Wood floors are susceptible to the same dirt and germs found on other surfaces, but they need a little extra care to clean. Disinfecting requires solutions that kill germs rather than just remove dirt. Since wood floors and finishes are sensitive to water and chemicals, you must use the right supplies and techniques to disinfect without damage. Learn how to disinfect hardwood floors safely and effectively below.
Prepping to Disinfect Hardwood Floors
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), disinfecting differs from cleaning by killing germs rather than removing them. Cleaning hardwood floors via sweeping and mopping is usually fine for day-to-day use, while disinfecting may be better if someone in your home is sick or you want to deep clean an area.
Not all disinfectants are safe to use on wood floors. If you know the specific hardwood product installed in your home, follow the manufacturer's cleaning guidelines. Otherwise, read the packaging of any cleaning product you use carefully to ensure it's wood-safe. In general, you want to avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the wood or its finish.
How to Disinfect Hardwood Floors
To effectively disinfect hardwood floors and remove all germs, start by sweeping away loose debris. Then, mop with a wood-safe disinfectant and thoroughly dry the surface to prevent water damage. Follow the steps below for more details.
Sweep the Floor
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Before you apply any disinfectant, start by removing all dust and debris. Use a soft-bristle broom and dustpan, a microfiber sweeper pad, or a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar. Sweeping the entire floor, including in corners and under furniture, will prevent your mop from pushing loose debris around and potentially scratching the wood surface.
Test the Disinfectant in a Small Area
Depending on the product you use, your disinfectant may come concentrated. If so, dilute it before use per the manufacturer's instructions on the label.
To ensure you don't damage the finish, test a small amount of diluted disinfectant on an inconspicuous part of the floor. Let it sit for as long as the instructions say, usually no more than a few minutes. Wipe up the spot with a clean cloth. If there is no damage, proceed to the next step.
Apply the Disinfectant With a Mop
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Mop the entire floor with your disinfectant solution, wringing the mop out before each pass to avoid pooling water. If you’re disinfecting more than one room, only mop in one room at a time. Allow the disinfectant to sit on the floor per the manufacturer's instructions to disinfect the surface fully.
Rinse the Floor
Mop again—this time with clean water and a well-wrung mop or cloth—to rinse the disinfectant off the floor.
Thoroughly Dry the Floor
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Wood is porous and sensitive to moisture, so dry your floor thoroughly to avoid leaving any water behind.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
If you don't have the time or ability to disinfect your hardwood floors, hire a local house cleaner. However, the average cost to hire a house cleaner is $175 per visit compared to the low cost of hardwood disinfectant solution, so you'll spend significantly less if you can sweep and mop hardwood floors yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, vinegar does not disinfect hardwood floors safely. A vinegar and water solution can effectively clean many hard surfaces, but it is acidic enough to break down the finish on hardwood floors and damage the wood underneath. Over time this will dull the floors and reduce their shine. A damaged finish will also leave floors susceptible to moisture and other problems.
To care for hardwood floors and avoid damaging the finish, establish a regular cleaning routine. Sweep up loose dust and debris with a broom or microfiber dust mop daily to prevent debris from scratching the surface of the wood. Vacuum weekly, being sure to get into tight corners and under furniture.
Nick has been a copywriter in the home services industry since 2017, marketing for hundreds of flooring and home improvement providers throughout North America.
Nick has been a copywriter in the home services industry since 2017, marketing for hundreds of flooring and home improvement providers throughout North America.
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