The Best Cleaning Supplies for Hardwood Floors

• Mopping before sweeping can lead to scratches on the hardwood finish. Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images

  Hardwood floors offer a timeless look and durability, making them a popular flooring surface. Hardwoods are easily maintained, but cleaning supplies for these types of floors are not created equal. There are certain products and items an owner of hardwood flooring should have to keep floors clean and looking their best.

Broom and Dustpan

• With all the floor cleaning products available, it may be a surprise that one of the most important supplies you'll need to keep your hardwood floors clean is a broom and dustpan. Before applying any kind of cleaners, first remove all of the existing dirt, grit and other debris from the wood floor. When shoes walk across debris on a hardwood floor, the grinding action between the feet and floor can cause scratching on the finish of the wood. This takes away from the overall beauty. Sweeping up all debris into a dustpan and disposing of it will keep the floors clear and prepare it for further cleaning.

PH-Neutral Cleaner

• According to the Wood Floor Doctor website, the best cleaning product for hardwoods---particularly new finishes---is a pH-neutral cleaner. Cleaners with a low pH that are too acidic are good for hard-water stains and mineral deposits, but do not do much for cleaning dirt and grease. On the other hand, a high-pH cleaner such as a harsh detergent or soap will get rid of grease and dirt but will dull the finish.

Damp Mop

• A soft, damp mop is an essential part of hardwood floor cleaning. Either a sponge mop or a mop with a soft cloth pad should be dipped in mop water and then wrung out. Go over the floor once to clean the remaining dirt off the floor, dip it again and then go over the floor again to remove the remaining grit and grime.

  Don't use too much water on a wood floor. Pools of water can soak into hardwoods, especially if they do not have a good finish. This can cause warping because the water will make it expand.

Towel or Buffer

• A dry cotton towel or a buffer can come in handy as the finishing touch of a thorough hardwood floor cleaning. Simply use the towel or buffer to wipe down the floor after mopping and it will give the finish its best possible shine.