Do you have hardwood floors? If so, make sure extra care is taken when cleaning them. In order to keep your hardwood floors looking beautiful, there are not only things that you should do - there are also things that you should not do. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind when you are cleaning hardwood floors:

• Don’t clean all of your hardwood floors the same way.


Different hardwood floors need to be cleaned in different ways. It is very important to learn how to clean each hardwood surface in your home. When you have it installed, make sure to ask about the proper method to clean it. Make sure you do your research before you start cleaning. Sealed floors, oil-treated floors, and so forth all need to be treated in different ways. If you are moving in to a new house that has hardwood floors, contact the old owners about how to clean it properly or head to your local home and garden supply center and talk to a professional about cleaning your hardwood floors. Remember, it all starts with a little research.


• Don’t use tools that you use on other surfaces.


You can use mops, brooms, dustpans, cloths, and more to clean your hardwood floors. However, keep in mind while cleaning your hardwood floor, these tools should only be used for this process. Other surfaces can cause the tools to wear down or become damaged. This in turn can damage your hardwood floor. To be safe, you may want to make sure these tools are only used to clean your hardwood floor. This should include soft-bristle brooms, vacuum attachments, and more.


• Don’t use cleaners that aren’t made for hardwood floors.


Some cleaners are advertised as "multipurpose." However, these are not always the best options for your hardwood floors. Some cleaners are too harsh and can actually remove the finish from your hardwood floors. This can be hard to fix once damaged. In addition, some cleaners include "micro scrubbers," which work well on linoleum and tile, but create tiny scratches on wood. The wrong cleaners can also cause your wood look dull and dirty. If you want to use soaps and other cleaning products on your hardwood floors, make sure you are using products made specifically for hardwood floors. Ammonia cleaners and oil soaps can be especially damaging


• Do not allow your hardwood floors to air dry.


Wood expands and warps when it gets wet. Although your hardwood floors are probably sealed, they are still susceptible to water damage. You can use water to clean your hardwood floors, but make sure that you do not use more than you need. In addition, as you are cleaning your hardwood floors, make sure to wipe up all excess water. If you leave the water there, you are causing underlying damage and you could cause the wood to weaken and splinter below your feet.


• Don’t try to fix major damage yourself.


As you are cleaning your hardwood floors, you might notice some real damage. If this occurs, it is always a good idea to call in the professionals. Although you may want to try to fix this with a do it yourself project, real damage will only get worse if you do not know what you are doing. Make sure that the damaged area is noted so that everyone in your household avoids stepping on the effected area until it is fixed by hardwood flooring professionals.


• Do not ignore your hardwood floors.

Some people are afraid to clean their hardwood floors. However, this does more damage than good. Although you definitely need to make sure that you are being careful, if you let dirt and grime build up on your hardwood floors, you will find that the tiny pieces of rocks, food, and other dirt will cause scratches that you can’t fix without resurfacing. Ignoring your hardwood floors is never a good idea. You should clean them as soon as they are dirty or at least once a month.

Hardwood floors do not have to be a big issue when it comes to cleaning your house. Although they do require a bit of care, the extra time and effort is definitely worth the trouble. If you have hardwood floors in your house, make sure that you learn how to clean them properly. Learning what not to do is the first and best step you can take. As always, conducting a bit of research before you clean is a good start, and the more you learn the easier it will be to maintain the beautiful finish of your hardwood floors.

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About Author: Stephanie Larkin is a freelance writer who writes about topics and products concerning home maintenance such as the Shark Steam Mop