Hardwood floors are a beautiful way to class up your home. Different types of wood with varying colors and grades can be absolutely stunning. The problem is, they can be somewhat delicate and difficult to keep in pristine condition.
We’ve found 10 of the best ways to keep your hardwoods looking beautiful and new.
You probably have many of these supplies in your home already!
1. Use canola oil for removing scratches
Mix one part vinegar with two parts canola oil. Use a cloth to wipe the mixture on the scratches and gently rub into the wood. No need to wipe the mixture away, it’ll shine your floor right up!
2. Remove gum with an ice cube
Have a piece of chewed gum stuck on your hardwoods? No problem! Take an ice cube to freeze the glue, then use a razor blade to gently and easily scrape the gum off the floor. This works well with glue and adhesive residue also.
3. Clean floors with black tea
Take four tea bags and boil them in a quart of water. Let the bags steep for as long as possible; this will create a stronger and better cleaner; however, if you have lighter colored wood, you may want to steep for less time. Dampen a cloth with the tea, and wipe your hardwoods down for a gorgeous, and pleasantly-scented, clean.
4. Toothpaste can remove permanent marker
Don’t worry, that permanent marker on your hardwood floor might not be so permanent. Use a little white toothpaste and a microfiber cloth to rub away the mark. Your floor will look as good as new.
5. Fix dents with an iron
If you’ve dropped a heavy item on your hardwoods and created a dent, it’s time to heat up the iron. Moisten the dent with some water and place a dampened cloth on the dent. Rub the hot iron in circles over the damp cloth for a couple of minutes; the dent should relieve itself.
6. Magic erasers really are magic
This wonderful product truly lives up to its namesake. Use a Magic Eraser to remove scuffs easily; it’s seriously like magic.
7. Fix creaky floors with baby powder
Dust a generous amount of baby powder over your creaky floorboards. Work the powder into the cracks using a paintbrush until the floor no longer makes any noise.
8. Soak up pet urine with baking soda
Pet urine can soak into hardwoods creating a stain and a lasting unpleasant odor. Nip the problem in the bud by wiping up the mess as best as possible then sprinkling a generous amount of baking soda over the still wet stain. Leave the baking soda on the stain overnight then wash away with a gentle cleanser.
9. Use a walnut to remove scratches
Walnuts are excellent for removing or lightening scratches on hardwood floors. Just rub the shelled walnut on the scratch until the scratch disappears or lightens.
10. Avoid scuffs by cleaning with microfiber
The soft material of microfiber will prevent any scratches while cleaning. Instead of using a standard straw broom, opt for a microfiber option. Your floors will stay smooth and scratch-free.
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