Hardwood flooring can look characterful and timeless and is both durable and strong.
Good quality hardwood flooring can enhance the overall appearance of your home and can even add value.
However, hardwood floors require special care and attention and can’t be cleaned like other flooring types.
With this in mind, David Chapman, founder of custom logo mat company, Ultimate Mats, has shared which cleaning methods should never be used on hardwood floors.
Certain cleaning methods can cause damage to hardwood floors and even strip them completely.
David said: “When maintaining the natural beauty of unsealed hardwood floors, adequate care and methods have to be taken to avoid causing damage.
“If the correct care is taken, your hardwood flooring can benefit from longevity, bringing rustic charm to a property for generations to come.
“Unsealed wood will highlight more of the natural elements and characteristics of the wood, which adds more character to the home.
“In turn, this can be a significant draw for many prospective buyers, and can even help to increase the value of a property when the time comes to sell.
“That being said, unsealed hardwood flooring does come with certain disadvantages, the main one being that extra care is required during the cleaning and maintenance process.”
Avoid harsh chemicals
Hardwood floors that are not sealed should not be cleaned using harsh cleaning chemicals, as they will strip the hardwood of its natural oils which can cause damage.
Instead, use warm water and dish soap with a ringed-out mop or cloth. Bleach and ammonia should always be avoided as this can discolour the floor.
Do not use soaking wet cloths or mops as the hardwood floor can absorb moisture.
Steam cleaners
Steam cleaners should not be used on unsealed hardwood floors as the excessive steam, heat, and moisture can cause the wood to swell and warp.
Vinegar
Vinegar has become a popular cleaning solution for limescale, kettles, ovens and washing machines thanks to its ability to break down dirt and grime and neutralise bad smells.
However, it is not recommended to clean unsealed hardwood with vinegar, as the acidity can be absorbed, causing cracks in the wood.
