mop on your hardwoods so make sure and wring out the majority of the water into your water bucket. When the mop is simply damp, use it on the floor once again. Continue mopping until you have cleaned your entire floor.

4. Consider using a steam mop if you do not wish use any cleaner on your hardwoods. Steam mops are great because they gently lift dirt off your floors surface through the use of heat and steam. Follow the directions on the steam mop, making sure the brand that you purchase is safe for hardwoods. Bissell and Shark are both popular brands for steam mops. Gently glide the steam mop across your floor to remove any dirt and grime. The pads for these mops are machine washable so you do not have to keep replacing them every time you need to clean your floor.

5. Repeat your floor cleaning routine whenever necessary.