Do you have beautiful hardwood floors but aren’t sure how to keep them looking their best? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are 7 hardwood floor cleaning tips that will show you how to effectively clean and care for your hardwood floors to keep them looking good as new.

1) Use Microfiber Pads to Dust & Mop

When dusting and mopping your hardwood floors, the best thing you can do is invest in real microfiber pads. Real microfiber is made of a blend of polyester and polyamide and its tiny fibers are so fine that they can pick up and trap the smallest dust and particles, even microscopic germs, with just one swipe. To help with your search, here's a Better Homes and Gardens list of the best mops on the market.

It's important to remember when using a microfiber mop to rinse the pad often and not to use more cleaning solution than needed. By following this precaution, you'll avoid leaving a film behind on your floors or having to re-mop areas that didn't get clean the first time.

2) Avoid Walking on Hardwood Floors with Street Shoes

The dirt, grime, and grit from the outside world can easily get stuck to your street shoes, and when you walk on your hardwood floors it will scratch and wear them down over time. To keep your hardwood floors looking great, avoid wearing street shoes in your home. If you must wear shoes inside, consider keeping a pair of indoor shoes or slippers handy.

3) Place Mats or Rugs at all Entrances

Having mats or rugs at all the entrances of your home is a great way to reduce the amount of dirt and debris that gets tracked into your house. Mats outside of each entrance will help to collect mud, snow, and other dirt before they can enter your home. You should also place a mat or rug inside the door as well, so any remaining dirt and debris can be collected.

4) Wipe Up Spills Immediately

No matter what kind of hardwood floor you have, it’s important to clean up spills quickly. Don’t let the liquid sit and seep into the wood, which can cause staining or worse—long-term damage. As soon as a spill occurs, take a clean, absorbent cloth and blot the area. If necessary, dampen the cloth and use a mild soap and water solution to clean the area, but be sure not to use too much water. When finished, wipe the area with a dry cloth and make sure that it is completely dry before allowing foot traffic.

5) Use Furniture Pads on All Legs of Furniture

Using soft, nonabrasive furniture pads is an important part of keeping your hardwood floors in tip-top condition. Not only do they protect your floors from scratches, but they also reduce the noise when moving furniture around.

To ensure that you're protecting all of your hardwood floors, make sure to use furniture pads on all legs of furniture. This includes tables, chairs, couches, desks, ottomans, and any other piece of furniture.

6) Avoid Using Harsh Cleaning Products

Using harsh cleaning products can damage your hardwood floors, so it's important to avoid using anything with strong chemicals, abrasive ingredients, or anything that could leave a residue behind. Instead, look for cleaners specifically made for wood floors.

Here's a few of the best hardwood floor cleaners:

• Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner Spray
• Murphy Oil Soap Original Wood Cleaner
• Bona PowerPlus Hardwood Floor Deep Cleaner Spray
• Or you can try this list of DIY hardwood floor cleaners

7) Have Your Home and Hardwood Floors Professionally Cleaned

If you want to make sure your hardwood floors are properly cared for, consider hiring Touch of Europe, the best professional home cleaning service in Madison, WI, DeForest, WI, Cottage Grove, WI, and Fitchburg WI. Our home cleaning experts know how to clean and maintain your hardwood floors to keep them looking their best. Call us or request your free quote online today!