29 Sep How Often Should you Clean Hardwood Floors?

Hardwood flooring is one of the most popular options available and requires very little in the way of cleaning. They will need to be regularly cleaned to remove dust, dirt, environmental toxins, and biologics like bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can come in from outdoors.

In high traffic areas, it’s a good idea to vacuum or sweep every day if you have the time and clean with a damp – not wet – mop once a week or twice a week if truly needed. Areas that receive less usage can be swept or vacuumed once or twice a week and damp mopped once a month.

One of the best things about mopping hardwood floors is that they only require a mop that’s slightly damp to rejuvenate the shine and appearance. There are a number of “brooms” that utilize dry pads to remove dust and debris so you won’t have to drag a heavy vacuum around, along with “mops” that use disposable pads and very little moisture.

What you use to clean hardwood flooring is just as important as how often. There are a number of premixed formulas available at supermarkets designed specifically for hardwood floors. Whatever you do, never use ammonia, lemon juice, vinegar, alkaline-based cleaners, or oils/sprays used for furniture. Any of those products will damage the finish and/or sealant used on your floor.

Those are just general guidelines and will depend largely on variables such as the size of your family, the number of guests during the week, and how often you entertain. Those living in large cities can potentially come in contact with more environmental toxins than those in rural areas. People living in rural locales may have to contend with higher levels of dirt and dust. Just make sure your vacuum is designed to operate on hard surfaces.