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Over the last several years, homeowners and apartment tenants have been choosing to either install or reside in places that have hardwood flooring instead of carpeting – this is particularly true in New York City. In large part, this is due to the fact that carpeting becomes damaged and stained more easily and must be replaced over time, as well as the fact that it is not as aesthetically appealing to some. In addition, if you or one of your loved ones has any kind of allergies, it is also very likely that you have made the switch to hardwood floors.

However, when it comes to home or apartment cleaning, you have to know how to clean hardwood floors the right way in order to ensure that they do not become damaged or warped in some fashion. Not knowing how to clean your hardwood floors correctly could cause you to needlessly damage them and cost you thousands of dollars to replace them. So what are the best practices and methods out there when it comes to cleaning hardwood floors?

Before you begin cleaning, it is important to know what type of hardwood flooring you have, such as those listed here at Bob Villa’s website. Not all of this flooring is created equally, and as such, your flooring may require special considerations when it comes to home or apartment cleaning. If you are unsure, contact the manufacturer to learn if there are any special products or tools that you may need, or should not use, when cleaning your hardwood floors.

When it comes to home cleaning or apartment cleaning, in terms of preventative maintenance or light upkeep, using a vacuum is often your best option. However, not all vacuums are appropriate for cleaning hardwood floors, so it is important to make sure that you have a vacuum that is specifically meant for that purpose, such as these that have been selected by the experts at Floor Critics. Cleaning your hardwood floors with a vacuum at least once a week is generally recommended. You can also use a broom on hardwood floors if you so choose.

If the wood floor needs more than a slight vacuuming or sweeping to get it clean, then you will need a mop or floor cleaner to fully handle the situation. Hardwood floors do not always respond well to water, so pay special attention before doing any kind of mopping or steam cleaning. Here are some important things to keep in mind before cleaning your hardwood floors:

• In terms of cleaning solutions, the product you use to clean your hardwood floors must be both pH-neutral and specially designed for urethane-finished hardwood floors. If not, instead of cleaning your floor, you will just end up damaging it.

• If your hardwood floors have a coating on them that is comprised of wax, oil, or Monocoat, do not use water on them. Instead, you will need to purchase a specially designed cleaner for these types of finishes.

• When cleaning your hardwood floor with any type of water, always make sure that you are using distilled water, as it is less likely to cause mineral deposits or leave behind any discoloration.

While your cleaning method may vary based on your needs, generally speaking, the best procedure for cleaning your hardwood floors is as follows:

• Make sure all of your furniture has been cleared from the area;

• Vacuum or sweep the floor beforehand to remove any dust or loose particles from the area;

• Use a pre-mixed cleaner to ensure the floor gets the best possible shine;

• Mop up the cleaner afterward in small sections – the floor needs to dry as quickly as possible.

Cleaning hardwood floors may seem like a lot of work, and it is, but once you know how to clean your floors the right way, they will last for many years. If you would like more information on our home cleaning or apartment cleaning services, please contact cleaning services NYC today.