Experts Share Tricks to Keeping Your Hardwood Floors Looking New

If you’re wondering how to clean hardwood floors so they look beautiful and retain their shine for years, the key is to clean them often and methodically. After all, floors face the most significant wear and tear in our homes. Think about all the dust, dirt, grime, and debris brought in from the outside or that accumulates by wearing shoes inside the house.

As Real Simple reports, allowing wood floors to get too dirty is not only unclean and unsanitary, but it can also damage the wood itself, which is expensive to repair, refinish, or at the very worst, replace. By cleaning hardwood floors regularly with just a few tools and natural products, they can last longer. Follow these tips for cleaning hardwood floors naturally from Melissa Witulski, the business operations manager for Merry Maids.

How Often Should You Clean Hardwood Floors?

According to Merry Maids, you should lightly clean hardwood floors a few times a week. Then once a month (or more often if necessary depending on foot traffic), mop your wooden floors to deep-clean the wood and make them shine. To avoid frustration and extra work, pick a good time for cleaning hardwood floors. The best time is when activity will be minimal, like when everyone is out of the house.

Witulski suggests quick regular cleanings a couple of times per week to keep floors from getting too dirty: “The best way to clean hardwood floors is to use a microfiber dust mop to remove dust, dirt, and whatever other particles were brought into your home. The microfiber dust mop will not scratch your floors as some vacuums might.”

Considerations Before You Get Started

Check If the Floors Are Sealed

Before cleaning your hardwood floors, it’s essential to know what type of finish has been applied to the flooring. Is the floor sealed with a polyurethane finish? If a drop of water sits on the surface, then the floor is sealed and can be cleaned with a water-based solution or steam cleaners.

If the drop of water is absorbed quickly, the sealant is worn away or was never applied. If the floor is unsealed, you want to limit the water used for cleaning. “When you need to do a deeper clean, use a damp microfiber cloth (as needed) and dry immediately with a dry microfiber cloth,” says Witulski.

Invest in a Quality Vacuum

If you have a lot of hardwood in your home, you might want to invest in a cordless vacuum cleaner for hardwood floors. If dogs or cats are in your home, look for a vacuum for pet hair that’s also good for hardwood floors. For those looking for something more hands-free, a robot vacuum designed to clean both hard surfaces and carpet is a sound choice. (Some robot vacuums for hardwood floors can also mop.)

How to Clean Hardwood Floors With Vinegar instead of Chemicals

What You Will Need to Clean the Whole Floor

  • Dry microfiber dust mop
  • Broom or vacuum without beater bar (optional)
  • Large bucket
  • Distilled white vinegar or cleaning vinegar
  • Wet microfiber mop

Step 1: Clear Clutter, Dirt, and Debris

Always start your floor cleaning by picking up any clutter and removing small items, such as area rugs, from the floor. This will help create a faster, easier cleaning experience.

Next, remove loose dust and soil. You can use a broom or a vacuum without a beater bar (the beater bar can damage hardwood surfaces) to clear away the debris.

But the best choice is a microfiber dust mop. The fibers in the mop attract and trap the dirt, and you can then toss the mop head in the washer so you have a clean mop each time.

Step 2: Mix Cleaning Solution

In a large bucket or sink, combine 1 gallon of water with 1 cup of distilled white vinegar or 1/2 cup of cleaning vinegar. If you decide to use a commercial hardwood floor cleaner, follow the product instructions carefully. Only use the amount as directed to avoid waxy buildup, which can make wood floors look dull.

Step 3: Mop Hardwood Floors

Dip a clean microfiber mop into the solution and wring the mop until it is just damp and not dripping. You do not want to apply excess water to the floor.

Start at the far corner and work toward the door until you have cleaned the entire room. Rinse the mop often (wring until slightly damp!) as the soil is transferred from the floor.

Step 4: Let Floors Dry

Allow the floor to air-dry before walking on it. Remember that excess moisture can damage wood floors. Turn on ceiling fans or add a circulating fan to help speed up the drying time. This way, you can walk on the floor sooner and replace any rugs or floor items you previously cleared.

What You Will Need to Clean Wood Floor Cracks

  • Bowl or small bucket
  • Distilled white vinegar
  • Soft-bristled toothbrush
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Handheld vacuum or vacuum with crevice tool (optional)

How to Clean Hardwood Floor Cracks

Older wood floors and poorly installed hardwood can have cracks between the boards that trap dirt and dust. These cracks can worsen during periods of low humidity when the wood dries out. Removing the dirt and debris that becomes trapped is easy but a bit time-consuming.

Step 1: Divide the Floor Into Small Sections

Clean in small sections, starting at the furthest corner of the room and working your way to the door. This technique is helpful so you can pick up where you left off if you can’t clean the entire room at once.

Step 2: Mix Cleaning Solution

Combine 2 cups of warm water and 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar in a small bucket. 

Step 3: Scrub Cracks

Dip a soft-bristled toothbrush in the solution and shake until just damp. Gently scrub the cracks, then wipe away the debris with a soft cloth. You can also vacuum it up with a handheld vacuum or a vacuum with a crevice tool.

Step 4: Clean Floors

Once the cracks have been cleaned, clean the floor as usual by dusting and mopping, following the steps above.

How to Keep Your Hardwood Floors Clean Longer

To help your hardwood floors stay clean longer, try the following tips.

  • Wipe up spills immediately. Excessive moisture can discolor floors, and sticky residue only attracts more dirt. A shop vac or wet/dry vacuum can be helpful in these situations.
  • Dust mop daily (or at least weekly). A quick swipe with a dry dust mop (especially through high-traffic areas) will capture loose soil, grit, and dust that scratches hardwood floor finishes.
  • Place doormats inside and outside entrance doors to catch dirt. Don’t forget to clean the mats regularly.


Photo Credit: Andrey_Popov / Shutterstock.com