Does Mopping Wood Floors
Damp mopping is a very simple way of cleaning hardwood floors.
Does mopping wood floors. While surface sealed wood floors are more water resistant than unsealed or wax sealed floors they still require a different mopping technique. For a quick clean dust wood floors with a mop that has been treated with a dusting agent to pick up dust dirt and pet hair that might scratch the floor surface. It also happens to be a tried and true method that many experts believe is the most effective way in cleaning urethane finished wood floors on a day to day basis. Make sure to wring most of the water out of the mop so it s damp.
While researching the use of steam mops on hardwood floors i came across article after article that cautioned against using a steam mop on hardwood floors. How often you have to do this chore depends on the traffic your hardwood floors see. Make sure you also wash down all soft furnishings with a damp cloth to remove further traces of flea eggs and larvae. In high traffic areas like the dining room and kitchen sweep or vacuum daily if possible and mop hardwood floors once or twice a week.
Sealed hardwood floors can withstand the moisture and heat from a steam mop and they clean really nicely with a streak free finish. If at all possible use a disposable mop otherwise once again you risk spreading the problem rather than solving it. And once it does the best remedy is a good mopping. But before you begin mopping at random develop a plan to maximize your efforts.
Dry mopping and spot cleaning laminate is the best route. Furthermore mopping laminate even with water can damage the flooring. While cleaning is an endless cycle and floor care the most relentless a little vigilance goes a long way. The premise is that despite mop manufacturer claims the steam from the mop moves through cracks in the floor more easily than water which penetrates below the sealer and the moisture.
This is especially true for prefinished hardwood floors. A regular once over with a broom or dust mop will do wonders for cleaning hardwood floors. Mop less trafficked areas once a month or once a season. With vinyl you can get away with more water and a varied pattern of mop strokes.
However avoid using a steam mop on unsealed hardwoods as they re more vulnerable and easily damaged by excessive moisture. Avoid the use of vinegar on laminate flooring as the acidic properties can dull the finish over time.