by C. Elliot

Created on: July 21, 2008   Last Updated: July 22, 2008

Does caring for your wood flooring have you scratching your head? Here are a few simple tricks to demystify the wood floor care process - so you can enjoy your beautiful wood flooring for years to come.

Companies that specialize in wood flooring may offer lots of suggestions about how to care for your wood floors. Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner is among the more popular product names usually mentioned. Traditionally, most specialists have also recommended vinegar as an effective cleaning agent. But, there has recently been concern expressed that vinegar may actually destroy the finish on both solid wood flooring and laminate wood flooring - so it's probably best to steer clear of vinegar for the time being.

For convenience, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness, nothing beats water. Try purchasing a cheap (we're talking 99 cents) plastic spray bottle from your local grocery store or pharmacy. Fill the spray bottle with warm water. Then use the bottle to lightly mist your hardwood floor with warm water. Follow by wiping up the water (and collected dust particles) with an otherwise dry mop. This process is quick and simple. You can have your spray bottle in one hand and your mop in the other.

One wood floor owner strongly advises purchasing a commercial dust mop. "I bought mine for twenty-six dollars off of a janitorial website," she explains. "It makes cleaning my wood floors go *fast.* It really keeps the dust off, and I don't see streaks the way I did with store-bought cleaners."

You can even purchase different mop heads for your commercial dust mop. Once you are done with any given cleaning session, just toss the mop head in the washing machine, so you can reuse it next time.

If you prefer something more disposable, many companies create sweeper and cleaner pairings that work well on wood flooring. The Swiffer WetJet is available in almost any grocery store and also offers speed and convenience. And for a quick cleaning of your wood floors before company arrives, a good old-fashioned soft-bristle broom will do the trick.

Wood Flooring may require an extra little TLC, but you'll find that regular care and maintenance will extend the life of your wood floors - and make them shine in the meantime.

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