Eco-Friendly Hardwood Floor Cleaning & Maintenance Between Professional Services
At Myers Clean, we’re dedicated to eco-friendly cleaning practices that keep your floors looking beautiful while minimizing environmental impact. Hardwood floors are a timeless feature, and with proper care, you can maintain their elegance between professional cleanings. Here’s how you can care for your hardwood floors using safe, effective, and pH-neutral cleaners (we use Bona Hardwood Cleaner) that preserve both the wood and the planet.
1. Sweep and Dust with Sustainable Tools
One of the simplest ways to keep your hardwood floors in top shape is through regular sweeping or dusting. Choose eco-friendly microfiber dust mops or brooms made from sustainable materials. These tools are gentle on the wood and effective at capturing dust and debris without harming the floor's finish. We recommend sweeping two to three times a week, particularly in high-traffic areas, to prevent the buildup of dirt that can cause scratches.
2. Tackle Spills Quickly
Hardwood floors are sensitive to moisture, so it's important to clean up spills as soon as they happen. Use a reusable cloth or a biodegradable paper towel to blot the spill rather than scrubbing, which can damage the wood’s surface. Afterward, lightly mist the area with a pH-neutral hardwood cleaner that’s free from harmful chemicals. This will ensure the wood is thoroughly cleaned while preserving its finish.
3. Clean Regularly with pH-Neutral Hardwood Cleaners
When cleaning your hardwood floors, it's crucial to use a product that is both safe and effective. Look for pH-neutral cleaners, such as Bona Hardwood Cleaner, that are specifically formulated for hardwood surfaces. These products maintain the floor’s finish without introducing harmful chemicals into your home or the environment. They effectively remove dirt, grime, and spills while keeping your floors in pristine condition.
Here’s how to use a pH-neutral cleaner for best results:
Lightly mist the cleaner onto your floor.
Use a microfiber mop to clean the surface, ensuring it’s not overly wet.
Allow the floor to dry quickly, avoiding any excess moisture that could damage the wood.
Regular cleaning with pH-neutral products helps preserve the integrity of your hardwood while promoting a healthier indoor environment.
4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals and Steam
To protect your floors and the environment, avoid harsh chemical cleaners, steam mops, and abrasive materials. Products containing bleach, ammonia, or vinegar can damage hardwood finishes over time, causing dullness or warping. Instead, stick with eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaners that are gentle on both your floors and the planet.
5. Ditch Outdoor Shoes Indoors
One of the simplest ways to protect your hardwood floors is by adopting a no-outdoor-shoes policy indoors. Shoes worn outside can track in dirt, grit, and moisture, all of which can damage the surface of hardwood floors. Encourage family members and guests to remove their shoes upon entering the home, which will help keep your floors clean and reduce unnecessary wear.
6. Natural Protection for High-Traffic Areas
Furniture and foot traffic can take a toll on hardwood floors, but there are eco-friendly ways to protect them. Use felt pads made from sustainable materials under furniture legs to prevent scratches, and place natural fiber rugs or runners in high-traffic areas. Cotton, wool, and jute rugs are great options that are both durable and biodegradable.
7. Maintain Optimal Humidity with Energy-Efficient Devices
Humidity plays a significant role in maintaining hardwood floors. Too much moisture can cause the wood to swell, while too little can lead to cracking. Use energy-efficient humidifiers and dehumidifiers to keep indoor humidity levels between 30-50%. This helps preserve the structural integrity of your floors while minimizing energy consumption.
8. Schedule Eco-Friendly Professional Maintenance
Even with regular upkeep, professional deep cleaning is essential to maintain the longevity of your hardwood floors. At Myers Clean, we use eco-friendly cleaning methods and products that are safe for your floors and the environment. Our deep cleaning services target areas that are difficult to maintain with routine care, leaving your hardwood floors revitalized and protected.
By following these sustainable tips—like removing outdoor shoes and using pH-neutral, eco-friendly products—you can maintain the natural beauty of your hardwood floors between professional services from Myers Clean. Regular care not only keeps your floors looking their best but also supports your commitment to a greener, healthier lifestyle.
