Wooden Floor Spring Cleaning Guide

Spring is the best season to achieve that sparkling clean, extra healthy, free of dust, and overall very cosy and beautiful look and atmosphere for your home. Your floors do not make an exception and they should be one of the main points in your Spring cleaning list. Especially when it comes to hardwood floors, you should prioritize their proper housework routine during the rest of the year and consider a more thorough cleaning during this time of the year.

With Spring comes the April showers and even though we are excited about the flowers, there are a few more things you should finish before you can enjoy the beautiful seasonal plants. Since Springtime in many areas of the world equals a lot of mud and dirt, make sure that you pay special attention to your wooden floors and you will be able to enjoy them for decades in the same flawless condition and appearance. Make sure to keep reading this Spring cleaning guide if you are a proud owner of a beautiful solid, engineered wood, or parquet floor.

One of the main goals of every Spring cleaning process is to remove all the dust and dirt collected in your home during the winter months. Dust comes with a lot of allergens and bacteria you don’t want in your home if you want to enjoy a healthy and clean indoor environment. You are lucky enough to own a beautiful wooden floor that comes with a lot of benefits and advantages over the other hard and soft bottom covering alternatives on the market. One of the main benefits of wood is that it does not collect as much dust and dirt as other options, carpets for example. Thanks to natural materials such as hardwood, softwood, and plywood, wooden floors are naturally a more hygienic, healthier option.

However, this does not mean that wooden floors do not need regular care and attention and you can skip them during your Spring cleaning routine. Instead, make sure to clean and maintain them properly and all your love and care will pay off. Get rid of all the dust and dirt, otherwise, you risk the wood floor finish being damaged and stripped off which will make your floor vulnerable to unwanted staining, dullness, scratches, and scuffs.

Real wood floors can increase the value of every property and create a unique and welcoming atmosphere of warmth, cosiness, elegance, and beauty. You already know that these floors need special attention and a proper cleaning routine. Thankfully, this does not mean that you will have to spend a lot of time, energy, money, or elbow grease to achieve perfect results. Still, being able to achieve an efficient and suitable cleaning routine can take up years and years to figure out. To add to the fact, there are still some debates over which way is the right way to thoroughly clean (or Spring clean) your hardwood flooring. To save you all the hassle and stress, today we are providing you with the most effective, effortless, and suitable strategy plan!

Wood Floor Spring Cleaning Do’s

Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions:

• Consult Guidelines: Begin by reviewing the manufacturer’s care instructions for your wood floors. Adhere strictly to these guidelines and avoid untested products.

Test New Products:

• Perform a Spot Test: If you want to try a new cleaning product, first test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t damage the finish.

Implement Preventive Measures:

• Use Floor Mats: Place mats at entryways to catch dirt and debris.
• Remove Shoes: Avoid wearing shoes indoors, especially in bad weather, to prevent damage and dirt accumulation.
• Keep Cleaning Cloths Handy: Have rags or cloths available for quick cleanup of spills and stains.
• Protect Floors from Furniture: Use floor protectors under furniture legs to prevent dents and scratches.
• Place Rugs in High-Traffic Areas: Use rugs and mats in busy areas, near the kitchen sink, and under pet bowls.

Care for Pets:

• Wipe Pet Paws: Clean your pet’s paws after outdoor walks to reduce dirt and debris.
• Trim Nails: Keep your pet’s nails trimmed to prevent scratches on the floor.

Choose Appropriate Cleaning Products:

• Select Wood-Specific Products: Use cleaning solutions designed specifically for wood floors and suitable for your floor’s finish. Contact a local refinishing expert for recommendations if needed.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Stick to gentle cleaning solutions like water with soap or a small amount of vinegar to avoid damaging the finish.

Regular Vacuuming:

• Vacuum Weekly: Vacuum your floors at least once a week, more frequently in high-traffic areas. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment designed for hardwood floors to avoid scratches.
• Consider a Lightweight Vacuum: Opt for a lighter vacuum to prevent damage from dragging a heavy machine.

Immediate Spill Cleanup:

• Act Quickly: Wipe up spills and dirt immediately to prevent damage. Keep cleaning supplies readily available for quick responses.

Alternative Cleaning Methods:

• Dust with a Dry Mop or Broom: Use a dry mop or broom for dusting if you prefer not to vacuum.
• Use a Microfiber Mop: A mop with a microfiber head is effective for capturing dust and dirt.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your wood floors looking pristine and extend their lifespan while enjoying a clean and fresh home environment.

Wood Floor Spring Cleaning Don’ts

Avoid Incorrect pH Cleaning Products:

• Do Not Use: Cleaning solutions and soaps with a pH above or below neutral.
• Reason: These can damage your floor and its finish significantly.

Skip Waxes, Oils, and Furniture Sprays:

• Avoid: Using waxes, oils, or furniture sprays unless specifically recommended for your floor type.
• Reason: Waxes and oils can leave a residue, making maintenance difficult and time-consuming.

Never Use Ammonia or Abrasive Cleaners:

• Avoid: Ammonia, abrasive, and alkaline products.
• Reason: These can strip away the finish and damage the wood.

Limit Lemon Juice and Vinegar:

• Use Sparingly: Lemon juice and vinegar in small quantities.
• Reason: Excessive use can damage the floor’s seal and finish.

Avoid Wax on Certain Finishes:

• Do Not Use: Wax or wax-based cleaners on polyurethane, varnish, lacquer, shellac, or oil finishes.
• Reason: Wax is not compatible with these finishes and can cause damage.

Minimise Water Use:

• Avoid Excess Water: When mopping, always use a slightly damp mop.
• Reason: Excess water can damage the floor and its finish.

By following these guidelines, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure your wood floors remain in excellent condition throughout the spring cleaning process.

Springtime Maintenance of the Wood Floor’s Finish

The frequency of your finish maintenance routine, as well as the method chosen, depends only on the type of flooring and finish you have. Each style of wood flooring and finish has its style of maintenance routine and we highly recommend you leave any heavy-duty and more challenging maintenance job in the safe hands of experienced professionals instead of making DIY attempts that can end up catastrophically.

In addition, the frequency of the finish maintenance routine can sometimes depend on your preference. For example, pinewood flooring tends to develop this vintage look over time. If you intend to get this look and you are sure that the floor’s finish is not damaged and still strong enough to protect the wood, there is no need to get rid of the finish yet. Keep in mind that commercial spaces and areas that experience very high traffic also have their specific maintenance requirements and should be treated accordingly.

Hands down, if you are planning a sanding and refinishing treatment, Spring is a good moment to hire a professional team and start the process. It will give your floor that fresh new start it needs, it will ensure extra protection against water, moisture, stains, scratches, etc., and it will improve the appearance and get rid of the dullness and the worn and tired look.

So happy mopping and let the big Spring cleaning begin!