16 May 2009

5 Handy Tools to Use when Cleaning Hardwood Floors

To clean your hardwood floor you can use a vacuum cleaner, soft-bristled broom, dust mop, floor buffer, and a dust cloth.

Hardwood floors, apart from their aesthetic value, are also known for their durability. It is not uncommon to find old houses with original hardwood flooring still intact. Although hardwood floors are durable, they are still susceptible to damage and can become easily worn without regular cleaning and hardwood floor refinishing Bloomfield. You should know what things you will need for cleaning your hardwood flooring.

Vacuum cleaner

Dirt and loose dust particles are not only untidy to look at, they can also scratch the surface of your hardwood floors. Additionally, if these foreign particles are not removed they can become caked onto the floor surface and harder to remove later on. Vacuum cleaners provide homeowners with an easy way of removing dust and other debris. Most vacuum cleaners are large and upright, while others are hand held tools that can be easily maneuvered over tight spaces. Make sure to choose a vacuum model that will suit your hardwood floor size, as some also have specialized attachments made for vacuuming delicate hardwood floor.

Soft-bristled broom

Soft-bristled brooms serve the same purpose of a vacuum cleaner. This tool is good for sweeping dirt and dust away from your hardwood floor surface easily. Don’t settle on just any type of broom, as some have hard and rough bristles that are abrasive and can damage your delicate flooring.

Dust mop

The dust mop you use for your floor should have a removable head with a width that measures 12 to 18 inches. Dust mops are useful for dusting the floor regularly and removing traces of dirt. They can also be used for cleaning spills immediately. Liquid spills need to be wiped off right away to avoid staining over time which can cause the wooden floor to warp. There are also cleaning spray products made especially for use alongside a dust mop.

Floor buffer

Another useful tool for cleaning and maintaining hardwood floors is a floor buffer. Floor buffers are designed to clean and protect wooden floors. They are effective in dislodging caked dirt and grime without scratching the floor surface and leave the surface with an almost new-looking gloss and shine. Like dust mops, there are also cleaning agents that can be used together with a floor buffer. These liquid cleansers are usually sprayed on the floor area that needs to be cleaned and will make the cleaning process faster and more efficient.

Dust cloth

Stains on your hardwood floors are unpleasant to look at, and if they are left to sit over time, they could become stubborn and harder to remove. If mopping does not remove the stain, you might need to use a dust cloth and apply a stain removing agent over the stained area. Be sure to use a dust cloth that is not rough or abrasive. Micro-fiber cloths usually work well for the delicate surface of hardwood floors.

Maintaining and cleaning your hardwood floor with the right tools is important for preventing damage and to ensure longevity.

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