Hardwood Floor Care Tips

Use the Right Hardwood Flooring Cleaner

Nothing fancy is needed for hardwood floor care. Just be sure you’re using hardwood flooring cleaner products and cleaning tools that are good for hardwood. Here’s how. Nothing fancy needed. Just be sure you’re using products and cleaning tools that are good for hardwood. Here’s how.

• Do your everyday upkeep with a broom, dust mop or vacuum cleaner. But use the “bare floor” setting or disengage the beater bar on your vacuum, and use a brush or felt vacuum head. Even better, use a wand attachment.
• Occasionally do a deeper clean with a mop. For example, use a hardwood flooring cleaner like Bruce Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner with a microfiber or terry cloth mop cover. We do not recommend mopping with water. However, if you do, wipe up any standing water to avoid damaging your hardwood.
• Use floor cleaners designed for hardwood. Avoid these and other similar harsh products: ammonia-based or wax-based cleaners, detergents, bleach, polishes, oil soaps, abrasive cleaning soaps, or acidic substances like vinegar. Some can scratch your floors. Worse still, some can strip the finish, leading to damaging the hardwood’s surface.
• Revive your floor as needed. A coat or two of Bruce Fresh Finish adds a layer of shine and protection, and can bring older wood floors back to life!

Hardwood Floor Care Requires Prevention and Protection.

Our homes are full of people, pets and things that could potentially cause damage to hardwood floors. But don’t fret! These simple steps will help protect your floors and let you enjoy living with them at the same time.

• Don’t let spills sit. Wipe ’em up immediately. Water and wood don’t mix. Water, especially standing water, causes warping and cupping. If you want a little leeway, check out our Hydropel 36-hour water-resistant hardwood flooring!
• Mats and rugs are a floor’s best friend. Stop dirt and moisture in its tracks, with a natural or colorfast mat at your exterior doors. They’ll trap small pebbles and other debris that can scratch your hardwood. Throw down breathable area rugs at the kitchen sink and other high-traffic areas to capture everyday spills and splashes. Avoid the ones with rubber or vinyl backings if possible—they can trap moisture.
• Trim your pet’s nails. The truth about cats and dogs is that their sharp nails can scratch floor finish. Keep them cut short. And if you’re just entering the market for hardwood flooring, check out dog-friendly flooring like Dogwood(R). It’s made from densified wood to resist scratching from your pet’s claws. Moreover, it’s water resistant to protect against pet accidents and spills.
• Leave your shoes at the door. Especially ones with spiky heels or treads that collect sharp pebbles and other debris.
• Use protectors on furniture legs. This will help reduce indentation. Choose wider ones for super heavy items. And please, never drag furniture!
• Minimize direct sunlight. Too much can fade all kinds of floors, including hardwood. Curtains help filter bright light.

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