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Hardwood floors LOOK great, but can be tricky to clean. Here are a few tips to keep your new (or old) floors looking fantastic with as little fuss as possible:
1. Remember - Wood and Water Don't Mix - When you think of washing any other type of floor, the first thing you think of is a good old mop and bucket filled with sudsy water. NOT SO with your wooden floors.
2. Is Your Floor Treated? How your wooden floors are treated will change how you need to wash them. Many newer floors are treated with polyurethane and experts say it's more like you're cleaning THAT than the actual wood itself.
3. Easy Does It - Sweeping Dry sweeping or sweeping with a Swiffer cleaner (or similar cleaning mop) with very lightly moistened cloths will usually do the trick. Always test your floor in an inconspicuous area FIRST before trying any new cleaner to make sure it doesn't react in a strange way.
4. To Wax or Not to Wax Another tricky question! If your floor has never been waxed before, you shouldn't start. It's very difficult to remove. Check with your flooring manufacturer to make sure - but generally nowadays waxing your hardwood floors is a real no no.
When in doubt, ask! Ask a flooring expert in your area, especially if they are the ones who installed the floors for you. Generally, it's pretty safe to use a VERY lightly moistened mop or cloth (with nearly all of the moisture wrung out of it) and a little all purpose cleaning solution or our favorite - VINEGAR. If you're getting new hardwood floors installed, be sure to have the pros show you exactly what YOUR floor needs to stay looking its best.
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