Chumasande MatiwaneWood floors are a big financial investment and a key design element to the interior of your house. The proper cleaning maintenance is essential. Using the wrong cleaning solutions and tools can affect the surface of the wood, strip and dull the finish, eventually causing warping. These are the four things you should never do when cleaning your wood floors.
Excessive amounts of water
Using excessive amounts of water and over-mopping are some of the biggest mistakes to avoid when cleaning wood flooring. Wood and water aren’t the best of friends. Whether your floors are sealed or unsealed, wood remains highly susceptible to moisture. So using too much liquid during the cleaning process can warp and, over time, damage your wood floors. Since wood is a porous material, always wring out excess water when using a mop and never let water sit on the floors for long periods of time.
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Avoid harsh cleaning chemicals
Always avoid using harsh chemicals or any abrasive cleaners when cleaning and polishing wood floors. You should never use cleaning solutions like bleach on wood flooring, as they strip the finish of the wood. Bleach substances leave your floors dull and vulnerable to scratches. Not only do surface scratches and a dull finish take away from the wood floor’s visual appeal, but they can also cause further damage.
Using the wrong vacuum
Vacuuming before mopping your wood floors is an important step to maintaining your floors. It removes crumbs, dirt, and debris so you don’t spread them around when cleaning. But using the wrong vacuum attachment can be a problem. The key is to use the correct vacuum attachment, as there are some that can scratch the floors and cause permanent damage.
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Never use steam mops
Steam mops may seem like the better solution, but they’re one of the worst things you can use on your wood floors. The combination of heat and moisture can damage both the finish and the structure of the wood flooring. These steam mops can create residue buildup, making the floors slippery, and even interfere with the finishes of the wood.
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