If you have hardwood floors, it is extremely important to clean them regularly. If you do not have hardwood floors, you could cause damage to your hardwood floors that cannot be repaired without refinishing the floors. This can be a very expensive process which can be avoided with proper care of your floor. It is also important to learn exactly how to clean your hardwood floors. This starts with learning about the different types of finishes. Every finish must be cleaned in a slightly different way to avoid damage.



The most common sealant for hardwood floors is a surface-sealer like urethane or polyurethane. Some floors are also sealed using polyacrylic. In any case, these types of hardwood floors are extremely easy to clean. They are water resistant, so you can use most general cleansers to care for these floors. Of course, you still do not want to leave puddles of water on your floor, but a damp mop works well. Start by sweeping the floor with a broom that has very soft bristles. Do not use a broom that has been used outdoors and might have small rocks in the bristles as this might scratch your hardwood floors. Then simply mop the floors using cold or warm water and use a soft towel to dry the floor when necessary.

Some hardwood floors are not treated with surface-sealed products. Instead, these products are sealed with penetrating sealants like oil finishes. These sealants soak into the wood and harden, and they are a bit harder to care for. You should use special cleaners made specifically for these cases in order to protect the floors. Wax products are usually recommended.

If the floors have not yet been treated, it is a good idea to avoid water all together. Use a broom to clean the floor and avoid soaps or any liquids, which could cause the wood to expand, warp, or rot. Floors need sealant to be protected. Remember, varnish, stain, and other kinds of products do not create a good seal on the floor. These products are not meant for the hard use a floor usually gets. Make sure you use a sealant as well!

When cleaning different finishes, keep in mind that your first step needs to be determining which type of hardwood floor you have in your home. If you cannot contact the person who originally installed and sealed the hardwood floor, do not just assume that it is surface-sealed. Instead, get down on your hands and knees to inspect the wood. Brush across it with your finger. If you create a smudge, the wood is not surface sealed and has instead been sealed with a penetrating product.

Even if your wood is surface-sealed, keep in mind that water is always going to damage your wood. Clean up spills as soon as they occur and use only a damp mop for cleaning. When water begins to soak into the wood, it could get past the sealant and into the core of the wood, causing the wood to rot. Rotting floor weakens, and you might begin to see your hardwood floor splintering. As you mop, go with the direction of the hardwood floor with your soapy water. Next, rinse the soap as you mop with clean water. In both cases, do not use more water than you need, and if you notice water damage like expanding boards or warping, contact a professional for help.

Although penetrating sealants are a bit harder to clean, as long as you are diligent with your use of waxing, you should not have moisture problems. Use a commercial product made for hardwood floors to strip off old wax and then re-wax the floors. Buffing your floor will also allow it to look shiny and new. There are many contractors who will do this for you for a small cost, but by following the directions on the packaging, it is not hard to figure out how to do it yourself either.

Remember, the best way to avoid damaging your hardwood floors is to clean them regularly. Both surface-sealed hardwood floors and penetrating-sealant hardwood floors should be cleaned whenever they are looking dull or dirty or at least one time a month. Taking this time out of your day can avoid real damage in the future, and this damage often costs tons of money to fix. So, it is in your best interest to clean your hardwood floors carefully as often as needed.

As you should realize, though, the kind of finish you have is important. If you are moving somewhere with hardwood floors, ask the old owners how they should be cleaned or talk to a professional. That way you can avoid any major problems with the hardwood floor as you clean it.