Some do' and don'ts for cleaning
Adam Peters
This article is about how to take care of your hardwood floors by using the right solvents and employing the right method of cleaning.
If you are worried about how to take care of your hardwood floors, relax because this article will tell you about the essentials of cleaning the hardwood floors. If you do it the right way and regularly then you are sure to have beautiful floors for life.
Solid hardwood floors are most easily cleaned and if you take good care of them it will enhance it's appearance and also make them last long. Do not let dirt and grime make them look dull, since these create dents and scratches and spoil their smooth finish. Keeping this in mind you should follow a daily cleaning regime for your hardwood floors.
You have to keep in mind certain do's and don'ts to prevent the floors from getting dirty in the first place, other than daily cleaning. Use of floor mats at doorways is advisable to trap the dirt when someone enters. Make use of only neutral ph cleansers instead of harsh ones. While using a vacuum cleaner make use of the brush cleaner attachment. besides this use dust mops and sweep the floors regularly. Also be sure not to expose these hardwood floors to direct sunlight as it can result in discoloration. One can always use curtains or blinds to block the sunrays from coming into the room. Do not drag furniture over the floors and always put felt contacts at the legs of your sofas or tables so that they don't scratch the flooring. Most importantly, do not allow water to collect on the floor as this can cause great damage.
You have to check the condition of the floor before choosing a method to clean the hardwood floors. Check for chips or scrapes and see that it is not gouged in any part and see if the finish looks dull. If you find this then don't use water for cleaning as this can further damage it when the water penetrates the wood. However, if the finish is good then you can make use of a half damp mop. In case after all these efforts if you are still not satisfied with the results then it is time to go for a maintenance coat and get a wax polishing done. If you find water stains on the floor, take a no. 2 steel wool, soaked in water and rub on the stains. In case of cigarette burns you can use a mild soap solution.
If you have a hardwood floor with a polyurethane finish then all the furniture and rugs have to be moved away from the room. Make use of a vacuum or a broom to for dust first. Afterwards use a half dry mop with soapy water to clean followed by fresh water. Once you are done rub the floor dry with a clean towel. When using water, be sure to avoid seepage into the joints. (
http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com/bamboo_floor_cleaning.html ) cleaning bamboo floors are very tough and proper care is required while cleaning.
For cleaning hardwood floors that have an oily finish, you have to first either vacuum it or use an ordinary broom to remove the dirt and debris. Mix a neutral cleansing solution made specifically for this purpose and using a cloth clean the floors. Afterwards clean with a wet cloth followed by dry rubbing of the floor.
Adam Peters writes for
http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com .More (
http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com/bamboo_floor_cleaning.html ) articles on cleaning bamboo floors and bamboo floor problems at his web.
Categories
