7 Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Hardwood Floors

7 Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Hardwood Floors

By : Angelina
Many people prefer hardwood floors over carpets, tiles and other options when it comes to house flooring. It can add elegance to your space by increasing its overall appearance. However, before you opt for hardwood flooring, you must understand the care it requires. Such flooring may seem like an option that requires low maintenance, but you need to follow the correct technique and avoid mistakes. That will ensure it always looks beautiful and lasts long. Many people prefer to hire professionals who offer the best end of lease cleaning Canberra. They have expertise in cleaning all types of surfaces, including the hardwood floors, and are highly recommended during the end of lease period. The professionals can help you get back the security deposit without any conflict with the landlord. They also offer numerous additional services, including house cleaning. In case you want to perform the cleaning on your own and safely, you must have a basic understanding of such flooring. Here are seven mistakes to avoid when cleaning hardwood floors.

1. Using Wrong Vacuum Attachments

Not all the suction tools used in a vacuum cleaner are equal. So, you need to be sure about their effectiveness and safety before using them on a surface. Certain attachments can cause harm to the hardwood floors. An inappropriate vacuum head can leave scratch marks on wooden surfaces over time. That will leave more spaces for the dust or dirt to hide, making them more challenging to remove. Avoid any attachments that have a beater bar or a rotating brushes with hard bristles, as they can be too abrasive for the wooden materials.

2. Using Common Household Cleaners

Ammonia-based cleaners and vinegar are well-known in the household cleaning world for being versatile and economical. However, using such things on hardwood floors will be a mistake. While these products will undoubtedly remove stains, they will also cause damage to the wood’s finish by slowly eroding the surface. Not only that, baking soda and harsh bottled spray can wear down the protective coating on your hardwood floors. It is a common floor cleaning mistake that you should avoid. Using an oil-based cleaning product is highly recommended on such floors.

3. Overlooking the Importance of Dusting

Many people believe frequent mopping is more important than sweeping and vacuuming to clean a surface properly. However, this is not how things work when you have a hardwood floor. Always remember that the key to maintaining the beauty of your hardwood floor is to begin by cleaning dry. Vacuuming and sweeping are essential for hardwood care. Regular dusting can make a huge difference and make weekly mopping more effective.

4. Not Hiring Professionals

There is nothing wrong with following DIY methods to clean a hardwood floor. But sometimes, you need the help of professionals to carry out the task safely and effectively. However, many people avoid hiring cleaners to save some money, and that is a huge mistake. Your lack of knowledge can cause damage to the hardwood floor, and repairing or replacing the floor can be very costly and full of hassles. Professionals have a lot of experience and required skills that allow them to give you flawless results. That is why when moving out of a rental property that has a hardwood floor, it becomes essential to hire cleaners who offer professional end of lease cleaning Canberra.

5. Using a Dripping Wet Mop

People often overlook the important fact that water is the enemy of the hardwood floor. You might not be able to avoid small spills now and then, but it is possible to ensure that you follow the right technique while mopping such a floor. An excessive amount of water on the floor can cause problems as the floor can swell, fade the colour from different places and promote moisture growth. So, sip a rag in the cleaning solution and then wrong it properly before wiping a small part of the floor. Then immediately use a dry cloth to remove much moisture as possible.

6. Too Much Mopping

If you have a hardwood floor, then including the mopping in your daily cleaning schedule is a big mistake. It is one of the cleaning myths debunked by experts. Excessive mopping means too much water on the floor that can damage the seal of the floor. If you want the best result, mop your high-traffic areas only once a month and with the correct technique. And you should mop all the places that have less foot traffic once a month. Homeowners with hardwood floors often hire a professional end of lease cleaning company in Canberra once a week or fortnight.

7. Not Knowing About the Hardwood Surface

People often start cleaning their floors without knowing whether there is a wax finish on the floor or not. It is a mistake that you must avoid at any cost. So, the first thing you need to do is, check whether the hardwood floor is old or has a modern surface seal. The best way to test that is by placing a few drops of water on a hidden floor surface and waiting for a few minutes. If the drops remain as it is, then it is covered with a wax seal. But, if it is soaked or darkened the wood, then you need to be very careful.

The Bottom Line

Cleaning hardwood floors on your own can be challenging. However, you can make it a lot easier by avoiding the abovementioned mistakes. If you are selling your home or moving out of the rental property, you need professional help to clean the floor perfectly. Hiring professionals who offer the best end of lease cleaning in Canberra is also beneficial if you have a busy schedule or do not want to take a chance with your costly floor.