However avoid using a steam mop on unsealed hardwoods as they re more vulnerable and easily damaged by excessive moisture.
Does mopping wood floors.
While researching the use of steam mops on hardwood floors i came across article after article that cautioned against using a steam mop on hardwood floors.
The premise is that despite mop manufacturer claims the steam from the mop moves through cracks in the floor more easily than water which penetrates below the sealer and the moisture.
If at all possible use a disposable mop otherwise once again you risk spreading the problem rather than solving it.
Sealed hardwood floors can withstand the moisture and heat from a steam mop and they clean really nicely with a streak free finish.
For a quick clean dust wood floors with a mop that has been treated with a dusting agent to pick up dust dirt and pet hair that might scratch the floor surface.
And once it does the best remedy is a good mopping.
While surface sealed wood floors are more water resistant than unsealed or wax sealed floors they still require a different mopping technique.
How often you have to do this chore depends on the traffic your hardwood floors see.
Dry mopping and spot cleaning laminate is the best route.
One way how to clean hardwood floors is to use a mop and hardwood floor cleaner according to the manufacturer s instructions.
Avoid the use of vinegar on laminate flooring as the acidic properties can dull the finish over time.
Furthermore mopping laminate even with water can damage the flooring.
Mop less trafficked areas once a month or once a season.
Avoid leaving any standing water on the floor for this can damage the wood.
In high traffic areas like the dining room and kitchen sweep or vacuum daily if possible and mop hardwood floors once or twice a week.
This is especially true for prefinished hardwood floors.
It also happens to be a tried and true method that many experts believe is the most effective way in cleaning urethane finished wood floors on a day to day basis.
While cleaning is an endless cycle and floor care the most relentless a little vigilance goes a long way.
Make sure you also wash down all soft furnishings with a damp cloth to remove further traces of flea eggs and larvae.
With vinyl you can get away with more water and a varied pattern of mop strokes.
Make sure to wring most of the water out of the mop so it s damp.
The good news is that removing fleas from your hardwood floor isn t too much of an ordeal.