How to Clean Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors add beauty and warmth to any home, but keeping them clean, protected and in great shape can feel tricky. Whether you’re dealing with scratches, stains, or everyday dirt, knowing the right cleaning methods can make all the difference. Let’s dive into the best ways to clean and maintain your hardwood floors so they stay stunning for years to come.

Why Proper Hardwood Floor Cleaning Matters

Hardwood floors are an investment. With the right care, they can last a lifetime, but improper cleaning can lead to a damaged finish, scratches, dullness, or even warping. By using the correct techniques and products, you’ll protect your floors and keep them looking their best.

The Basics of Hardwood Floor Cleaning

Daily Cleaning: Sweep or Dust Mop

To keep dirt and debris from scratching your floors, sweep or use a dust mop daily. These tools gently remove dust particles, debris and pet hair without causing damage to the wood or the finish.

Weekly Cleaning: Vacuum Carefully

Vacuum your floors once a week using a soft-bristle attachment or a vacuum designed for hardwood. Avoid vacuums with a beater bar, as they can scratch the surface and damage your finish.

How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

You’ll need:

• A safe hardwood floor cleaner designed for your type of floor finish (check your floor manufacturer’s recommendations). Check out our hardwood floor cleaning products here.
• A cotton mop head, microfiber mop or a soft cloth
• A bucket of warm water (if using a water-safe cleaner)

Step 2: Prep Your Floors

Remove any debris or dust using a vacuum (do not use a rotating beater brush when vacuuming hardwood floors), broom or dust mop to prevent scratching.

Step 3: Mop Gently

Dampen your mop with your cleaning solution. Wring it out well—your mop should be damp, not wet. Excess water can damage hardwood floors.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

After mopping, rinse the mop with clean water, wring it out, and go over the floor again to remove any cleaner residue. Dry the floor with a soft towel to prevent water spots.

What Not to Use on Hardwood Floors

Avoid these products to protect your floors:

• Harsh cleaners like vinegar, ammonia or lemon juice (too acidic)
• Steam mops (they can cause warping). Shop our hardwood floor safe mop collection here.
• Cleaning solutions that are not designed for your flooring’s type of finish.

How to Handle Stains

Removing Stains

• Wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining. If you are left with black spots, see our article on tannin and black spot removal.
• For grease or fat stains use Mafi’s Spot Stop, for stubborn stains like wine, black spots, pet urine or coffee, we recommend Mafi’s Spot Remover.

Preventing Damage to Hardwood Floors

• Use Mats and Rugs: Place mats at entrances and rugs in high-traffic areas.
• Protect Your Floors From Furniture: Add felt pads to furniture legs to prevent scratches. Read this article for tips on preventing your furniture from sliding on hardwood floors.
• Clean Up Spills Quickly: Wipe up any liquid as soon as possible to avoid damage.

How Do I Know When Refinishing or Maintenance Oil is Needed?

• Dry Spots: When you notice dry or rough spots on your floor, it may be time to apply a maintenance coat of oil. Mafi Balsam Oil, Ciranova Maintenance Oil and Rubio Monocoat Renew can all be used to add luster back into an oil finished floor. This is done on average once a year in a residential setting.
• Deep scratches and gouges: Occasionally your floor may need to be refinished. When that time comes, use a high quality finishing oil that nourishes and protects your wood while enhancing hardwood flooring's natural beauty. We recommend Rubio Monocoat 2C Oil, Ciranova UN1CO or Hardwaxoil Magic  or Mafi Professional Oil these environmentally friendly products will leave your flooring with a beautiful finish and a home that is safe for you and your pets.

FAQs About Hardwood Floor Cleaning

Can I use water to clean my hardwood floors?

Yes, but only in small amounts and with a damp mop. Too much water can warp and damage the wood

Are vinegar and baking soda safe for hardwood floors?

No. Vinegar and baking soda are too abrasive and can dull or damage the finish.

How often should I clean my hardwood floors?

The frequency of cleaning your floors will depend on how much traffic and use they are exposed to. Typically, once a month is recommended for most residential settings, but you may need to mop more often if you have heavy foot traffic or pets.

Can I use a steam mop on hardwood floors?

No. Steam mops can cause permanent damage by forcing moisture into the wood. Remember, water and moisture are hardwood floor’s enemy.

FAQs About Special Hardwood Products

What does Special Hardwood Products offer?

We provide high-quality wood finishing products from trusted brands like Rubio Monocoat, Ciranova, and Mafi, designed to protect and maintain your hardwood floors.

Do you sell products for oil-finished floors?

Yes, we offer a range of products specifically designed for cleaning and maintaining oil-finished hardwood floors. Do you sell any products for cleaning non-oil finished floors? Yes, Ciranova’s Hard Floor Fresh is a universal, water based cleaner that can be used for the routine cleaning of varnished floors, LVT, laminate floors and floors finished with waterborne oils.

Can I get advice on caring for my hardwood floors?

Absolutely! Contact us for expert advice on cleaning, finishing, and maintaining your hardwood floors.

Final Thoughts

Caring for hardwood floors doesn’t have to be complicated. With a regular cleaning routine and the right products, you can keep your floors looking as good as new. For all your wood care needs, trust Special Hardwood Products to provide the tools and advice you need to protect your investment. Looking for premium hardwood floor cleaning supplies