How to Properly Maintain Your Hardwood Floors

by Kevin Smith Author

Wooden floors give homes a touch of vintage class. But to keep these beautiful boards looking shiny, they need routine care and maintenance so that they'll last for years to come. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean local hardwood flooring in Chicago.

1. Remove trash, dirt, or debris

First, clean the surface by removing any foreign items, trash, or debris. You can do this by simply sweeping with a broom or electrostatic mop that can pick up dust and dirt. Vacuum cleaners can also be used provided they have rubberized wheels that won't scratch your floors. Make sure that the brush head is retracted before you start cleaning, so you won't leave any marks.

2. Mop the floor well

The strands of your mop need to be slightly damp, not soaking wet, as leaving droplets of water on hardwood may damage it. Use this to thoroughly wipe the floor and remove dirt that's hardened over the boards. You can also use a spray-on cleaner. Spritz this product onto the surface and immediately mop it up. Make sure that you work in sections to evenly distribute the substance.

3. Put a premixed wood filler on light scratches

Wait until your boards are dry, then apply some premixed wood filler onto a putty knife and push it into the light scratches on your floor. This product will close up any shallow marks on the wood permanently.

4. Apply your chosen type of floor polish or wax

Once the filler is dry, apply polish. You can choose a low- or high-shine product that restores your floor's original finish and adds a protective layer to prevent scratches. You may also use special wax to restore older wood boards and give them a nice satin finish.

Spray the polish on a single section and pass a flat mop head over it. If you're using wax, put some product on a rag and work it into the boards. Whichever you decide, make sure you apply in a single direction following the grain of the wood.

If you don't have the time to do this yourself, you can hire a contractor who can take care of your local hardwood flooring in Chicago. Just make sure that you periodically maintain it to keep it looking brand new.