subject: Floor Mops For Wooden Floors [print this page] Wooden floors are beautiful and elegantWooden floors are beautiful and elegant. Easy to clean and simple to maintain, they will actually increase your home's value. You need to be careful when cleaning them, however. It's important to limit the amount of water used so you don't damage the floor. Here are some mopping tips to help you keep the floors in your home sparkling for years.
Entry Mats
The most effective cleaner is prevention. Place welcome mats outside all doors, and then place small area rugs inside the doors. Establish a firm rule of no shoes in the house to limit the mud and dirt that will act like sandpaper over time. These simple steps will make mopping easier and prevent scratches.
Sweep Regularly
Dust and dirt will gradually rub on the floor and wear the finish away. Sweep the floor often to prevent this. A regular broom will work nicely, although there are some vacuum cleaners with special attachments that do a great job of cleaning the floor.
Traditional Mops
The traditional mop and bucket is not ideal for your wooden floors. They can lay down too much water, and they don't dry the floor quickly enough. If you choose this method, be sure to follow with a dust mop and dry to remove all moisture from the floor.
Spray Mops
Newer mops featuring microfiber heads and a spray bottle are a better choice. A limited amount of water is used, and the mop will pick up the moisture along with all the remaining dust, dirt and grime. You can choose a basic mop with the terry cloth head and use a separate bottle, or you can buy a mop that has the bottle attached for one-handed operation.
Steam Mops
The trick with steam mops is to find one that will lay down the right amount of steam and clean it away completely. A mop that effectively dries the floor as it works is an excellent choice. The steam will lift away resistant marks and dirt without damaging the floor, and the pad will leave it with a beautiful shine.
Vacuum Mops
There are several vacuum mops on the market currently. They put down a fair amount of water, but it is pulled up so quickly that it won't damage most floors. Designed for wood floors that have tight joints and sealed wood, they will damage unsealed wood floors or those with gaps.
Once the floor is properly mopped, it's a good idea to polish them. How often you polish the floors will depend on how much traffic the floor sees and how much time you have. Polishing your floors will leave them with a beautiful shine and a protective layer. Keep your floors looking great for years to come with regular sweeping and choosing the right mop for the job.
