How To Vacuum Hardwood Floors
If you have beautiful hardwood floors that you would would like to keep in great shape, care for them often. This does not mean you have to treat them with kid gloves and polish them daily, but a little TLC will go a long way and prevent the need for early replacement.
Easy daily maintenance includes removing outdoor footwear when trekking on hardwood, cleaning up stains or spills promptly to avoid hard scrubbing later and proper and regular cleaning, including mopping and vacuuming.
Yes, you read that right. Did you know that part of your hardwood floor cleaning routine can include vacuuming? There are many vacuum choices that will allow for safe and effective cleaning of hardwood. It’s best to choose a model that is equipped to handle dirt, dust, pet hair, and small particles common in high traffic areas. While it should be powerful enough to remove this debris, it should be gentle on surfaces. An upright canister or stick vacuum is lightweight and easy to maneuver and store. A cannister vac will be beneficial for cleaning hardwood stairs and under furniture, while a stick vac will be great in areas that need lower profiles to fit in tighter or lower spaces.
If you are in the market for a new vacuum specific to your hardwood floors, choose a lightweight model with control settings you can change dependent upon the surface you are cleaning. The suction and height can be tailored to suit your hardwood floors. It’s most effective to get a model that allows you to turn of the brush roll to avoid scratching the surface. Rubber wheels are best when traveling on hardwood, as they prevent marking or indents.
Vacuuming can be done as part of your daily, weekly or monthly routine, depending on how often the area is used. The right vacuum should not add any wear and tear to your floors with regular use. Remember to remove larger debris with a broom before vacuuming to avoid clogging or damaging your vacuum. It is always smart to vacuum from low traffic area to high, to avoid dragging additional dirt to cleaner zones. When vacuuming is done, floors can be mopped to remove any streaks or leftover marks. For light scuffs, try a sock or fuzzy tennis ball to buff it out. Remember to dry up excessive water.