How to Mop a Hardwood Floor

Do not drench the mop in water when cleaning a hardwood floor

Hardwood floors are a durable and stylish choice for your home. To maintain their appearance, clean them regularly. Hardwood floors can become damaged and warped due from expansion when liquid pools on them. Avoid this kind of damage by using a minimal amount of water when cleaning. If something spills on the floor, wipe it up immediately. If you have wood floors in your kitchen, place area rugs around the sink and other places, where liquid is most likely to spill.

Things You'll Need

• Broom
• Vacuum
• Water
• Vinegar
• Spray bottle
• Mop
• Cloth

Instructions

1. Remove debris and dust from the wood floor with a broom or a vacuum that is safe to use on a wood floor (one without a beater bar).

2. Mix 1 quart of water with ¼ cup of white vinegar. Pour this solution into a spray bottle.

3. Mop the hardwood floor by lightly spritzing dirty or sticky areas with the spray bottle, then running a cloth mop over them. Using a spray bottle, rather than a bucket, ensures that excess water will not damage the wood.

4. Wipe up any excess water immediately by buffing it with a clean cloth.

References

• Mrs. Clean: How to Clean Wood Floors
• Wood Floor Covering Association: How to Clean a Hardwood Floor

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• National Wood Flooring Association: Regular Maintenance