How to Clean Hardwood Floors: Detail Guide and Useful Tips and Tricks

You might think cleaning hardwood floors is simple and that there is not much to it, and for a big part, you are actually right. 

However, there are quite a few dos and don’ts that you should keep in mind, as they can make your cleaning routine much easier and help you avoid damaging your hardwood floors.

An interesting fact is that the average time to clean 100 sq ft of hardwood floors is around 10-15 minutes, and people usually do it 2-3 times per week.  But if you don’t enjoy cleaning, with the right routine, you can do it both faster and less frequently. 

Let’s take a look at some hardwood cleaning tips and tricks, as well as practices to avoid.

Useful Tips for Cleaning Hardwood Floors

The most effective method to clean your hardwood floors, as you have probably seen a million times, is dry sweeping or vacuuming to remove the debris (bread crumbs, dirt, pet fur) and accumulated dust. After that, it’s best to follow up with a damp (but not wet) microfiber mop and a few drops of a hardwood-specific cleaner or a simple mix of water and a few drops of regular soap.

This is the basic routine that is tried and tested to keep hardwood flooring looking fresh and clean, but if you want to reduce the frequency of your cleaning sessions as well as provide some extra good looks to your hardwood floors, you can apply the following tips:

#1 For Stubborn Scuff Marks, Try Using a Tennis Ball

If you see stubborn scuff marks after your regular cleaning routine, you will be surprised at how effectively a simple tennis ball can be used to create a solution. 

Just cut a small X-shaped hole in the ball and attach it to the end of a broomstick. Use this advanced device to gently rub the scuff marks, and they’ll disappear like magic. 

The felt on the tennis balls is just perfect for this purpose. It’s abrasive enough to remove stubborn marks and soft enough not to damage the wood.

Tricks like this one can save you from getting on your hands and knees and help you to routinely clean scuff marks.

#2 Use Dryer Sheets to Dust Your Hardwood Floors

Dryer sheets aren’t just for laundry; you may be surprised to learn that you can use them to dust your hardwood floors. 

They are very practical for this purpose as they have antistatic properties, which help repel dust and pet hair and make it stick to the sheet instead of floating around. 

You can attach a dryer sheet to your regular dust mop or broom or simply use it by hand. This method leaves a pleasant scent on your floors, and it’s the best way to keep dust at bay for a longer period of time.

#3 Use Black Team to Clean Hardwood Floors Periodically

Black tea is probably another household item you didn’t expect to see on this list. To use it for cleaning hardwood floors, you just need to brew strong tea, about 4-5 bags in 1 liter of water, and let it cool. 

The tannic acid in black tea is very effective at removing dirt and stains, as well as adding a layer of natural shine to hardwood. 

Simply dampen a cloth with the tea, clean gently, and buff dry. This method is especially good for lighter wood, and as an added bonus, it leaves a pleasant scent in the house. It’s a great way to add a touch of shine to your floors without harsh chemicals, but it should only be done every once in a while to prevent buildup (3-4 times a year).

#4 Use Entry Mats

It might not seem like much at first, but entry mats around your house can make a world’s difference. Good quality mats are designed to trap most dirt, moisture, and debris from shoes. 

The most effective mats (rubbers and coarse fiber) have both scraping and absorbing properties that can reduce dirt buildup in your home by up to 80%. 

This method is most effective when using outdoor and indoor mats. Larger mats are generally better, and you should ideally aim for a mat that allows 3 to 4 steps for optimal dirt removal. 

What to Avoid When Cleaning Hardwood

Now that we have covered the basics of cleaning hardwood, along with some useful tips and tricks that can make your cleaning routine much easier, it’s time to address some of the mistakes that people commonly make when cleaning hardwood floors.

Don’t let your hardwood floors like this after only a couple of years use

#1 Don’t Use Too Much Water

Water is wood’s worst enemy, so be careful not to overdo it when cleaning. Too much moisture can seep into the wood, causing it to swell, warp, or even crack. When mopping, wring out that mop until it’s just damp, not soaking wet. Think of it this way: if you can see water pooling on the floor, you’re using way too much. Stick to a barely damp mop, and your hardwood will thank you by staying beautiful for years to come.

#2 Don’t use Harsh Cleaners

This one is big, and we have witnessed hardwood floors being refinished due to the harsh chemicals more than we like.

Harsh cleaners that promise to make your floors sparkle like new are a big no. These often contain chemicals that can strip away your floor’s finish or leave a nasty residue. 

Stick to cleaners specifically made for hardwood, like Bona or Murphy Oil Soap. 

Also, the Simple homemade solutions we talked about earlier are the best way to go about cleaning hardwood floors. Mixing warm water and a few drops of dish soap works wonders. 

And don’t forget our secret weapon—black tea is gentle and effective, smells nice, and gives your hardwood floors a fresh-looking shine.

#3 Don’t Skip Regular Sweeping

Another thing to keep in mind is that letting dirt and grit hang out on your hardwood floors can lead to permanent damage to the surface. They might seem harmless, but those tiny particles are like sandpaper under your feet. Every time you walk, you’re essentially pressing them against the hardwood and scratching up your beautiful floors. 

Over time, this leads to a dull, lifeless look that’s hard to fix without a pricy refinishing.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – the ins and outs of keeping your hardwood floors looking great.  It’s not rocket science, but learning a few useful tips will serve you well in the long run.

Stick to gentle cleaning, sweep regularly, and don’t be afraid to get creative with tennis balls or tea. 

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be able to keep your hardwood looking fantastic without breaking a sweat. And who knows? You might even start to enjoy your cleaning routine.