How to Disinfect Hardwood Floors?
Request a sample
As you know, hardwood floors elevate the natural aesthetic of your space with their warm and natural tone. These are considered a beautiful addition to your home, and they require being clean and sanitized. Whether you have pets or children or want a healthy environment, knowing how to disinfect hardwood floors is essential.
Cleaning is not enough when it comes to keeping the germs away from the surface of the floors. If you think regular sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping can keep the hardwood floors clean, you are wrong. It is vital to disinfect hardwood floors to uphold optimal cleanliness in the household.
Do you have hardwood floors in your home and are worried about how to disinfect hardwood floors?
In this blog, we’ll discuss how to keep the hardwood floors look pristine clean, and germ-free. We’ll discuss the precautions, tips, and importance of disinfecting wood floors. With the right methods, you can keep your hardwood floors sparkling clean and safe for your family.
Start Reading!
When it comes to maintaining hardwood floors, it is vital to realize there is a difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing. Cleaning refers to removing dust, dirt, and debris from the floor’s surface. On the other hand, sanitizing reduces the amount of germs and bacteria but fails to eliminate them.
Here comes the role of clean and sanitize hardwood floors as it is crucial to disinfect high-traffic areas to remove the risk of impacting your overall health condition. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right approach for maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the floors.
With time, hardwood floors become varnished and dirty, and it becomes essential to know how to clean them and remove germs and bacteria from the spaces.
Do you think sweeping and mopping wood floors is enough to keep them clean? The answer is no. Spaces with high foot traffic require thorough cleaning and disinfection.
• Cleaning
Cleaning is the simple process of removing dust, dirt, and other debris from surfaces. It is generally done using a cloth to wipe the surfaces with detergent, solvent, or soap. Although it does not remove bacteria or viruses, it is an effective step toward maintaining clean engineered hardwood floors surfaces. It needs to be completed before sanitizing, sterilizing, and disinfecting, as it improves the efficiency of the processes.
• Sanitizing
Sanitizing hardwood floors is an effective process that helps reduce the amount of bacteria growth on a surface, but it does not kill or destroy them. Sanitizing does not kill or destroy the viruses from surfaces. It lowers the amount of bacteria growth and protects your wood surfaces. The sanitizers are used in various spaces as they contain less harsh chemicals than disinfectants. For instance, it is vital to check the label of the sanitizer to ensure it is safe to be used in kitchens.
• Disinfecting
Hardwood floors are prone to frequent exposure to different contaminants, spills, and dirt. It leads to creating harsh and stubborn stains and degrades the quality of the floors. Disinfecting surfaces helps kill bacteria and viruses present on wood surfaces. You must use EPA-approved products to eliminate viruses present on hard surfaces. It is considered one of the most reliable ways to restrict the spread and growth of germs and infections.
Disinfecting engineered hardwood floors is critical for maintaining a safe and healthy living environment, mainly in high-traffic regions. Engineered hardwood is durable and moisture-resistant, but it accumulates dirt, bacteria, and viruses that regular cleaning cannot remove.
The process of disinfection reduces the spread of allergens, germs, and harmful pathogens that remain on different surfaces. It is a highly effective way to maintain the integrity of your floor’s finish by using the right products that won’t damage your wood floors but kill harmful bacteria.
A professional way of disinfecting hardwood floors helps make your floor look appealing while safeguarding your family’s health.
Disinfect engineered hardwood floor process is different from cleaning, as it involves using various chemicals to kill germs. It necessarily does not clean the accumulated dirt thus, it is vital to clean the floors and then move towards disinfecting them.
The engineered hardwood floors consist of layers of attached materials. It comes with a clear protective coating, helping to maintain the quality of the floor.
Generally, unfinished or unsealed hardwood floors are porous. Thus, you should avoid bleaching them.
The frequency of disinfecting your wooden floors depends on the amount of foot traffic and other specific needs of your home. Frequently using harsh chemicals wears the floors down and brings down their appearance. It is critical to balance disinfection with proper maintenance to maintain the appearance and durability of the hardwood floors.
A clean floor reduces the risk of dust accumulation and any other damages caused. Professional cleaning and disinfection ensure keeping your wooden floors looking new and last longer.
• You must sweep, vacuum, or dust mop routinely to get rid of loose dirt and grit.
• Recurrent sweeping will effectively guard your floor surfaces against grit. Additionally, it will cut down on the necessary frequency for intensive cleaning methods.
• You should damp-mop the surfaces with water when necessary.
• Refrain from soaking the floor or leaving standing water. Try completing the process by drying the floor. Air drying is a strict no-no here.
• Consider washing the floor surface with suitable natural soap.
• Prepare the product as per manufacturer guidance. Up next, spray the soap gently on the flooring surface and work with a soft cloth.
• Try not to leave standing water or soak the floor. You should ideally finish the task by drying the floor. Air drying is not suitable here.
• Avoid scrubbing with an abrasive pad or brush.
• You must consider recurrent washing for high-traffic areas.
• Concentrate on scuffs and unusually soiled areas with effective soap and water on a soft cloth.
• Consider evaluating the floor annualy to identify signs of wear.
• Try removing dull marks and wear in areas that receive high traffic.
• Look to revive the finish with a wax cleaner or maintenance oil as necessary traffic.
• You should apply a little liquid wax cleaner to the affected area using a fine abrasive pad.
Disinfecting wood floors is essential for maintaining a clean and healthy home. Dirt, dust, and grime can affect the condition of the floor. Follow the key steps to ensure your hardwood floors are visually appealing and hygienic.
It is vital to follow the steps for effectively disinfecting your floors. Sanitizing and disinfecting hardwood floors involves key steps to ensure the process is completed efficiently and safely.
Starting from selecting the right material to using the right tools and techniques, these play an integral part in cleaning and disinfecting. Preserve the integrity of your floors with proper care and attention; make your floors spotless and safe for your family.
Here’s are hardwood floor care products to use along with instruction guide for your easy understanding.
• Non-Toxic Cleaner For Hardwood
Use an industry-grade, non-toxic cleaner to upkeep your hardwood flooring surface. Made with soaps and based on oils, they do not contain any chemical solvents, formaldehyde, or phosphates. Dilute a tiny amount of the cleaner with a liter of water in a spray bottle. Shake it well to achieve a good mixture. Spray the cleaner on the areas that need cleaning.
Instructions for use: We recommend you sponge mop the floor until it becomes dry. Use a clean cloth if you find the floor to have excess moisture. You don’t need to rinse the floor post-cleaning. However, soiled floors will demand multiple cleanings or stronger solutions.
• Liquid Wax Cleaner
Liquid wax cleaners are simple to use and water repellant. You can use them strategically to restore the finish. We recommend liquid wax cleaners to maintain the hardwood’s lasts for life. You should ideally clean the flooring surface with a mop or moist cloth and a suitable cleaner solution.
Instructions for use: Squeeze out the mop or cloth to ensure minimal water puddles. Leave the floor to dry out completely. Note that liquid wax cleaners partially restore the finish. However, they don’t promise to repair damaged wood.
• Maintenance Oil
Lastly, if you have commercial spaces, you should use industry-best maintenance oil. If you apply it when necessary, you can opt to do away with time-consuming sanding and refinishing. Furthermore, you can apply it to improve the gloss level of your flooring.
Instructions for use: Begin by applying it evenly over the hardwood floor surface along the wood grain. You will benefit by using a microfiber pad or a roller. Spread it all around the wood with a white pad through effective massaging. To achieve satisfying results, you must facilitate adequate ventilation for drying.
Taking proper precautions before starting the disinfection process helps prevent damage to your hardwood floors and ensures optimal results. Hardwood floors are indeed a classic choice that adds warmth and elegance to any home. It’s important to follow effective practices and precautions to keep them looking their best and prolong their lifespan.
Here are a few precautions to take before disinfecting hardwood floors –
• Firstly, consult the instructions for cleaning and disinfecting to make sure that the cleaning products you choose are appropriate for your floor. Avoid using strong chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners to prevent damage to the finish and potential discoloration.
• Before using any new disinfectant, test it in a small amount and in a hidden space to prevent floor damage. Make sure that the floor is dry before disinfecting, and prevent moisture from penetrating the wood, causing warping or swelling.
• Finally, use a soft cloth or mop instead of a soaked one to avoid water damage. Following these measures can safeguard your investment and ensure a secured disinfection procedure.
Selecting the correct products to disinfect and clean engineered hardwood floors is essential for preserving their cleanliness and quality. There are multiple choices in the market however, not all are appropriate for hardwood flooring.
Some floor disinfectants can be harmful to wood floors. Numerous floor cleaners include antimicrobial substances like ammonia, sodium hypochlorite, and other chemicals. These substances have the potential to harm the wood and its protective coating, hampering the adhesion of any future floor refinishing.
The possible permanent harm is it can weaken the wood and reduce the floor’s durability, functionality, and lifespan. It also leads to affecting the appearance of the floor.
Disinfectants suitable for hardwood floors have quaternary ammonium as an active ingredient and a neutral pH. It is advisable to research the correct usage and application of the disinfectant. You should think wisely and consider the type of hardwood flooring in your space before choosing the disinfecting material. The best option is always to choose floor care products that are non-toxic and biodegradable!
Maintaining clean and sanitized hardwood floors enhances the appearance of your home and helps develop a healthy environment. Regular cleaning removes dust, dirt, and germs that accumulate over time.
However, using effective methods and strategies helps protecting hardwood floors and avoid floor damage. Along with cleaning and disinfection, it is necessary to take some steps to maintain the aesthetic appeal of your hardwood floors.
Here are essential tips to help you keep your floors in the best condition:
• Sweep or Vacuum Regularly
If left unaddressed, dust, dirt, and debris can scratch hardwood floors. In addition to cleaning and disinfection, some steps must be taken to maintain the aesthetic appeal of your hardwood floors.
• Use the Right Cleaning Products
Always choose cleaning products designed specifically for hardwood floors. For regular cleaning, opt for gentle, pH-balanced products or natural remedies like vinegar and water. Avoid harsh chemicals that harm the floor finish.
• Wipe Up Spills Immediately
Spills have the potential to stain the floor or cause water damage. It is vital to swiftly clean up spills and prevent liquid from soaking into the wood, leading to swelling or staining.
• Place Mats and Rugs in High-Traffic Areas
Placing mats or rugs in entryways, kitchens, and hallways helps prevent dirt and scratches from damaging your floors. Also, ensure that floors are cleaned quite often to prevent dirt from spreading back onto your hardwood floors.
• Disinfect Periodically
While it is important to clean regularly, disinfecting every few weeks or more is necessary to eliminate germs and bacteria. You can choose a mild disinfectant ideal for hardwood floors for proper use. Be careful not to use too much liquid to preserve the quality of the wood.
Regular cleaning of your hardwood floors is essential to maintain their value, appearance, and longevity. Following a consistent cleaning routine enhances the aesthetic appeal of the hardwood floors and creates a healthier living environment.
If you are still worried about how to disinfect engineered hardwood floors, reach out to us at European Flooring. We ensure making your hardwood floors meticulously clean and eliminate dirt, bacteria, and allergens. It is necessary to follow the proper steps with the necessary tools to get the best result.
Hire our professionals to ensure your hardwood floors remain beautiful and durable for years. At European Flooring, we offer a wide range of services related to engineered hardwood floors. Contact us and get a consultation to discuss your flooring requirements.
Experience top-notch flooring solutions with us!