Difference between revisions of "Clean Hardwood Floors"
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#Immediately wipe up any wet spills on hardwood floors. No matter what your finish, you should never leave moisture to sit around on hardwood floors. It can damage the seal and the wood permanently if you're not careful. Wipe it up with a damp cloth, then dry the surface completely.<reF>http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/more-techniques/clean-hardwood-floors</ref> | #Immediately wipe up any wet spills on hardwood floors. No matter what your finish, you should never leave moisture to sit around on hardwood floors. It can damage the seal and the wood permanently if you're not careful. Wipe it up with a damp cloth, then dry the surface completely.<reF>http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/more-techniques/clean-hardwood-floors</ref> | ||
=== Cleaning Hardwood with a Modern Surface Seal === | === Cleaning Hardwood with a Modern Surface Seal === | ||
| − | #Choose the right cleaning agent. For general cleaning, choose a pH-neutral ,water-based cleaner, like those designed for vinyl floors or hardwood-specific cleaners. To dissolve grease and dirt, choose an alkaline, water-based cleaner: soaps, detergents, or a bit of baking soda dissolved in water will do, though should be used sparingly. To dissolve hard water or mineral deposits, choose an acidic water-based cleaner; white vinegar or lemon juice in water would make a good rinsing agent to this effect.<ref>http://www.mnn.com/your-home/at-home/blogs/fact-or-fiction-fresh-lemon-removes-hard-water-stains</ref> | + | #Choose the right cleaning agent. For general cleaning, choose a pH-neutral ,water-based cleaner, like those designed for vinyl floors or hardwood-specific cleaners. To dissolve grease and dirt, choose an alkaline, water-based cleaner: soaps, detergents, or a bit of baking soda dissolved in water will do, though should be used sparingly. To dissolve hard water or mineral deposits, choose an acidic water-based cleaner; white vinegar or lemon juice in water would make a good rinsing agent to this effect.<ref name="rf15960">http://www.mnn.com/your-home/at-home/blogs/fact-or-fiction-fresh-lemon-removes-hard-water-stains</ref> |
#*Specific hardwood floor cleaners, of course, are your safest bet. | #*Specific hardwood floor cleaners, of course, are your safest bet. | ||
#* Don’t use bleach, ammonia, abrasive cleaners, or anything that will leave a residue (ex. oil, furniture spray, wax). Not only will they damage the hardwood, but a few will even void the warranty on your floor. | #* Don’t use bleach, ammonia, abrasive cleaners, or anything that will leave a residue (ex. oil, furniture spray, wax). Not only will they damage the hardwood, but a few will even void the warranty on your floor. | ||
| − | #Dilute your chosen cleaning agent in a bucket of water. To avoid hard-water streaking, you may want to buy distilled water, which can be purchased cheaply at your local supermarket. However, a quick wipe down with a lemon juice and water mixture after cleaning will also prevent streaks, if hand dried afterwards.<ref | + | #Dilute your chosen cleaning agent in a bucket of water. To avoid hard-water streaking, you may want to buy distilled water, which can be purchased cheaply at your local supermarket. However, a quick wipe down with a lemon juice and water mixture after cleaning will also prevent streaks, if hand dried afterwards.<ref name="rf15960" /> |
#[[Mop a Floor|Mop your floor with the chosen cleaning solution.]] Dip a mop into a bucket of your cleaning agent diluted in water. Run it over the floor along with the grain of the wood, starting in the farthest corner and working towards a door so you never have to step on wet floors. Refill the bucket if the solution gets too dirty. | #[[Mop a Floor|Mop your floor with the chosen cleaning solution.]] Dip a mop into a bucket of your cleaning agent diluted in water. Run it over the floor along with the grain of the wood, starting in the farthest corner and working towards a door so you never have to step on wet floors. Refill the bucket if the solution gets too dirty. | ||
#*Remove your shoes. This will prevent you from marking or dirtying the floor while it’s wet. | #*Remove your shoes. This will prevent you from marking or dirtying the floor while it’s wet. | ||
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#Dust the floor with a lightly dampened mop. Dip a mop into a bucket of water, wring it out completely and run it over the floor with the grain of the wood. '''As long as you can still wring water from the mop with your hands, it’s too damp to use'''. Wash the mop often during cleaning and refill the bucket if the water gets too dirty. | #Dust the floor with a lightly dampened mop. Dip a mop into a bucket of water, wring it out completely and run it over the floor with the grain of the wood. '''As long as you can still wring water from the mop with your hands, it’s too damp to use'''. Wash the mop often during cleaning and refill the bucket if the water gets too dirty. | ||
#Spot-clean tough areas with a cloth and a touch of odorless mineral spirits. Though they are too strong for regular use, mineral spirits can be a great way to remove stains like white water spots. | #Spot-clean tough areas with a cloth and a touch of odorless mineral spirits. Though they are too strong for regular use, mineral spirits can be a great way to remove stains like white water spots. | ||
| − | #*Be sure to spot-test the mineral spirits on an inconspicuous area first. To do so, rub a small dot into the floor in an inconspicuous area (like under a couch). Return after 5-10 minutes to see if there is any damage to the floor.<ref>http://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/surface/how-to-clean-hardwood-floors/</ref> | + | #*Be sure to spot-test the mineral spirits on an inconspicuous area first. To do so, rub a small dot into the floor in an inconspicuous area (like under a couch). Return after 5-10 minutes to see if there is any damage to the floor.<ref name="rf15961">http://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/surface/how-to-clean-hardwood-floors/</ref> |
#Buff the floor dry with terry cloth (optional). Though this will give it a nice sheen, there should be almost no moisture on the floor, meaning you can also let it evaporate on its own. | #Buff the floor dry with terry cloth (optional). Though this will give it a nice sheen, there should be almost no moisture on the floor, meaning you can also let it evaporate on its own. | ||
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== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
