Green Cleaning Hardwood Floors

Here are a few guidelines to cleaning hardwood floors in an eco-friendly way. Wood flooring is surprisingly easy to care for but you do need to take a few factors into consideration. If you love the wonderful warm and welcoming look of wood flooring but are unsure of how to care for them, see below.

Start by evaluating the current condition of your hard wood floors, including the finish. In order to clean it properly, you need to know what type of wood it is made from and what shape it is currently in. You should also know what type of finish it has; is it stained or varnished?

For instance, is your "wood floor" really made of wood or is it a wood-grain laminate? These two substances are not the same thing and the methods for cleaning them are quite different. If you are not sure, see if a friend, neighbor or local building supply store can help you determine its material.

Now, how about the condition of the floor? Does it just need a good sweeping or is it damaged or scratched? Before you start cleaning hardwood floors it is a good idea to sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface. Do they soak right into the wood or do they "bead" on top? If it's the former, you'd better consider refinishing the floor soon because its protective coating has already worn away.

Speaking of protective coating, what type of finish does the floor have? Contemporary homes typically have wood floors finished with a polyurethane sealer containing acrylic or oil. Wood floors in older homes are more likely to have a wax or oil finish. To tell the difference, stroke your hand gently over the floor. If it feels slick and looks shiny like a coat of transparent nail polish, then it's probably covered with a polyurethane sealer. If the floor has a sheen and feels smooth, it's more likely to be waxed.

So you've determined that your floor is wood and has a wax coasting. Then all you have to do is to sweep away the dirt daily with a broom or you can dry-mop the floor with a dust mop or a mop with a cotton pad. Daily sweeping is important because tiny pieces of debris can scratch the floor if left unswept. Always be sure to wipe up any spills right away; otherwise you could have unsightly water rings on your hard wood floors just as if you left a chilled glass on a wood table.

Once or twice a year, depending on how much traffic your floor gets, cleaning hardwood floors with beeswax if they have an oil- or wax-based finish. This is a 100 percent natural, non-toxic cleaner that leaves the floors looking clean, bright and beautiful. Apply the wax using a soft cloth, wait for a few minutes for the wax to soak into the wood, then wipe away the excess just as if waxing and buffing the finish of your car. A wax coating may sound extravagant but it will allow you to simplify the daily cleanup of hard wood floors.

If you want to go really "green" with your hardwood floor, you'll have to remove the chemical finish by sanding the floor. Sanding a hard wood floor is a real art, so if you've never done it before, hire a professional. Sanding the wood will strip away the finish, after which you can seal it with beeswax. Then you'll be able to keep your beautiful hardwood floor clean and "green" at the same time!