Cleaning your home is always rewarding. Wooden floors are expensive, and you want them to be sparkly. Then you notice the dirt and muddy paw prints from your dog. You start to consider what type of cleaning tool you should use and realize the wrong choice could leave you with ruined hardwood floors. Wood is not just a material. It is alive. It breathes. It reacts to heat, water, and swelling. If you are using a tool with an excessive amount of water, you could really damage the wood. Homeowners all around the country are dealing with the same concern. They want a clean floor without the worry of dealing with all of the permanent damage. This is what the following guide will do. It will help you find the best mop for wooden floors while keeping your house looking clean and airy.

Why Does Wood Flooring Require Extra Care?

Wooden floors are an investment, and they increase value to your home. They are warmer to walk on than tile or stone floors. But wood does not like standing water. Water can get between the planks and lead to wood rot or mold. Most wood floors have a protective seal, but water can still get through. Use a mild cleaner. Be careful because harsh chemicals can eat away the seal. If you are going to use a mop, make sure it is not soaking wet. Microfibers and Real Wood Floors

Microfibers are considered the best materials for cleaning real wood floors. Microfiber cleaning pads have microscopic synthetic fibers that trap dust and hair, so you can clean the floor without having to use too much water. Microfibers are perfect for day-to-day cleaning. With a little water, the cleaning pad is perfect to clean the floor and still keeps the moisture level to a minimum. A real wood floor surface can be cleaned in seconds after cleaning, not minutes.

Selecting the Best Mop for Your Home

Every household is unique. A simple spray mop could work if you have a small apartment. It’s also easy to clean and easy to store. On the other hand, a large house with kids and pets may require a more powerful mop. Swivel head mops are good for getting underneath sofas and around chair legs. Look for comfortable handle grips, and especially ones with height adjustability to relieve back pain and allow you to clean for longer without getting fatigued. 

Cleaning Stains on Wood

Sometimes stain cleaning is not as straightforward as a simple wipe, especially when you have sticky residue and dried juice. Instead of a metal scraper, try a damp cloth with some pH-neutral soap. Make sure to go with the wood grain when rubbing the stained area so you lessen streaks. After the stain has been successfully removed, make sure to dry the stained area with another clean towel so there is not a wet mark. Wood is especially sensitive, so be careful not to cause dark marks with small puddles.

The Importance of Spray Mops in Daily Cleaning Tasks

Mops have changed the way we clean floors. Spray mops have a built-in tank to hold the cleaning solution. You pull the trigger to spray a fine mist of solution on the flooring. It is much safer than using a bucket of water. You have full control of the amount of liquid that reaches the floor. Most mops have disposable pads that can be washed and reused. This is great for the environment and saves you money. They are excellent for last-minute cleaning when company is coming.

What is on your floors?

Not all cleaning tools work the same. When looking for a mop, it is important to know you are finished. Is your floor waxed or surface sealed? Newly built houses have surface-sealed floors. They are much easier to clean and can withstand the moisture, while older waxed or oiled floors are more sensitive. They are sealed and require special cleaning products that replenish the oil. If you are not sure, test it. Drip a few drops of water on a corner of the floor that is not noticeable. If the water beads on the surface, it is sealed. If the area darkens, it is likely not finished or waxed. This test gives you a heads-up on how much effort you need. Steam Cleaning Wood Floors

The main reason steam cleaning has become so popular is because it kills germs. Instead of using soap, steam cleaning uses heat. Sounds good for a healthy home. However, a lot of floor manufacturers advise against steam cleaning. Since steam is really hot, it can push moisture deep into the wood. Floors can get steam cleaned once a month or never to be on the safe side of a warranty. If you do steam clean, ensure your floor is perfectly sealed. Don't leave the steam mop sitting in one spot.

Best Your Floors Without a Cord

Cords can be a major hassle. They get tangled up in furniture, and they can limit how far you can go. That is why most people are switching to battery-powered tools. A steam mop cordless feature is the ultimate freedom. Your range is limitless, and you won't have to stop for any reason. A lot of these have rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which is enough power for an average house. Battery-powered steam mops can be a bit heavier due to the battery, but the ease of use is worth it. They essentially turn a big chore into a quick task.

Using the Correct Soap to Clean Your Floors

Faded wood and dull cabinets are an all-too-common problem, and the most trusted cleaning supplies are cheap mops and all-purpose cleaners. Look for a cleaner that does not increase or decrease the pH level, as these soaps tend to be neutral and do not damage the wood finish. The protective coatings are stripped away from the wood floor when cleaning supplies with high acidity, i.e., lemon juice, are used. Premium wood cleaning fluids or mopping soaps increase the life of your wood.

Keeping Your Floors Clean and Scratch-Free

Dirt, not scratches, is the most pronounced and greatest enemy of hardwood. It is important to clear the floor of cleaning debris. If your vacuum has a setting for hardwood, aka “no brush," make sure to put that setting on before cleaning. By doing this, you protect your floor from gnarly damage. After cleaning, encourage it and keep the no-shoe rule. Dirty hardwood is ugly hardwood. A gritty entrance rug, combined with a mop-sized rug, will do wonders to reduce the dirt on your floor.

Common Queries

What should I use to clean old wood floors?

For old wood floors, use a microfiber mop and cloth to pick up and clean sticky messes. Be sure to use a cloth that is warm but only lightly damp so that excess water is not applied to the wood floors.

Is a spin mop acceptable for use with wood floors?

A spin mop is acceptable for use with wood floors, but keep in mind that very little water should be in the mop. 

How often do I mop wood floors?

You should dry mop daily and wet mop once every 1-2 weeks based on the amount of foot traffic on the wood floors.

Is a steam mop recommended for use with engineered wood?

A steam mop is not recommended by most professionals because the wood may start to separate and/or peel.

Is a cordless mop powerful enough to clean the whole house?

Modern cordless mops clean for 20-40 minutes, which is enough to clean most average-sized houses.

Conclusion: Achieving Your Floors' Perfect Glow

Flooring, especially wooden flooring, can easily get dirty and scratched up. But it doesn’t really have to be hard to take care of wood floors; all it requires is the right supplies and an understanding of how to use them. For starters, get a high-quality microfiber mop for your day-to-day cleaning. This will keep the dust and dirt buildup down and minimize any scratches. For deeper cleans, use a spray mop or a soft, gentle cordless mop. It’s important to keep in mind that less is more when it comes to the amount of water you use. Lastly, if all of this is accomplished, your wood floors will be brand new for the next decade, your home will feel cleaner, and your investment will be less at risk.