Whether you’ve installed wood on the ceiling, wall or as a traditional hardwood floor, you’ll want to make sure you keep your wood looking like new. Here are some tips and tricks on caring for your hardwood.
To remove dirt and debris, you’ll want to dry mop or vacuum the wood. If the material has been installed on a wall or ceiling, a microfiber cloth works great. You can vacuum using the soft brush attachment. Make sure you do not use the beater bar if you are vacuuming your wood floor, this may cause damage to the floor. Also keep an eye on the wear and tear of the brush and replace accordingly. A new attachment costs much less than replacing a scratched floor. Never use a steam mop or string mop and bucket on a hardwood floor. You will also want to avoid pretreated mops or dust pads, as these may contain petroleum based products that can leave a chemical residue on the floor. Hardwood flooring should be vacuumed once a week.
Refer to the care instructions you received with your hardwood product. Many manufacturers’ warranties are only valid if the proper cleaning products have been used on the floor. I’ve done a lot of research on this and most manufacturers will consider the warranty void if any of the following are used for cleaning: oil soaps, paste wax or any cleaners containing lemon oil, citrus oils, tung oils, ammonia or silicone. Many manufacturers also caution against using two in one cleaners or polishes to restore gloss. Most of the time the manufacturer will make their own brand of flooring cleaner that is safe for use. There are many different finishes available, everything from urethanes to oils to waxes. Deviating from what the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning products can actually lead to a damaged finish. If you don’t know what type of finish was used on your hardwood, my go to is to simply use a well rung out cloth with regular water.