House Cleaning Tips

Professional housekeeping services helpful tips for hardwood floor care

The durability of hardwood flooring is one of the reasons it is one of the most popular choices on the market today. They not only look beautiful but they are a lifetime product that can add resale value to any home. Even if you use professional housekeeping services you may notice dirt is more visible on hardwood floors then on carpet which is why hardwood floors may seem like more work. Keeping a routine will keep your floors looking beautiful and save you time and effort in the long run.

• Daily Up keep – A daily wipe down with a dry microfiber cloth will keep dust to a minimum and will also help you defend against scratches and damage. The benefit of using microfiber is that it uses static electricity to trap dirt and allergens rather than pushing it around. This is what makes microfiber more effective than a broom. Avoid lifting your mop off the floor when you clean as it will keep the dirt trapped on the pad. This task can be done between visits with professional housekeeping services.
• Weekly Vacuuming and Mopping– There will be some areas that are hard to reach and will not get cleaned as part of your daily routine. The following tasks can be done by you or left for professional housekeeping services. Vacuuming and wet mopping are the best ways to get dirt out of those hard to reach areas, especially the spaces between wood panels where it can gather. Be sure to use a hardwood floor attachment on your vacuum to avoid damage. If your vacuum has wheels be sure to check them for debris to prevent any scratching. When it is time to mop remember that water needs to be used sparingly. Too much water can cause damage to the floor. A light spray of hardwood floor cleaner like Bona will do the trick. Bona is commonly used by residential home cleaners. Do not scrub to hard, it is best to be gentle.
• Monthly task- Every month or two it is a good idea to give your wood floor a polishing. This will renew the finish on your floor. Polishing will also help to fill in any tiny scratches that are not visible to the human eye. This will even out the protective finish and help to extend the life of your floor. Polishing is not an overly complicated task but it is very beneficial. This is a service that is possible to obtain through professional housekeeping services.
• Yearly Deep Clean- We tend to abuse wood flooring especially when it is in high traffic areas like living rooms, kitchens, and walkways. It is recommended to do a deep cleaning of your hardwood floors every 3-5 years. This deep clean will include sanding and refinishing. This will repair any visible damage and will leave your floors looking brand new.
• Things to avoid- While vinegar is a favorite of many when it comes to DIY cleaning tools it is not recommended by house cleaners for hardwood floors. Soap based cleaners as well as wax or steam cleaners are also not recommended. These tools may have their place but they can dull the finish of the floor and even leave residues. Steam cleaners use heat and water which can contribute to damage in the long term.
  

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