Properly cleaning your hardwood is crucial to maintaining the beautiful look of your floors and here at Cypress Homes we are here to help! Dirt and gravel can be the downfall of your hardwood floor. Follow these “Do’s” and “Don’ts” to keep your floor looking like new.

HARDWOOD “DO’s”

1) Sweep Floor Regularly

Sweeping the floor with a broom frequently will keep the floor clean and naturally buff it.

2) Vacuum Floor Weekly

Fine grit and dust accumulate on your floor throughout the week. Vacuuming the floor not only removes surface dirt, but also sucks up grit built up within the cracks of your floor.

Be sure to use an attachment with a brush or felt surface to keep from scratching the wood. Also, refrain from using a vacuum with a “beater bar” designed for carpets, which could damage your wood.

3) Use cotton rugs in high traffic areas.

Covering high traffic areas with a cotton rug can help reduce the wear and tear of your hardwood. This is especially important during poor weather days when water, mud, snow and salt are brought into the home.  Make sure to move the rugs periodically to avoid discoloration in those areas.

HARDWOOD “DON’Ts”

1) DO NOT use household products to clean floors

Cleaning products not specifically designed for hardwood can cause permanent damage to your floors. Instead, find products designed for your type of hardwood floor. Avoid products such as: oil soaps, liquid or paste wax, products containing oil (citrus, lemon or tung oil), silicon or ammonia.

2) DO NOT use water to mop floors

Water can cause serious damage to wood, so it is best to avoid any exposure to it. Water can be soaked into the wood and cause warping or discoloration.

3) DO NOT use rubber and vinyl mats 

Unlike cotton rugs, rubber or vinyl mats trap water under them. This can cause damage and discoloration to the wood. 

Other Useful Tips

• Keep pets nails trimmed to help reduce scratches
• Consider installing sheer curtains to cut down on UV light that can discolor your floor
• Install felt to the bottom of all furniture to helps reduce scratches when furniture moves
• Don’t over water your plants as runoff can be very harmful to your floor.
• Use baking soda on a damp sponge to get rid of scuff marks