Cleaning oak or any other hardwood floors is not as tough as everyone makes it out to be. If you know the right of cleaning oak floors, it will be very easy for you. That’s why today’s article is about the right way you can keep your precious hardwood floors clean.
Vacuuming is the best way if you want to get rid of dust from your oak floor. If you need to be thorough with your cleaning, you can use liquid soap. However, you should not keep oak floors wet for a prolonged period.
Let’s understand these instructions a bit better.
Contents
How To Clean Oak Floors?
The cleaning procedure will be different depending on whether you’re deep cleaning or doing a regular cleaning. I’ve sectioned these separately for you to understand better.
Regular Cleaning
If this is a day-to-day cleaning we are talking about, you can simply vacuum the floor. If you don’t have a vacuum cleaner and you don’t intend to use one, there are always other ways to go for.
You can use a microfiber cloth to wipe the floors clean. The downside of this method is this can be a physically tiring job to do, especially if you have a large house.
Another thing to do is to go for a mop. Note that not all mops will be suitable for cleaning oak floors. Make sure that you’re investing in a mop that’s specifically made for hardwood floors.
These methods should be enough for your regular floor cleaning. However, if you want to do a thorough cleaning, you will have to follow other methods. Let’s take a look at them.
Deep Cleaning
The first thing to consider here is specific products made for hardwood floors. There are plenty of cleaners you can go for that are not too harsh or too mild. Make sure to read the label carefully.
Most of the time, the solution will require mixing it with a certain amount of water before using it on the floor. Use a microfiber cloth or mop and dip it in the mixture. Then, use the mop to clean the floor.
Always make sure to dry the floors after you’re done moping. Keeping the floor wet for a long time will result in damaging it permanently. If your home has a fan or air conditioning, you can use it to dry your floor quickly.
Removing Stains
Sometimes, spot cleaning is your best option if a certain area is affected. If cleaning does not work, you may have to refinish your oak flooring or do waxing on it. Note that how you can remove stains from oak floors also depends on the finish type you have.
If you have oil stains on the floor, using detergent with water will be very effective. Liquid soap or detergent will help break down any type of grease from the floor and make it as good as new.
Preventive Measures To Keep Your Oak Floors Clean
Prevention is always better than cure. If you let your floor become dirtier than usual, you will have difficulty cleaning it. To prevent this from happening, there are a few things for you to do and not do.
What To Do
- Be very careful before using any products on your oak floor. Read the labels to learn what you can do and what you can’t. Always follow the instructions strictly.
- Instantly clean any accidental spills. Also, use door mats to make sure that nothing unwanted travels through your feet.
- Only use products that are suitable for hardwood floors.
- Keep the floors regularly clean to make sure that there isn’t any permanent damage. The more frequently you clean, the less product you will use, and the longer your floor will last.
- Keep your furniture feet covered to make sure that the floor doesn’t get scratched. You need to be extra careful with hardwood floors because they are very easy to damage.
- Always trim your pet’s nails so that they don’t damage your oak floors.
What Not To Do
- Do not use home remedies like baking soda, lemon, or vinegar on your oak floor. They may be effective cleaners but they damage the hardwood and reduces its lifespan.
- Avoid keeping the floor wet for too long. Oak or any hardwood floors are water-resistant to some extent. However, they’re not waterproof. So, make sure they’re always dry, even after cleaning.
- Avoid wearing outdoor shoes on your oak flooring.
- Do not use any abrasive cleaners that contain harsh chemicals.
- Avoid steam cleaning your oak floors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vinegar suitable for cleaning oak flooring?
Many people use vinegar to clean their hardwood floors. It’s also a very effective method for cleaning. However, there is a downside to this method. It will damage your floor over time.
So, unless you absolutely have no other option to consider, using home remedies is not recommended. These include vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. All have the same effect on the hardwood.
What ingredients come in handy while cleaning oak floors?
A vacuum cleaner is the first thing to consider. You can also go for a mop or microfiber cloth. Get cleaning solution, steel wool, and floor wax near at hand. You can also use dishwashing soap to clean your oak floor.
Most of the cleaning products are pretty easy to find in any store. Make sure to dry the area after you’re done cleaning. Prolonged exposure to moisture will damage your oak floors.
Final Words
So, what are your thoughts on how to clean oak floors? I hope it isn’t much of a hassle. Remember that the more you’re careful about the floors while using them, the easier they will be to clean.
If you want to reduce the frequency of thorough cleaning, it’s better to take preventive measures. Keep the floors protected from things that you will have to clean later. And make sure that you’re taking care of accidental spills right away or you will regret it later.