How to Dust Hardwood Floors

Whether it's a new or vintage home, after being out of vogue for several decades hardwood floors are back in style again. The problem with hardwood floors, however, is that they show dust much easier than carpet and they're not as easy to care for as tile or vinyl flooring. The wood-both the sealed or unsealed type-can be damaged if it is saturated with liquid. Caring for your hardwood floors beings with simple steps, like sweeping and dusting.

Things You'll Need

• Broom
• Vacuum with floor setting
• Dust mop
• White vinegar
• Floor dusting systems

Instructions

1. Sweep the hardwood floors. This should be done frequently, especially if you live in areas where there is a lot of dust, if you have indoor pets, or if there is a lot of foot traffic throughout your house.

2. Vacuum using the floor setting. This setting keeps the beater bar from scraping the floor. Vacuuming picks up dust and, if you are a pet owner, it controls fleas during the warmer months.

3. Use a dust mop, like the Dust and Scrub Mop from Always Brilliant. Its microfibers removes dust and dirt without the use of chemicals and the mop head is machine washable.

4. Make a dusting and cleaning solution for hardwood floors. Pour ¼ cup white vinegar into a 32-ounce spray bottle. Fill the rest of the bottle with warm water. Put the sprayer lid on and shake the bottle to mix the water and vinegar. Lightly spray the Dust and Scrub Mop, or any cotton dust mop, with the solution and dust the hardwood floor.

5. Use a floor dusting system like Swiffer or Bona Hardwood Floor Care System. These units have special mop heads that are designed to pick up dust, dirt and debris from hardwood floors.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't use oily furniture polish on hardwood floors. Not only is this formula not made for hardwood floors, it can leave them dangerously slick. Always check with the manufacturer's guidelines for your hardwood floors before using chemicals on your floor.

Resources

• Swiffer
• Bona
• Always Brilliant