Installing new floors is one of the biggest investments you can make in your home, and with the right care, they can stay beautiful for years to come. Understanding how to properly maintain your floors not only protects that investment but also keeps your home looking its best.

For hardwood, daily maintenance is simple. Often all that’s needed is a light sweep with a Swiffer or broom and spot cleaning with a cloth. When it’s time for a deeper clean, you can mop hardwood floors, but it’s important to remember that wood is absorbent. Water left sitting on the surface will cause the boards to swell, warp, or even buckle, leading to irreversible damage. If you mop, always dry the floors right away. The same rules apply to engineered hardwood, which is also vulnerable to water damage. For safe and effective cleaning, we recommend using products designed specifically for wood, such as Bona, which is widely available at hardware and home improvement stores. Harsh chemicals, including bleach, should never be used.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), on the other hand, is a little more forgiving. Most LVP products are 100% waterproof, making them an excellent choice for busy households and high-moisture areas. Unlike hardwood, they can be wet mopped without concern, though we still recommend using a safe cleaner like Bona to preserve their finish.

For a deeper, professional-level clean, especially when moving into a home or refreshing after tenants, a commercial buffing service can make a dramatic difference. This process involves applying a special solution that loosens dirt, debris, sticky residue, and buildup. Using a commercial buffer with either a wool pad or lightly textured disc, the floors are polished back to a clean, smooth surface. The results are often striking, restoring the look and feel of the floors to near-new condition. Many homeowners schedule this service annually to keep their floors in top shape.

With the right care and maintenance, your floors can remain a lasting centerpiece in your home. If you’re interested in professional cleaning or want to learn more about protecting your investment, reach out for a quote. We’d be happy to help you keep your floors looking their best.