Keeping your hardwood floors looking beautiful is easier than you think and cleaning hardwood floors requires minimal effort. No matter what kind of hardwood floor you have or which type of finish is on your floor, all hardwood floors should be cleaned regularly.

Cleaning Wood Floors

  • Dust mop or vacuum the floor on a regular basis to remove dirt and grit that may cause premature wear of the floor finish.
  • Clean up food and liquid spills immediately using a damp cloth. Never wet mop a hardwood floor as it can dull the finish or even damage the wood over time.
  • Clean your hardwood floors with a specific hardwood floor cleaner such as Glitsa Clean. Glitsa Clean is water-based, biodegradable, neutral pH solution designed to clean hardwood floors without dulling the finish or leaving a residue behind. Simply spray the cleaner on the floor and use a mop with a cloth or microfiber pad to damp mop the hardwood floor. Allow the floor to air dry.
  • Do not use diluted vinegar to clean your hardwood floors because vinegar is acetic acid and will dull the finish over time.
  • Do not use any oil-based cleaners, household cleaners that contain ammonia, or cleaners such as Murphy’s Oil Soap – these will leave a residue on your floor that will build up over time and dull the finish.
  • If you have a stain on your floor from markers, ink, wine, etc., contact Berlin Flooring. How you treat the stain depends on the type of finish on your floor.

Preventative Maintenance

  • Place throw rugs at outside entrances and other high traffic areas, such as in front of the kitchen sink. Avoid using rugs with rubber backs as these can discolor your floors.
  • Place felt pads on the bottom of your furniture.
  • Keep your pet’s nails trimmed.
  • Be careful when wearing high heel shoes in your home. High heel shoes can easily scratch or dent hardwood floors.
  • Use a humidifier throughout the winter months to keep wood movement and board shrinkage to a minimum.
  • When the floors begin to lose their luster, contact Berlin Flooring regarding a screen and recoat. Recoating hardwood floors is recommended on average every 3-5 years.