- 1). Sweep the floor daily, especially in high-use areas such as the kitchen and family room. Use a broom or an electric, hard floor vacuum sweeper.
- 2). Spot clean areas that are especially dirty as you find them. Areas around the kitchen sink, garbage can and kitchen table may need regular spot cleaning by rubbing with a damp microfiber cloth, with cleaner, if necessary. Spills should be wiped up immediately to prevent water damage to the hardwood.
- 3). Mop the floor with a damp -- not wet -- microfiber mop weekly, or as needed. If there is visible dirt, spray a light mist of hardwood floor cleaner or one part oil soap diluted with one part water, and immediately mop the cleaner away, removing the dirt.
- 4). Preserve your hardwood floor by laying rugs and runners in high traffic areas and place a mat or rug in front of the kitchen sink and stove. Use plastic trays, found at home and garden centers, under houseplants, and near the door to keep wet boots and umbrellas from sitting directly on the hardwood floor. Place felt floor protectors under the feet of couches, tables and chairs. Always lift the furniture when moving it across hardwood.
- 5). Wax and buff the hardwood every few years to maintain shine. Apply paste floor wax for hardwood on a completely clean floor, one small section at a time, then buff with a rented floor buffer. You can also hire professional floor cleaners for larger maintenance jobs such as buffing, waxing and refinishing.
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