How to Keep Your Hardwood Floors Looking Brand New

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Hardwood floors are made to take a beating and look better with age. Go a week without cleaning them, though, and spills, crumbs, dirty shoes, and pet hair will start to take a toll. In high-traffic areas like the kitchen or entryway, it can seem like the dirt and debris never go away no matter how many times you sweep. We don't blame you if you're wondering how to clean hardwood floors so they stay clean for longer.

There's not a magic solution (at least until robot vacuums catch up to Rosie from The Jetsons), but right supplies and routine do make it easier to keep wood floors clean. That way, your floors can slowly develop the lived-in patina you want—not just a bunch of scratches and stains. We spoke to Jeremy Lakeman, a hardwood flooring expert at Bruce Hardwood Flooring, for advice on how to clean hardwood floors and protect them so they last a lifetime.

How to Choose a Hardwood Floor Cleaner

The right cleaner depends on the type of wood your floors are made of. Vinyl and laminate floors that look like wood floors call for a different type of cleaning solution than natural wood floors. For real hardwood floors, you want a cleaner that's made for natural wood. Avoid anything that claims to make your floors look extra shiny; products like that can leave a residue behind that actually attracts dust and grime, which can scratch your floors and make them look cloudy or dirty.

Be cautious if using a homemade cleaner like diluted vinegar and water. Depending on your floor's finish, vinegar might damage or dull it. "Don't rely on water alone or a vinegar and water solution to clean hardwood floors," Lakeman advises. "Mopping with water will result in dingy-looking floors, and plain water will have a hard time removing any dirt buildup."

Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner Spray

8oz Wood + Floors Large Cleaning Concentrate

Method Squirt + Mop Hardwood Floor Cleaner

Murphy Oil Soap, Original Formula Liquid Wood Floor Cleaner

Materials

• Broom

• Vacuum

• Mop

• Bucket

• Hardwood floor cleaner

• Microfiber cloth

How to Clean Hardwood Floors

This routine is ideal for deep cleaning hardwood floors. How often to do it depends on your household. If you have small kids or pets, once a week or more might make sense; if not, biweekly or even once a month could work for you. We recommend sweeping daily if possible to remove dirt and debris that can scratch your floors.

Step One: Sweep

Use a broom made for wood floors, with firm but soft poly fiber bristles to clean without scratching even softer woods. Regular sweeping helps remove dirt and debris that can scratch your floor's finish over time.

Step Two: Vacuum

Use a vacuum attachment for hard or bare floors with soft bristles to go over the entire floor, including under furniture and cabinets. Switch to the crevice tool to get crumbs and debris out of corners and tight spaces.

Step Three: Mop

If you're using a concentrated cleaner, start by making your cleaning solution. In a mop bucket (or in the bottle attachment, if your mop has a spray nozzle) combine the cleaning concentrate with warm water per the label's instructions. Then, working in long strokes and starting at the point farthest from the entrance, mop the entire floor.

For standard bottled cleaners, spray the cleaner directly onto the floor (or according to the package directions), and use a mop to spread that solution and clean your floors. For troublesome spots, trade the mop for a handheld rag or microfiber cloth and use some elbow grease to work any stains or stuck on debris loose.

How to Keep Hardwood Floors Clean

• Clean up spills as soon as they happen to avoid warping. Pre-finished floors will deter staining, but if you have older oiled hardwood you'll need to remove water rings manually. Once dry, pass over a microfiber mop with a formulated floor cleaner—never use just water, as it can damage hardwoods over time.

• Take off shoes at the door. Lakeman also recommends making it a habit to remove your shoes, especially heels and those with treads that can trap gravel or rocks.

• Lay down breatheable rugs. "Mats and rugs are a floor’s best friend," Lakeman says—with one exception. "Avoid the ones with rubber or vinyl backings if possible—they can trap moisture."

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