Cleaning your wood floors

1. Start by getting rid of surface-level dust using a suitable dust mop or a vacuum, just like you would during a regular clean. If using a vacuum, try a floor-brush attachment to avoid accidentally scratching the floor’s finish. Make sure to follow the grain of the flooring. (It’s okay if you get mesmerized by the shifting, swirling grain patterns. After all, your flooring should captivate your attention.)
2. Then, it’s time to wet mop with a cleaning pad and warm water or a mild vinegar solution. A soft cleaning pad will delicately massage each floorboard, trapping dirt and debris as you go. Remember: avoid using too much liquid, which can soak between the floorboards and cause damage. If you accidentally use a little more than intended and the floors are damp, just be sure to go over everything with a dry cleaning pad to tidy it up. Some cleaning pads are washable, so they can easily be cleaned and reused.
3. Time for the details. Look around for stains or buildup between the floorboards. You can use a putty knife to gently scrape out grime, then gently spot clean anywhere that needs extra attention.  It’s optional, but if you want to go the extra mile, use an antibacterial wood floor cleaner to disinfect the floor with a mop. Focus on small areas at a time, rather than racing to be done. Wipe up any excess product with a clean, dry towel.
4. Ta-da! Your floors should be looking beautifully polished and clean—an expression of your most authentic self. Appreciate the renewed texture, tone, and quality of each wide-plank board, brought back to life by your deep clean.

Even with a regular deep cleaning routine, no hardwood floor will remain as perfectly flawless as the day it was installed. And that’s a good thing because it shows evidence of a happy home—full of pattering paws, well-loved spaces, and meaningful moments shared with friends and family built on the foundation of an extraordinary floor. But with some TLC and the occasional deep clean, your hardwood floor will stay sleek and luxurious for decades of enjoyment.