Hardwood floors look fantastic in just about any home. They can look even better within a commercial property. However, the problem in both instances is trying to keep them clean. Particularly in a commercial space, these floors will see a ton of foot traffic. This is much different foot traffic than what would go on around the home. Instead of cotton socks or bare feet walking across, business people are wearing shoes. Those shoes have likely been outside before stepping onto the floor, meaning some of the dirt and grime that they track will transfer onto the floor. As pretty as hardwood floors look when they are clean, it’s very apparent when an area of the floor is dirty or damaged. Fortunately, there are things any commercial property owner can do to keep their floors clean.
What is Hardwood Floor Cleaning?
Cleaning hardwood floors involves more than just sweeping and mopping. Regular maintenance includes vacuuming, dusting, and deep cleaning to remove embedded dirt and grime. Experts recommend cleaning hardwood floors at least weekly to maintain their shine and at least monthly for a thorough clean that includes appropriate wood cleaners.
Clean floors not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space but also contribute to a healthier indoor environment by reducing allergens. Moreover, well-maintained hardwood floors are less likely to suffer from damage, thus extending their lifespan and increasing the resale value of your property.
Investing in professional hardwood floor cleaning services is also a smart choice. Professionals use specialized tools and products designed for hardwood. This regular maintenance prevents the costly repairs and replacements that come with neglect.
Nine Hardwood Floor Cleaning Tips from Experts
Learn the best techniques and products to maintain your hardwood floor’s natural beauty and longevity.
Basic Mop and Bucket Cleaning
If you have ever worked in fast food, you know just how effective the simple mop and bucket can be. “Mop water” usually consists of just a basic cleaning solution and some water. The process here will be a different one. However, before even getting that far, be sure to dust mop the floor first. This will help clear any loose debris or dirt that may be lurking on the surface.
If that crud is still there when you go to mop, you’ll end up just pushing dirt around instead of actually cleaning it. Once everything is dusted, however, the mopping process can begin. The key to mopping is finding the perfect level of dampness for the mop before running it across the surface.
A good rule of thumb to follow is that you should be able to see some sort of water trail following the mop, but the mop should not be so wet that it starts leaving droplets behind. Mopping should happen twice; once with a mixture of water and cleaning solution and once with just water.
Be sure to choose a neutral solution, as an improper solution can damage the topcoat of the floor. The cleaning solution will take effect, but if left sitting on the surface too long, it can damage the floor. Be sure to mop a second time with just water to clear off the solution. This may be a bit of a tedious process for larger floor space, but it’s one that is worth the time.
Dry Floors with a Floor Fan or Air Mover
It may not seem like a big deal, but the method you use to dry a hardwood floor after cleaning it is an important factor. When most people think of a wet floor, they think of getting a towel (or maybe just some paper towels in a small area) and just wiping the surface down. While this will technically do the job of drying the floor, it can create damage.
The microfibers in a towel can scratch the floor and leave behind marks and damage. Instead, it is recommended to use either a floor fan or an air mover. This way, nothing comes into direct contact with the floor as it dries, and nothing damages it.
Be sure to dry the surface fairly quickly after cleaning. If too much moisture is left on the surface for too long, it can damage the floor and even cause it to warp.
