The cleaning routine used depends on the hardwood floor's surface finish. Essentially, there are two types of finish:
Wax finishes should be swept or vaccuumed regularly to remove surface dust before the soil gets "walked into" the finish. To keep the wood grains glowing, it is best to rewax floors twice a year. Between waxings, machine or hand buffing will enliver the luster.
Swedish and polyurethane finishes require no waxing. To clean, sweep or vaccuum up loose diret, then damp mop. Use a mild detertgent, one that doesn't leave a soapy film, diluted with water, or a small amount of vinegar in the water. Do no not use Murphy's Oil Soap!
Although, severely damaged floors require sanding and refinishing, minor stains and scratches can be fixed most of the time. There are a few quick fixes that can do the trick. On resin finishes, you can prevent most stains by wiping up the spill quickly. A well-waxed finish will also rebuff many stains. If a spot persists, use the following tips:
Clean ink and animal stains with steel wool and floor cleaner. Wash area with vinegar; let sit for three to four minutes. If the spot remains, sand with fine sandpaper, feathering into surrounding areas.
To correct black spots on hardwood floors--dissolve three tablespoons of oxalic acid crystals in one cup of hot water. Brush the mixture on the black spots. If they are caused by water they will disappear. Repeat if necessary. Wipe surface with a damp cloth and let dry.
Rub alcohol spots with liquid or past wax, silver polish or barely dampened with ammonia. Rewax the affected area.
Saturated oil and grease stains should be cleaned by using cotton doused in hydrogen peroxide and placing over the stain. Then saturate another layer of cotton with ammonia and place it over the first one. Repeat until stain is gone.
Rub heel marks vigorously with fine steel wool and a good floor cleaner. Wipe dry and polish.
Mold or mildew is a surface condition caused by damp conditions or stagnant air. Give the room proper ventilation. Existing mold can often be removed with a good cleaning fluid.
Cigarette burns can often be removed if they are rubbed down with steel wool. For increased effectiveness, moisten the steel wool with a mild solution of soap and water.
