Wood Floor Care

Wood floors, from natural hardwoods to engineered woods (laminate), are found in homes and businesses everywhere. From kitchens and living rooms to office entryways, gymnasiums, and basketball courts, wood floors represent a significant investment that must be protected. 

Even the most durable wood floor needs special care to rejuvenate its appearance from time to time. Scuffs and scratches caused by foot traffic, rolling office chairs, bleachers, or simply everyday life take their toll on the wood floor. 

To maintain the beauty and aesthetic appearance of wood floors, regular preventative maintenance with proper chemicals and equipment is essential. Preventative maintenance begins with a good entrance matting program that catches dirt, grit and dust. Regular dust mopping, spot mopping, and damp mopping will help maintain a high level of appearance for up to a year before restorative procedures must be performed. 

Wood Floor Cleaning Tips

These tips are also applicable for laminate, parquet, cork, and bamboo flooring.

• Clean spills immediately. The longer substances – particularly liquids – are left on the floor, the more likely they are to cause stains, warping, or scratches in the finish.
• Prepare the floor. Start by removing all caked-on mud, chewing gum, and other debris from the floor. Vacuum thoroughly to remove soils, paying special attention to corners.
• Use the right products. Use only specially formulated wood floor cleaners to ensure the best results, avoid leaving a residue, and prevent damage to the floor.
• Keep the floor dry. During the winter months in particular, floorboards tend to shrink and the gaps between them tend to widen, trapping liquid. Keep floors dry by using air movers after cleaning. Note: Always utilize good solution control measures. Water is a wood floor’s worst enemy.
• If using an auto scrubber,
  • Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for cleaning the floor. If the floor is brand new or less than a year old, an auto scrubber may jeopardize the warranty.
  • Always use a clean, soft, dedicated cleaning pad, preferably white or a burnishing pad. Never use a pad that has been used on other floors of the facility.
  • Thoroughly rinse out the solution tank to remove any unwanted harsh cleaning chemicals. 

For tips and procedures for refinishing a wood floor, please contact a Jon-Don Wood Floor Specialist at 800-556-6366. We carry a wide selection of specialty wood floor cleaning equipment and products that can clean, revitalize, and restore wood floors to a like-new appearance.