Keeping Your Hardwood Floors Beautiful
Hardwood floors are an investment worth protecting. With proper care and maintenance, your floors can last a century or more while maintaining their natural beauty.
Daily and Weekly Cleaning
Daily Care
- Use entry mats at all exterior doors
- Sweep or dust mop high-traffic areas
- Wipe up spills immediately
- Use felt pads under furniture
Weekly Cleaning
For regular weekly cleaning:
- Vacuum with hardwood floor attachment (no beater bar)
- Use a microfiber dust mop for fine particles
- Spot clean sticky areas with a damp cloth
Deep Cleaning (Monthly)
Once a month, give your floors a thorough cleaning:
- Remove all furniture and rugs from the room
- Vacuum thoroughly, including corners and edges
- Use a pH-neutral hardwood floor cleaner
- Apply with a flat mop, working in sections
- Buff dry with a clean microfiber cloth
What NOT to Use on Hardwood
- Vinegar or ammonia: Damages the finish over time
- Steam mops: Heat and moisture cause warping
- Wet mops: Standing water damages wood
- Oil soaps: Leave residue buildup
- Wax on polyurethane finishes: Creates dull, sticky buildup
Preventing Damage
- Keep humidity between 35-55%
- Use window treatments to prevent sun fading
- Trim pet nails regularly
- Use protective pads when moving furniture
- Remove shoes at the door
When to Refinish
Your floors may need refinishing when you notice:
- Wear patterns in high-traffic areas
- Gray or dull appearance that cleaning cannot fix
- Scratches that catch when you run your hand across
- Water no longer beads on the surface
Most hardwood floors can be refinished 3-5 times over their lifetime, depending on the thickness of the wear layer.
Recommended Products
We recommend using Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner for regular maintenance and Bona Polish every 2-3 months to restore shine without buildup.