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Back to Basics: Natural Cleaning for Hardwood Floors

Toxins, and Children, and Pets: Oh My!

Keeping your hardwood floors shining bright and beautiful is key to maintaining a clean and presentable home… but in order to keep your floors looking like new, you must clean them on a regular basis. This may not be an issue for you if you love to clean, but it gets a bit more complicated (and did we mention overwhelming) when you throw furry friends and kiddos into the mix.  Constantly using harsh chemical cleaners on your hardwood floors is not only damaging to your surfaces in the long run, but can also be a health hazard to the ones you love the most. Ensure little toes and paws are safe when you maintain your hardwood floors with these all-natural cleaning solutions.

 

Bye Bye Dust Bunnies

Unfortunately, dust bunnies are not nearly as cute as they sound (bummer, right?). Especially, not when it comes to your hardwood flooring. Use a dry mop to remove dust from your floors. Any crumbs, dust, lint, etc. that you have gathered can be swept into the corner and then picked up with a dust pan or vaccum. You can do this every few days to ensure that your floors look their best, without having to use any harsh chemicals. A dry mop is also an excellent way to maintain shine in between mopping the floors with a wet solution.

The Perfect Mix: Water And Vinegar

Vinegar is a great natural alternative to a chemical cleaner. It is inexpensive, effective, and, most importantly, nontoxic. Mix ¼ cup of white vinegar to a gallon of warm water and stir thoroughly. You can apply this mixture to a mop and run it on your flooring once a week or so after dust mopping. If the vinegar smell is bothersome to you, add a few drops of lavender or lemon essential oil for a fresh, calming scent!

Get Your Shine On: Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, And Hot Water

A mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and hot water can make for a great hardwood floor cleaner: the combination will give your flooring a rich sheen and a nice, natural scent. It’s also important to remember that a little goes a long way. So use this home remedy sparingly for effective results.

Cute Throw Rugs For High Traffic Areas

While hardwood flooring may not show wear and tear for years to come, it’s a good idea to place some accent rugs in high traffic areas to protect your floors and minimize your cleaning efforts. You can place a rug at the entrance of your home, or runners in hallways to minimize the tracking of dirt into other rooms. Accent rugs come in a plethora of colors, patterns, and materials to fit your style, and a cute rug can be a great way to add some personality and warmth to your living space.

Using Other Natural Hardwood Flooring Remedies

The right cleaning routine can make a huge impact on your home and family, and when it comes to your hardwood flooring, there are many easy and accessible all natural cleaning options that you can choose from.  If you want more tips for all natural cleaning and hardwood floor upkeep, feel free to contact the professionals at Duncan Flooring. We are always available and happy to help.

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