Wood Floor Tips
Wood floors are becoming more popular as people
are starting to focus on a healthy home. Wood floors that are
cared for properly should never have to be replaced. Most nicks
and scratches can be fixed by replacing the finish on the wood,
and spills can be cleaned easily with very little worry of staining.
Keep reading to find out how to care for your wood floors properly.
If you have any additional questions that are not covered
here, please don't hesitate to contact our highly educated staff
of professionals here.
There are mainly three types of finishes that can be placed on wood
floors: varnish/shellac, wax, or a surface finish (urethane). Before cleaning
a wood floor, you first must determine the type of finish placed on the
wood. Most new floors come with either a wax or surface finish.
For the proper wood floor cleaner or hard floor cleaner regardless of
the finish, you should never use vinyl or tile floor cleaners
on wood.
Specific care for wood floors with a wax finish
If your sweeper or dust mop does not restore the shine to a wood floor
with a wax finish, try buffing to restore the shine rather than immediately
applying another coat of wax. Buffing should always be tried before adding
another coat of wax, as this will often provide a nice shine without adding
another layer of waxy build-up.
If this still does not work, you will need to apply a wood floor cleaner
or hard floor cleaner and liquid wax made specifically for wood floors.
After this has been applied, let the surface dry and then buff. This process
should be carried out once or twice a year depending upon the traffic.
Common stains and how to remove them from a wax finished floor:
Food Stains
Most food stains can be cleaned by rubbing the area gently with a damp
cloth. Start on the outside of the stain, and work your way in. Be sure
to dry and wax the surface when you are done.
Water Spots (white spots) and Dark Spots (ink)
You should first use #000 steel wool to remove water or ink spots from
your wood floor. If this doesn’t work, try a very fine sand paper,
and then #00 steel wool and a wood floor cleaner. Be sure to wax and
buff when complete.
Surface Marks
Scratches or marks in the surface of the wax finish can be cured by
lightly applying a small amount of wax to the area, and then buff.
Soft or Sticky Substances
Make the substance hard by applying a cold pack or ice cube. This should
allow the material to crumble away from the floor.
Specific care for wood floors with a surface finish (urethane)
If your sweeper or dust mop does not restore the shine to your surface
finished floor, try cleaning with a wood floor cleaner or hard floor cleaner
formula recommended by the manufacturer for cleaning wood floors with
a urethane finish. If this still doesn’t work, the floor should
receive a new coat of surface finish. Keep in mind you should never wax
a surface finished floor.
Common stains and how to remove them from a surface finished floor:
Stains and Spots
Clean-up food, water, ink and other types of stains using a wood floor
cleaner or a hard wood floor cleaner specifically made for a urethane
finish.
Scratches to Surface
Repair nicks and scratches using a urethane finish repair kit.
Soft or Sticky Substances
Make the substance hard by applying a cold pack or ice cube. This should
allow the material to crumble away from the floor. If a stain remains,
use a wood floor cleaner or a hard wood floor cleaner specifically made
for a urethane finish.
Bissell Products Recommended
Flip-!t® Select
QuickSteamer®
MultiSurface
Wood Floor Solutions™
Perfect
Sweep Turbo®