How to Clean Hardwood Floors

 
Our floors endure a lot, tirelessly supporting the safety, stability, and comfort of our homes. To ensure they continue to shine and withstand the significant responsibility they bear, it's crucial to implement proper maintenance and cleaning techniques.

Thankfully, caring for hardwood flooring can be a straightforward and low-maintenance endeavor - when done correctly.

Discover how to clean wood flooring, remove stains, and much more with guidance from our team of seasoned experts at Above All Flooring.
 

Hardwood Floor Dusting and Sweeping

 
Incorporating a daily dusting and sweeping routine is paramount for both the well-being of your home and the longevity of your hardwood flooring.

A microfiber mop with a reusable/washable microfiber pad is the perfect tool for this job!
The magic of microfiber lies in its exceptional ability to not only attract but also trap dirt, allergens, and other particles that routinely infiltrate your living space. Traditional brooms and vacuums are often less effective because they can blow dust back into the air. If you do use a vacuum on your hardwood floors, do not use a beater bar attachment as it can scratch your wood floor finish).

 

Hardwood Floor Mopping

 
Hardwood floor mopping should be done each week. Always use a wood floor mop and wood floor cleaning product diluted according to the label instructions (harsh chemicals and cleaners can permanently damage your wood floors).

Below are a few methods to tackle this project depending on the amount of time and desired level of cleaning.

Easy and effective hardwood floor cleaning:
For a swift, efficient, and hassle-free cleaning, a lightweight Microfiber spray mop is the ideal choice.
The Bona Premium Microfiber mop, in particular, stands out as an excellent cleaning tool for this project. This mop's spray trigger skillfully dispenses just the right amount of cleaning product, while the large cleaning pad effortlessly wipes away messes in a single pass. The cartridge is refillable and the mop head is reusable, making it an eco-friendly choice for conscientious cleaning.

Deep cleaning hardwood floors:
Regular deep cleaning of your hardwood floor every 2-3 weeks is a necessity to effectively remove dirt and stubborn debris. This becomes especially critical in the winter months when road salt is tracked indoors, potentially causing damage and introducing chemicals to your floor’s surface.

The best way to deep clean your hardwood floors is to start by closely surveying for caked-on food and stains (you'll be amazed at the hidden messes waiting for you when you take a closer look at your floor). Carefully use a thin, plastic tool (like a putty knife) to remove any stuck-on food particles and spots. Be especially cautious not to scratch the floor itself.


Next, use a spray bottle filled with your preferred wood floor cleaner to spray and wipe the hardwood floor, section by section. This can be done by hand using a Microfiber cloth or a dry Microfiber mop. Be sure to use product and water sparingly and not saturate the floor (too much water can cause warping and other issues).

Finally, use a fan or fresh air to dry the floor thoroughly and quickly. Never let water pool or sit on hardwood.
 

The Best Wood Floor Cleaner – Wood Kleen

 
For years, the dedicated team at Above All Flooring faced the daunting task of finding the perfect hardwood floor cleaner. After trying countless products, none quite met our exceptionally high standards. Fueled by our commitment to excellence, our flooring experts embarked on a journey to create the best hardwood floor cleaner for our clients. After meticulous experimentation, Wood Kleen was crafted.

Wood Kleen Hardwood Floor Cleaner is a remarkable blend of water and D-Limonene, a natural compound extracted from citrus fruit rinds, including lemons, limes, and oranges. This unique compound is obtained through the process of hydro-distillation, in which citrus peels are gently soaked in water and heated to release their volatile molecules via steam. When in its chemical form, it is referred to as "D-Limonene."

Thanks to its fresh citrus aroma, D-Limonene is highly sought after across multiple industries. This versatile compound is a common ingredient in food, cosmetics, and cleaning products. It also serves as a natural, eco-friendly insect repellent and an aromatic oil known for its calming therapeutic properties.

Our formula is not only gentle but also highly effective at removing stains, grease, lingering food residues, and persistent odors from a diverse range of wood surfaces including floors, cabinets, and furniture (while we love this product, we still advise performing a spot test on any surface as a precaution).

Most importantly, Wood Kleen leaves a naturally refreshing citrus scent, not a cloud of chemicals.

Above All Flooring offers Wood Kleen in two convenient options:
- 32 oz. pre-mixed spray bottle
- 8 oz. concentrate bottle (creates over 144 oz. of cleaning solution)

We also offer a complete wood floor cleaning kit, which includes a cloth mop, reusable mop head, spray bottle, and our signature Wood Kleen hardwood floor cleaning concentrate.

For more information or to make a purchase, please contact us!

 
 

Hardwood Floor Polishing

 
The natural wear and tear that hardwood floors endure can gradually diminish their once-gleaming appearance. Hardwood floor polish works by filling in small scratches and revitalizing dull wood through the application of a protective sealant. Nevertheless, it's crucial to recognize that not all floor polish products are of the same quality and may leave unsightly residues or exacerbate existing damage. Please be advised that improper execution of the polishing process can lead to expensive repairs or, in extreme cases, complete floor replacement.

Before embarking on any hardwood floor polishing project, we recommend consulting with a seasoned hardwood flooring professional like the experts at Above All Flooring. We provide complimentary consultations and would be happy to assist you in determining the best solution for your specific wood flooring needs.

 

Hardwood Floor Maintenance Tips

 
Hardwood flooring is a significant investment in the health and value of your home. The best way to protect your investment is proper maintenance and preventative care.

Here are some wood floor tips and tricks from the Above All Flooring professionals:

DO:
  • Use felt furniture pads wherever possible
  • Clean furniture felt pads often and replace them yearly
  • Use door mats outside and inside to trap dirt before entering
  • Try to remove your shoes before entering your home (besides avoiding floor scratches, this helps keep germs and dirt from entering your living space)
  • Wipe up spills immediately
  • Maintain a comfortable temperature in your home
  • If you have pets, keep their nails trimmed to avoid deep scratches
  • Always check with a flooring professional before applying polish

AVOID:
  • Using too much water and vinegar to clean hardwood floors (over time, the acidity will dull your floor's finish)
  • String mops (these put excessive amounts of water on the floor and just push dirt around)
  • Temperature extremes and humidity
  • Harsh chemicals, alkaline products, or abrasive cleaners
  • Oils, waxes, or furniture sprays
  • Murphy's Oil Soap for hardwood flooring
  • Putting plants directly on hardwood



 
 
 

Hardwood Floor Refinishing

 
Hardwood floors are a timeless and elegant choice for any home. Their enduring beauty and durability make them a favorite among homeowners. However, over time, even the most well-maintained hardwood floors can start to lose their luster due to wear, scratches, and general wear and tear. This is where hardwood floor refinishing comes to the rescue.

The need for refinishing varies depending on factors like the type of wood, foot traffic, and maintenance. In general, hardwood floors should be refinished every 7-10 years. However, if you notice significant wear, scratches, or dullness, it's time to consider refinishing.

Hardwood floor refinishing is a process that can breathe new life into your worn-out hardwood floors. It involves sanding down the top layer of the wood to remove imperfections, stains, and damage, then applying a fresh finish to restore its original shine and protect it from future wear.

When it comes to cost considerations, it's important to keep in mind that refinishing your hardwood floors can significantly prolong their lifespan while safeguarding the increased property value of your home. Hardwood flooring represents a wise and sustainable investment.

We understand that the prospect of hardwood floor refinishing may appear daunting. The process indeed spans several days and involves various intricate steps. That's why we recommend entrusting this task to a reputable professional wood flooring company like Above All Flooring. Our expertise ensures a seamless and stress-free experience, allowing you to enjoy the enduring beauty of your hardwood floors without the hassle.

If you would like more hardwood flooring information or to schedule a free quote, contact Above All Flooring today!