What’s the first thing I should do before cleaning wood floors?
Before cleaning wood floors, determine what type of surface it is. Use this easy test to determine if your wood floor has a polyurethane finish or if it's waxed or oiled. Choose a small, inconspicuous area of the floor, and put a drop of water on it. Allow the water to evaporate completely. If a small white circle appears, the floor is probably waxed or oiled. Remove the white circle by rubbing in and buffing a small amount of wax, and contact the floor manufacturer for an appropriate cleaning recommendation.
By all means, if you have manufacturer information handy, consult it first. |
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My wood floors get lots of traffic. How can I protect them?
Protect high-traffic areas with area rugs. They'll help the floor to wear evenly, and this tip works for both wood floors and carpeted floors, too. |
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Is there a simple way to clean wood floors?
Playing defense is a great approach. Keep some of the dirt out and keep your floors cleaner by using throw rugs at the entryways to cut down on dirt, sand, and grit that comes in from the outside. |
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What about shoes?
Enforce a no-shoe rule to reduce tracked-in dirt and floor damage. Kids are notorious for muddy shoe prints, but high-heeled shoes, especially stiletto heels, can wreak havoc on wood flooring. |
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How often should I clean wood floors?
Regular cleaning is essential for the longevity and beauty of your floors. Floors should be dusted, vacuumed, or swept with Swiffer® regularly to remove dirt and sand particles that can scratch your floors. Wood floors (vinyl and linoleum, too) should be dusted or vacuumed thoroughly before wet cleaning. |
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What’s the best way to move appliances on wood floors?
When cleaning under heavy appliances, lay a piece of plywood on the floor first to protect the wood, and then slide the appliance over it to distribute the weight over a larger area and avoid making indentations or grooves in your floor. |
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Should I use a vacuum to clean wood floors?
For a great clean on wood floors, try Swiffer® SweeperVac® instead. It’s lightweight and gets it all, big and small. |
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How can I maintain my floors with pets?
Clip your pets' claws regularly to avoid scratching wood floors. |
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Can furniture damage wood floors?
Protect wood floors with furniture protecting pads attached to the chair and table legs. Self-adhesive felt pads are readily available at hardware stores. |
