If you’ve ever walked across your hardwood floors and wondered if they’re as clean as they look, you’re not alone—and they’re probably not. Day to day and week by week, a host of viruses and bacteria can find shelter within your hardwood, settling into the cracks and making regular disinfection important—not only for the cleanliness but for the health of your home. However, it’s crucial to get it right so you don’t risk damaging the floors.
Here is a comprehensive guide to disinfecting hardwood floors, courtesy of the experts at Yost Cleaning!
Your hardwood floors can only add that special charm to your home if they’re kept healthy and clean. Disinfecting your floors regularly helps eliminate bacteria and allergens, improves the air quality, and creates a safer environment for your family—on the other hand, it will also preserve their finish, prevent damage, and keep them looking fresh. It’s a key component of deep cleaning.
Before you get rolling on this important task, make sure you have the right supplies on hand:
This is the corner that most people cut, but doing so will only create more work for you later on: remove any furniture or rugs from the floor, so it is totally accessible. This not only ensures a complete disinfection but also prevents any cleaning solution from soaking into items that shouldn’t get wet.
Next, give your floor a quick sweep or vacuum to remove loose dirt and debris. This is extremely important! Any dirt and micro-debris left on the surface can scratch the wood’s finish while mopping.
Fill your bucket with warm water and add the recommended amount of your wood-safe cleaner. Dip your mop into the solution and wring it out so it’s damp, not soaking wet. Avoid excess moisture when cleaning hardwood, as too much water can cause the wood to warp or stain.
Mop the floor in small sections. Wipe along the grain of the wood to help remove grime without leaving streaks.
Lastly, you can apply disinfectant spray or use disinfectant wipes for specific spots. Be sure to apply it to high-traffic areas or places that seem especially dirty, like hallways, entryways, corners or around the baseboards.
After mopping, it’s crucial to dry your floors quickly and thoroughly. Use a soft towel or cloth to wipe up any leftover moisture. This will help prevent water from seeping into the wood and potentially causing damage. Be gentle and ensure the surface is completely dry before allowing anyone to walk on it.
With these simple steps, your hardwood floors will be cleaner, disinfected, and better protected from everyday wear.
While disinfecting hardwood floors is pretty straightforward, there are a few mistakes to watch out for. First, don’t use too much water, as that is one of the quickest ways to damage hardwood. Second, avoid harsh chemicals or cleaners not designed for wood floors, as these can strip the finish or leave unsightly streaks and stains. Lastly, don’t forget to clean your mop head regularly. A dirty mop can spread bacteria and dirt back onto your floor, defeating the purpose of disinfecting in the first place.
Disinfecting your hardwood floors is a simple way to maintain their shine and hygiene. But if you’re short on time, want to be sure it’s done right, or need a deep clean, Yost Cleaning is here to help. Contact our Johnstown cleaners today to get your floors spotless and protected, without the hassle!