How to Care for Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood floors are timeless, but they need the right routine to stay that way. If you’re wondering how to care for hardwood floors in real life—with pets, kids, and high traffic areas—we’ve got a simple plan that keeps dust and dirt at bay, protects the floor finish, and helps you avoid the common mistakes that damage the floor long term. Our experts at Baker Bros share their top tips to ensure your hardwood floors stay in tip-top condition. 

Key takeaways

• Dust mopping or vacuuming (hard‑floor setting) 2–3× weekly removes dust before it scratches.
• Use the right hardwood floor cleaners (water-based, pH‑neutral). Skip oil-based soaps unless your manufacturer specifies.
• Go ahead and damp mop, your hardwood can handle it. Just stick to a light mist on a microfiber pad and avoid excess water.
• Place walk‑off mats and felt pads to prevent grit from acting like sandpaper in high-traffic areas.
• Schedule a deep clean and recoat every few years to refresh the sheen and extend the life of the floor finish.

Daily & weekly cleaning

Keeping hardwood floors beautiful isn’t about fancy tools; it’s about consistency. A few simple habits can make all the difference in preserving the finish, preventing scratches, and keeping that just-installed shine.

• Remove dust: Use a dry dust mop or vacuum with a soft-bristled hardwood head. Hit entryways first; they collect the most dust and dirt.
• Tackle spills immediately: Wipe up any moisture the moment it happens, because standing water can seep between boards and cause long-term damage.
• Right cleaning solution: Choose a manufacturer‑approved, water-based cleaner. Spray onto the pad—not the floor—to avoid over‑wetting.

What to avoid (the “don’ts”)

• Steam mops: Heat + moisture can cause cupping and damage the floor.

• Vinegar mixes: Over time, acid can dull the floor finish.
• Oil-based soaps/waxes on polyurethane finishes: They leave residue and make future recoats difficult.

Monthly & seasonal care

• Deep clean: Use a slightly damp microfiber mop with a dedicated hardwood cleaner for a full‑home pass.
• Protect the finish: Add felt pads to chair and table legs; replace as they compress.
• Rugs & runners: Use breathable pads (no rubber that can react with finish) in floor setting areas like hallways, stairs, landings, and under rolling chairs.
• Humidity control: Aim for ~35–55% RH to minimize seasonal gaps and squeaks. A whole‑home humidifier helps in dry climates.

High traffic areas playbook

Entryways: Double‑mat system—coarse mat outside to trap dirt, washable rug inside to remove grit.

Kitchens: Place runners in front of the sink and dishwasher; wipe drips right away.

Kids & pets: Keep claws trimmed; add area rugs at toy zones and crate areas to protect against scratches.

Finish‑specific tips

Polyurethane (most common): Clean with pH‑neutral cleaner; avoid waxing. Recoat every 3–5 years (no sanding) to renew the wear layer.

Penetrating oil/hardwax oil: Use soap designed for oiled floors. Periodic maintenance oil restores luster.

Aluminum‑oxide factory finish: Very durable; stick to approved cleaners and felt pads.

Damage control & quick fixes

White water rings: Light buff with a microfiber and approved cleaner; for stubborn marks, consult a pro recoat.

Surface scratches: Color‑blend with a manufacturer touch‑up pen; add a runner in the zone.

Deep gouges or boards with damage: A pro can weave in new planks; keep leftover boards from your original lot.

When to call in a pro

Peeling finish, extensive scratches, or cupping/crowning often need a screen‑and‑recoat or full sand/refinish. This resets sheen and extends life for the long term. The experts at Baker Bros can help assess and professionally restore your floors.

Your Hardwood Floor Cleaning Questions, Answered!

Can hardwood be mopped daily? Lightly damp-mopping weekly is plenty. If you prefer daily, keep it to a quick dry dust mopping and spot clean spills.

Which hardwood floor cleaners are best? Manufacturer‑approved, water-based, pH‑neutral formulas. Avoid anything oil-based unless your floor is an oil‑finished wood floor.

What’s the safest way to deep clean? Microfiber pad + approved cleaning solution; never saturate the planks.

Alternatives to hardwood? Consider Luxury Vinyl Tile, natural stone, or concrete if you need extreme water resistance or low‑maintenance durability.

Final Thoughts

The secret to wood floor care is simple: remove grit before it scratches, clean with the right solution, manage moisture and humidity, and refresh the finish periodically. Follow these steps and your hardwood will stay beautiful for decades.

Looking for premium products and expert advice on hardwood floors? Visit a Baker Bros showroom today.