how to clean hardwood floor naturally without water

Many don't realize how sensitive hardwood floors truly are. They undoubtedly add a sense of luxury to a business firm, but they also crave the right maintenance.

The mode you clean hardwood floors depends on a few factors. These factors include things such every bit cease, whether they're sealed or unsealed, and age. If you're feeling unsure, don't worry, we've created the ultimate guide to cleaning hardwood floors.

• Why Maintain Your Hardwood Floors?
• Sealed vs. Unsealed Hardwood Floors
• Types of Hardwood Floor Finishes
• How to Clean Hardwood Floors
• How to Clean Old Hardwood Floors
• Additional Tips and Tricks
• Cleaning the Right Way

---

Why Maintain Your Hardwood Floors?

Hardwood floors are a luxury. Every bit you stride into a house, you're greeted with a warm feel and a subtle wooden odour that tin be so addictive. They add considerable value to a home and tin can last more than than a lifetime.

Just owning wooden floors also comes with its responsibilities. Declining to maintain your hardwood floors can modify the way they look and can even cause damage.

Thankfully, although these floors are sensitive, cleaning them isn't a hard chore. They crave minimum h2o and simply need to exist swept with a broom or vacuum. Deadening floors are also quick to set up, and y'all can use natural ingredients or specialized cleaners.

Sealed vs. Unsealed Hardwood Floors

You might have recently moved into a new abode with hardwood floors, just are they sealed? How would yous know?

First, detect a secluded area of flooring that's not too visible. Pour a tiny amount of water onto the area. If information technology gets captivated by the wood, the flooring is unsealed. If the droplets sit down on the wood, your floors are sealed.

Unsealed Floors

Unsealed floors are delicate and challenging to keep clean. Without proper maintenance, they can cease up looking dull in no time. So, when cleaning unsealed hardwood floors, there are a few things you should and shouldn't do:

• Do sweep and vacuum regularly: Removing grit and clay is an essential role of maintaining unsealed floors, and information technology should exist done whenever necessary. Cull your tools advisedly. For example, only use a soft-bristled broom or a specialized vacuum for bare floors.
• Practise care for with oil: Treating your unsealed floors with oil once a calendar month can help to keep them shining. You don't need to purchase an expensive product — jojoba or linseed will practise fine. After sweeping, apply the oil with a clean rag and terminate off past buffing the floors with a dry mop.
• Do employ wax: If yous want to add some extra shine, you tin can also wax your floors between cleanings. Choose petroleum-based and waterless waxes to avoid scratches or warping. Apply a sparse coat using a rag, and allow it to dry for at least one-half an hour. Buff it in using a dry mop.
• Don't use water: H2o is an unsealed floor'southward worst enemy. Without a protective blanket, the wood will absorb whatever liquid and swell. Y'all will end up with warping and cracks that are incommunicable to get rid of ⁽¹⁾.

Nonetheless, although unsealed hardwood floors are ultra-sensitive, yous can get a good result as long as you're gentle.

Keep In Mind

Cleaning products meant for hardwood floors aren't always safe for unsealed wood and can cause harm.

Sealed Floors

A finish protects sealed hardwood floors. The protective layer prevents moisture from penetrating and being absorbed. Then, cleaning your sealed floors is easier since y'all won't have to be as careful.

However, finished floors also need to be resealed in one case in a while. When to do this depends on the type of finish and wear. Generally, though, a practiced time to do it is when the floor begins to expect tedious, even after a deep make clean.

Some cleaning products reseal floors at the same fourth dimension. These do demand to dry for at least 30 minutes. Yet, resealing or refinishing your hardwood floors is generally best washed by professionals.

Types of Hardwood Floor Finishes

At that place are many types of finishes bachelor for hardwood flooring — each with specific benefits.

1. Water-Based Polyurethane

Polyurethane is 1 of the more traditional finishes. It gives the floor a smooth and wet look by using several coats. However, newer formulas are water-based and provide a clear cease.

Water-based polyurethane is available in semi-gloss and satin. Many high-gloss hardwood floors are prefinished in the factory, making installation much faster.

This blazon of hardwood flooring is easy to clean, thanks to the gloss. But it does require more cleaning considering dust, dirt and pet pilus tend to be quite visible. ⁽²⁾

2. Hard-Wax Oil

Difficult-wax oil finish is like shooting fish in a barrel to apply for DIY'ers. Information technology's an older way that'due south making a comeback. This finish gives the floors a lustrous end that's like shooting fish in a barrel to maintain.

You lot can clean the floors using a damp mop and occasionally use a specialized cleaner that adds smooth.

A drawback to hard-wax oil finishes, though, is its low durability and vulnerability to staining. It also requires frequent reapplication; experts recommend it exist refinished every two or three years ⁽³⁾.

3. Acid-Cured

Acid-cured finishes are incredibly durable and, therefore, oftentimes used on exotic woods and those with a smooth texture. These types of floors crave actress protection, so it's non recommended to practise more than clammy mopping.

Applying this finish isn't an easy job — certainly not one to practice yourself. For one, the formula is highly toxic during the curing process. Additionally, the curing procedure can last between iii days to a month, depending on humidity.

4. Oil Sealer

Oil sealers are another pop choice for do-it-yourself homeowners. They're like shooting fish in a barrel to utilise and non-toxic ^(iv). The finish won't dry as hard as polyurethane, but it brings out grain patterns and improves the color.

It as well gives the wood a natural low-gloss, which is perfect for traditional-style homes. Tung oil is the primary ingredient in oil sealers. Information technology's naturally-derived and, therefore, non permanent.

Oil sealers crave reapplication every 3 to 5 years ⁽⁵⁾. But, don't plan on going dorsum inside right after a refinish; it needs to dry for at least 24 to 48 hours and requires multiple coats.

Likewise, avert applying oils or waxes in an endeavour to restore shine. These floors are best re-glossed using a buffer or dry mop.

5. Aluminum Oxide

This is by far the most durable terminate available equally information technology lasts up to 25 years ^(vi). This type is oft used on engineered floors due to a thinner veneer that can't be sanded or refinished equally often.

These floors can be cleaned similarly to polyurethane finishes — regular sweeping or vacuuming, and damp-mopping sparingly.

If you want aluminum oxide floors, prefinished forest planks are your only option. This is considering of the awarding and drying tools and equipment used. However, because they're prefinished, the application will be much faster.

How to Clean Hardwood Floors

Getting a thorough clean on your hardwood floors isn't tricky. Bluntly, regular sweeping or vacuuming volition get rid of about dirt. Damp-mopping is too a life-saver when you demand to restore polish.

If y'all want to know exactly how to clean hardwood floors using different methods, look no further. You lot can choose from one of the methods below.

one. Naturally

Avoiding chemicals is one of the best ways to preserve your floors. Fortunately, most of the items in our listing of ingredients, you most likely already have in your pantry. Using all-natural products is also great for the environment and safer around children and pets.

Here are some of our favorite methods:

• Vinegar and water.
• Vinegar, water and constitute-based liquid soap.
• Tea bags.
• Vinegar and vegetable oil.
• Olive oil, lemon and hot h2o.
• Vinegar and vegetable oil.
• Warm water and borax.
• Blistering soda.

Warning

Using vinegar on hardwood flooring is controversial and care needs to be taken. Never utilise it undiluted and always dry out the floor once you're done.

Vinegar and H2o

Vinegar is one of the about versatile products you lot can find. Its high acidic levels make information technology effective at cleaning most stains and surfaces. Vinegar can easily make tough stains give up and is an excellent manner to go rid of bad odors.

To effectively clean your hardwood floors, mix vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Whip out your dry mop and spritz as you lot go forth. Because vinegar is so acidic, yous mustn't over-do it — half a cup in a gallon of water is enough.

You can also fill a bucket if you wish to clammy mop, only call up to wring out all of the actress water.

Vinegar, Water and Plant-Based Liquid Lather

When y'all need an extra-deep clean, vinegar and water might non cut information technology. Adding a bit of plant-based liquid soap can significantly enhance the mixture. Plant-based liquid soap is very mild and gentle on wooden floors.

Use one-eighth of a cup of vinegar and ane-eighth of a cup of liquid lather in a gallon of water. You can either damp mop the floors or use a spray canteen for like shooting fish in a barrel application.

If y'all want to add together some scent, use a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Our favorite for cleaning is lavander; it adds a lovely floral fragrance that lasts.

Tea Numberless

Black tea is high in tannic acids, making information technology another excellent choice for cleaning hardwood floors ^(vii). It's an easy method to apply, and no, you don't need to find giant tea numberless.

Let two tea bags soak in a pot of boiling water for a couple of minutes — no need to add sugar. Pour the tea into a bucket and utilise a clammy mop to wipe your floors gently.

The tea will bring subtle shine to the floors, making them look refreshed. Information technology'll besides add a calming scent.

If you lot like the spray bottle method, it'll piece of work just fine with tea as well.

Alert

Using tea to clean hardwood floors is controversial. It may void flooring warranties and should only exist used on nighttime-stained hardwood flooring and floor that's sealed.

Vinegar and Vegetable Oil

If you're extra careful with your floors, you might desire to stay abroad from water. Luckily, you tin even so make an effective cleaning solution using vinegar and vegetable oil. Only mix equal parts of vinegar and vegetable oil.

This mixture volition remove dirt and grime effectively while restoring some shine to your floors. Information technology is best applied using a spray bottle and dry mop to vitrify it in.

Notwithstanding, you might have to buff an area multiple times to get the oil in. If you get out the oil on the surface, information technology tin can concenter dust and dirt.

Olive Oil, Lemon and Hot H2o

This mix of olive oil, lemon juice and hot h2o works as a cleaner and a polish. It restores smoothen and won't streak. Olive oil is as well excellent for hardwood floors due to its moisturizing abilities.

Make full a bucket with ane gallon of hot water — it shouldn't be boiling water, simply plough your faucet to the hottest setting. Add three-quarters of a cup of olive oil and one-half a cup of lemon juice.

Then, stir the mixture using a wooden spoon until everything is combined properly. Dampen a mop and start at the furthest part of the room and piece of work your manner towards the exit. The procedure takes a chip of work since you lot might accept to go over sections twice.

Ane bright spot, though: because it's soap-complimentary, you won't take to rinse it. Just get out it to dry and savor your revived floors.

Warm Water and Borax

If you want more protection on your wooden floors, borax is a groovy solution. Information technology's a natural desiccant that dries water-damaged wood. Another great thing well-nigh borax is that it's a natural pesticide ^(viii).

Termites tin can speedily do damage to a wooden floor. However, borax kills termites, too equally other wood-enemies such equally fungus.

Dissolve half a cup of borax in a bucket with warm water. Then use a mop or sponge to clean the floor. The borax will leave your floors with a refreshed sheen.

Blistering Soda

Baking soda is another universal, natural cleaning product similar vinegar. It'south alkaline metal, but tin alter the pH level of an acrid when in contact ^(ix).

This is why baking soda is so constructive at removing odors. Nonetheless, if your wooden floors are unsealed, the baking soda could cause a stain, so please be careful.

All you have to practice is locate the troubled expanse and sprinkle some baking soda to cover. Scrub the spot briefly so remove the pulverisation with a damp cloth. Y'all may have to repeat if the stain is consistent, only the baking soda should get it off in no fourth dimension.

ii. With a Mop

Mopping is a crucial part of cleaning any floor. Merely, to effectively make clean hardwood floors, you demand to have the right mop.

Microfiber

Microfiber is one of the best materials to apply on hardwood floors. Information technology's soft and designed to pick upwardly a lot of dust and dirt without leaving streaks ⁽¹⁰⁾.

A microfiber mop with a hinge handle is especially handy. It allows you to motion effectually corners and furniture with ease.

Wet the microfiber pad in your cleaning solution. Wring it until damp, and identify information technology on the flooring. Most attach easily to the base of operations of the pole, and so you won't have to dabble effectually.

Spin Mop

Spin mops are very useful on hardwood floors considering you tin go a lot of moisture out without having to use force. The head of the mop is besides fabricated of a very soft material that'due south gentle on wooden floors.

Fill the bucket with your desired cleaning solution. Wet the mop, and utilise the spin to wring it thoroughly.

Spray Mop

A spray mop has a small container fitted that can be filled with a cleaner. Information technology has a spray office and then yous tin spritz wherever needed equally y'all go along.

The mop features a trigger at the top of the handle. Point and spray where needed and then glide the mop over the expanse.

You merely have to be careful not to overspray and always dry the surface area thoroughly when washed.

Steam Mop

Using a steam mop on hardwood floors is quite controversial. Some say it'southward fine, while others recall information technology's the biggest no-no.

However, steam mops marked every bit rubber for hardwood floors will mop up backlog water, leaving the floors almost dry out. Still, it'southward also but brash to use steam mops on floors that are properly sealed.

When using a steam mop, fill the small container with h2o and plug the mop into an outlet. Allow it to heat for equally long as stated in the instructions. One time heated, mop your floors as normal. The mop will begin to create steam equally information technology glides over the floor.

Steam Mops At Your Own Risk

Use a steam mop if you wish, but choose one for hardwood floors, and dry the surface area quickly afterward. Nosotros highly recommend a microfiber pad due to the soft material and minimum streaking.

iii. Textile and Spray Bottle

Cleaning hardwood floors with a fabric and spray bottle is quick and like shooting fish in a barrel. You tin can use a microfiber material to clean without leaving streaks finer.

This method is besides useful for spot cleaning. Merely spray the pocket-sized area and wipe with a cloth.

4. With a Vacuum

Using a vacuum is an constructive manner to get rid of dust, dirt and grime speedily. Even so, considering hardwood floors are so frail, it's crucial you choose the right vac.

Due to the hard surface, you won't be needing whatsoever special attachments; all y'all need is good suction.

Yous should also avoid any vacuum tools designed for carpets, such as beater bars, rolls and hard brushes. These will create deep scratches on your floors.

Opt for no attachments, or choose specialized dust brushes instead. These are soft and gentle on the wooden surface. Yous'll likewise observe vacuums specifically designed for hardwood floors. They usually come with suitable attachments and ability settings.

5. Without Water

H2o is wooden floors' biggest enemy. But luckily, you don't actually demand water to keep them clean.

Dry Mopping

Dry mopping is very effective at tackling dust and dirt. These types of mops are usually made of microfiber and take a swivel handle for easy maneuvering. Tackle your floors direct on or zig-zag your way down the hall.

Wax Paper

Similar to a dry mop, wax newspaper is effective at getting the scoop on clay and grit. Attach a piece of wax paper to a flat dry mop; yous might demand a slice of tape. Run it over your floors, paying attention to edges and corners.

Soft Broom

A soft broom might become your new best friend. It's quick to whip out and efficient at getting rid of grit bunnies.

Make sure y'all choose a broom with flagged beard. These are flared at the end — like dissever ends — and are softer and more effective with fine grit.

How to Make clean Onetime Hardwood Floors

Taking care of old hardwood floors isn't as straightforward as new ones. Here are a few tips to continue them clean without damage:

• Daily sweep: Sweeping daily will keep dust and dirt at bay, minimizing stains.
• Vacuum weekly: Marking a day in your calendar as a reminder to vacuum weekly. Frail floors can't handle the strong suction every twenty-four hours.
• Mop monthly: Water should be kept to a minimum when dealing with former wood. Just apply a damp mop once a calendar month to restore smooth.
• Remove spills: Every bit soon every bit you notice a spill or stain, wipe it off with a cloth.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Follow these tips to keep your hardwood floors clean and scratch-costless:

• Schedule cleaning: Having fix times to clean is not merely better for your floors, simply it can also be easier for yous. Marker your calendar for daily sweeps or vacuuming, and notice a good solar day every week for mopping. Hardwood floors don't crave deep cleaning often, so you lot can as well minimize your workload.
• Remove wet spills: Some other corking way to continue your floors healthy is by cleaning upwards spills immediately. This might go a tough chore for parents since wet spills are just part of the job. But leaving wet messes tin can create watermarks, damage, spots and stains. And then accept a few microfiber cloths at hand to quickly wipe away whatever mess.
• Use rugs: Placing a few throw rugs around the business firm tin can limit wear on your floors. Try to identify them in spots where scratches are more probable to occur, like under tables and chairs. Avoid rugs with a rubber underside — this can create a humid environment betwixt information technology and the flooring, leading to damage.
• Exit shoes at the door: Have your shoes off every bit soon as you enter your abode. Cleats and heels are deadly to hardwood floors since they tin exit dents and deep scratches. Perhaps put up a friendly reminder by the door so that anyone who enters will know to remove their shoes.
• Trim pet nails: If you take a loveable dog at home, keep those paws trimmed. As they run around, they can easily scratch the sensitive surface. Trimming their nails is also an of import part of their care.
• Doormats: To go along cleaning to a minimum, you likewise need to keep dirt to a minimum. Having a chump is a convenient manner to get out dirt and small stones outside. During winter and rainy days, pelting and snow tin can as well come inside via boots and shoes. These can cause h2o damage if non removed.

---

Cleaning the Right Way

Hardwood floors are delicate, but not impossible to maintain. They add great value to a house, and it can exist the investment of a lifetime. How you should clean your floors depends on whether they're sealed or unsealed (without a protective layer).

Hopefully, our guide has helped you to know exactly how to make clean hardwood floors. Just remember to exist gentle when sweeping or vacuuming and keep h2o to a minimum. Clean upwards spills as they happen, and your floors should exist more than fine.

Have y'all tried cleaning with natural remedies on your hardwood floors? Share your feel with the states in the comments department beneath.

Source: https://ohsospotless.com/how-to-clean-hardwood-floors/

Posted by: honakerfuleat.blogspot.com

Share this post