Wood Floors-Care and Cleaning
Sealing
Wood floors should be protected with a sealer.
Penetrating sealers go into the wood pores; worn spots
can be resealed.
Lacquer, shellac, varnish stay on top of the wood; if
worn off in traffic areas, usually the whole floor has to
be sanded and refinished.
Prevent scratches when moving furniture by putting heavy
socks over the legs.
Cleaning
Vacuum often to keep dirt from grinding into the
floor finish or sticking to it.
Wipe up spills immediately. A damp (not wet) cloth may be
used on a well-sealed wood floor to wipe up food spills
or mud. Wipe dry with cloth or paper towel.
Clean when necessary with a solvent-based liquid wax for
wood. Follow directions on container. Solvent removes
dirt and old wax, and leaves a thin wax coating which
must be buffed. Apply with:
1. A dry cloth, rubbing floor and refolding the clean
part of cloth as dirt is taken up; hard on knees
2. Cloth over long-handled wax applicator, rubbing and
refolding cloths as above
3. Electric polishers (can be rented), changing to
clean brushes or pads as dirt and wax are taken up.
and buff wax left on floor: immediately if by hand;
after 20-30 minutes if with electric polisher.