Sometimes the winter seems never to end. But when milder days begin to appear, and we finally get the chance to open up our homes to fresh air, you may begin to see the effects winter had on your floors.

Dust, dirt, water puddles, and salt from the winter months can cause scratches that will eventually damage your floors. While you may be in the habit of cleaning up all messes quickly, the harsh winter elements can leave harmful residue behind. Now is the time to give your floors a good cleaning.

The sealing on your hardwood floors will determine what cleaning products you can safely use. Visiting your local big box store is not the place to look for cleaning products. Instead, start with your hardwood floor manufacturer. Often the products recommended by the manufacturer are not the cheapest. But because they know what materials were used in production, they also understand the safest way to keep your floors looking their best.

Before you begin, ensure the floor is clear of clutter. Move any furniture that is easy to move. Remove stacks and other items that may cause water to puddle or hide dust and debris.

Dry mop or vacuum the floor. This gets rid of all surface dirt and debris, and ensures these tiny particles will not scratch the surface of your hardwood.

Then mop the floor, going with the grain. If your floors are polyurethaned, dampen a mop with water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. You can also use a combination of vinegar and water for a quick cleaner solution.

Allow to dry thoroughly before putting furniture back into place. Ensure all puddles are wiped up immediately. Then buff with a clean cloth.

Using the wrong chemical based product can cause more damage and result in needing a complete floor refinish, which is a far more costly and time consuming process.

What’s the right solution for your hardwood floors?