Remove grit before cleaning your hardwood floor and wipe up spills before they soak into the wood. Use the cleaner and cleaning method your finish manufacturer recommends.
Remove dirt before using a cleaner
Sweep with a soft broom or use a vacuum's bare-floor setting. Give entryways and other busy areas extra attention where you track in sand. Use a clean microfiber pad and change it when it collects dirt so you do not spread grit across the floor.
Follow the finish and cleaner instructions
Choose a cleaner your finish manufacturer approves. Follow the label for dilution and application; some cleaners come ready to use. Avoid soaking the floor or using a steam mop. In its maintenance guidance, NWFA recommends finish-specific cleaners, prompt spill cleanup, and avoiding wet or steam mops.
Before trying vinegar, wax, an all-purpose cleaner, or a polish, check the finish instructions. If you do not know what coating is on the floor, ask for help identifying it before adding another product.
Protect the areas you use most
- Place entrance mats to collect dirt; check that their backing suits the finish.
- Fit protective pads beneath furniture legs and clean or replace dirty pads.
- Lift furniture into place instead of dragging it across the boards.
- Check the floor's care instructions for indoor temperature and humidity.
Check your furniture pads for trapped grit when you clean. For gaps or movement in the boards, ask a flooring contractor to assess the moisture conditions. NWFA explains the effects of swelling and shrinkage in its problem-prevention guide.
Clean spills and check marks that remain
Blot a spill as soon as you notice it. Use the approved cleaner for residue and follow the finish's instructions. For a pet accident, check that the cleaning product suits the coating before applying it.
Stop scrubbing if a dark mark remains or the coating looks damaged. You may need help with a stain below the finish. Read our guide to damaged hardwood boards to prepare for an assessment.
Separate cleaning from finish work
Dullness, exposed wood, and deep scratches can need different treatments. Read when to refinish hardwood floors to compare the treatments for your floor.
If you still see damage after cleaning, consider localized repairs or contact us about your floor.
