Hard Wood Floor Cleaning
There are different hard wood floor cleaning methods employed for different types of hard wood cleaning problems. For example, if the house is flooded, hardwood floor in it would be invariably damaged. But there is a way to salvage such floor before mildew and mold can ruin it, i.e., as long as the wood is still wet. All that is needed is a little bit of brushing and mopping with some mild detergent, and any disinfectant. Vigorous scrubbing, however, is a must. The brush or broom used for the cleaning process must be of the stiffer variety.
It may sound ironic, but such floor would have to be washed with ample water. The reason is that mold and mildew require some organic material, silt, or mud to start proliferating. Of course, after washing the floor, wiping it dry with an absorbent cloth is a must. But if this entire process has not been possible in time, there is no need to despair.
Using some chemicals such as trisodium phosphate, and some bleach can still help to clean hard wood floor that has been flooded. However, such chemicals can hurt hands, so using rubber gloves while cleaning is advisable. At times, though, the mold reaches under the layer of paint. In such cases, there is no choice but to remove the finishing on the hardwood floor.
Many people do not know how to clean old hardwood floors, especially after such molds or mildews have started growing on them. Scrubbing and washing is fine. But caring for wood floors also means doing such things without scratching, or splitting the floor. It is not enough if the floor that has been washed is wiped with an absorbent cloth, though this procedure is a must. Find caring for wood floors, caring for wooden floors, how to polish wooden floors, how to clean old hardwood floors, how to clean prefinished hardwood floors and what to use on hardwood floors to clean.
Water may still remain somewhere within or around the wooden flooring. Logically, it may seem right to use some heat for evaporating any remaining moisture. But that would be a big mistake. Using fans to dry the moisture is the right way of caring for hard wood floors that were flooded and have been washed.
Hardwood floors are one of the common and easiest flooring types to keep clean. Unlike styles like carpeting, hardwood floors require some minimum maintenance and can last for even years. Clean hardwood floors that are running throughout a house can make the house look both spacious and beautiful. Maintenance methods to maintain and clean hardwood floors should not differ among types, but some finishes may need and require extra care when removing stains.
Here's how to take care of hardwood floorings: Sweep the wood floors often with a fine, soft bristle broom. Vacuum once or even twice a week to remove sand and dirt. Use a very soft brush attachment to minimize deep scratching. Since water is one of a hardwood floors worst enemies, get rid of any water right away. Remove the wet spills as soon as possible with some soft towels or even a wet/dry vacuum, then dry it thoroughly.
Use a very dry damp and useful mop when mopping polyurethaned wood floors, since some excess water can seep into seams and can destroy or ruin a wood floor. Consider using some carpet runners with non-skid pads over wood floors in very high traffic areas. Vacuum area runners and rugs often so dust and dirt doesn't filter down through the weave and unwanted scratch the wood underneath.
If it is possible, do not wear some heavy shoes or even high heels on hardwood floors, as some heels can damage and cause dents. Never drag any furniture or other objects across a finished wood floor. Instead, clean the floor extensive and thoroughly to remove grit and dust, then use safe gliding furniture pads underneath the piece to assist and aid sliding it across the floor. Install some floor mats at each entrance so owners don't track in dirt from the bottoms of some shoes. Be sure to carefully follow manufacturer recommendations to handle and treat flooring scratches and dents.
If an surface or area of the finish is damaged by water, it may be very difficult to fix it. Use some furniture pads to place under chairs and table legs and on the feet of armories and dressers. They can be bought and purchased at a local hardware store or even at home center. Some floors may also require periodic buffing and waxing. Get some recommendations from the makers or manufacturer for the specific procedures for a floor.