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Hardwood floors are both beautiful and durable. They also need to be properly maintained, and this means knowing the right way to clean them. Everyone has a different method, many of which work well, even if they seem a little unorthodox. If you’re overwhelmed by the cleaning options and aren’t sure which will work best, here are some tips from a tile store Houston TX.

Make Sure To Pick Up All Of The Dirt

The very first thing to do when cleaning a hardwood floor is to sweep up any particles of dirt and debris that are lingering on them. These things can actually scratch the surface of the wood, causing it to dull over time. Ideally, you should run a vacuum over your hardwood floors every few days in order to pick up all of these little particles. Before you turn your vacuum on, ensure that it’s set for “hard surfaces” in order to be effective.

Don’t Let Spills Linger

It’s very easy to wipe spills off of your hardwood floor, so you really don’t have an excuse when it comes to this. Some things, such as mustard, pet urine, and even milk can remove the top coating of polish from your hardwoods. So, you need to be prepared. The second any liquid hits that floor, be ready with a paper towel or a microfiber cloth.

Use A Mop And Know All Of The Right Tricks

The mop is a simple invention that works great on hardwood floors. Make sure that the mop is damp, and not soaking wet, as that can cause some damage. There are also some tricks that you need to know to remove things like scuffs. If your floor has a few shoe scuffs, buff them out with a tennis ball.
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Use The Best Cleaning Solutions

There are so many cleaning solutions on the market that it makes people’s heads spin. For wood floors, make sure to pick on that has isopropyl alcohol in it. This makes the solution dry very fast.  Of course, you could always make your own solution from a gallon of warm water and a capful of white vinegar. This will take care of any remaining grime while leaving the overall finish alone.

What Not To Use

Do not, under any circumstances, use a steam cleaner on your hardwood floors. This device can damage the flooring! Also, any cleaning solutions that claim to add some polish or leave behind a shiny finish might be cleaning your floors, but they can actually make the dirt problem worse. The layers that these solutions leave behind can smudge, trap dirt and dust, and make more of a mess. Instead, stick with cleaners sold by the experts, such as tile store Houston TX.

Don’t Be Afraid To Have Your Floors Refinished

At a certain point, your hardwood floors will cease to be shiny, no matter how often they’re cleaned. This means that it’s time to have them refinished. This process involves sanding down the top layer and adding a new sealant. This should be done every ten years, or five if you have kids and pets.

Related:
Microfiber Cloths are a Popular Cleaning Aid
The Secret to Clean Hardwood Floors