I’ve heard many people say they love the look of hardwood but don’t want the maintenance. Maybe that’s me being odd, but I actually find hardwood floors fairly easy to care for. Perhaps I even enjoy the process — regardless, I’ll share the simple routine and tools I use to keep our floors looking their best.
Our multi-toned grain hides a lot of everyday dust and minor marks, so the floors don’t demand constant attention. Still, regular care protects the wood and keeps the surface attractive. Sweeping or dusting daily helps prevent grit and small stones from being tracked in and scratching the finish. Keeping floors free of dust also improves safety and shows off the wood’s natural beauty.
In my experience, washable cloth dust mops are the most convenient for larger wood areas. They glide easily, cover a wide path, and can be removed and laundered for repeated use. My dust mop has a pivoting handle so it reaches corners and moves smoothly around furniture. Disposable dusters might work as well for some people, but the reusable cloth option saves money and waste over time.
The duster shown in the photo is one I’ve used for years — Jack seems oddly fascinated by it whenever I bring it out. The mop’s washable head and swivel handle make quick work of whole rooms, and it’s especially helpful in open-plan spaces where a vacuum feels cumbersome.
For stairs and small surfaces I prefer a simple dust rag. I’ll run a cloth over each stair, using a little Bona on the rag when deeper cleaning is needed. It only takes a minute to freshen an entire staircase, and it’s far easier than hauling a vacuum up and down the steps.
When it comes to vacuuming, be cautious. Some vacuum brushes and wheels can scratch wood. I use a canister-style Dyson and rely on the hose attachment for tight spots and corners, avoiding the rotating brush on finished floors. If you must use a vacuum, choose one with a wood-floor setting or a soft-floor tool to minimize risk.
Our floors have a stain-resistant finish, which helps spills sit on the surface long enough to wipe them up before they penetrate. For everyday cleanups we keep Bona hardwood floor cleaner in a spray bottle under the sink. We use the Bona spray with a dry mop for routine cleaning and blot spills immediately with a paper towel or rag. To save money, we refill the spray bottle from larger Bona containers as needed.
One last practical tip: consider pet color relative to your floor shade. If your pet sheds, their fur will be less noticeable when coat and floor tones are similar. Maintaining the appearance of clean floors is easier when fur blends with the wood rather than standing out.
So, I want to know: Do your pets match your floors?
This post concludes my six-part series on hardwood floors. I worked with the Mohawk “Floors Me, as Told by Bloggers” program and received hardwood flooring as part of the project; as always, my thoughts and experiences are my own.
For my FAQ about Hickory flooring, see the original post referenced in my series.
Related posts:
The Family Kitchen Makeover Continues {New Hardwoods}
Preparing for the New Hardwoods
Update! Hardwood Floor Installation
Hardwood Floor Inspiration
The Hardwood Floor Reveal!