How to Clean Hickory Floors

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Broom

  • Dustpan

  • Vacuum cleaner

  • Mop

  • Hardwood cleaning solution

  • Bucket

Hickory floors should be cleaned with a minimal amount of water to avoid cracks.

A hardwood floor made of maple, birch or hickory gives your home a rustic appearance and is easy to maintain. Although it's more expensive, it adds to the resale value of your home. Hickory and other hardwoods used for floors are vulnerable to damage if left uncleaned; dust and debris can eat away at the wood finish, making it more vulnerable to wear and tear from foot traffic. Cleaning your floor regularly delays the deterioration of your finish and makes the wood last longer.

Advertisement

Step 1

Sweep all dust from the floor.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Vacuum the floor to pick up anything you missed.

Step 3

Make a mixture of 2 gallons of water and a half-cup of hardwood cleaning solution in a bucket.

Step 4

Dampen the mop by dipping the tip of it in the bucket of cleaning solution mixture and wringing it out. Don't soak the mop or the floor; as water makes wood expand and possibly crack or splinter.

Step 5

Mop to pick up any excess dust and allow the floor to dry.

Warning

Avoid using substances that are highly acidic or alkaline such as vinegar or bleach. You should use neutral-pH solutions to avoid reacting with and damaging the finish. This applies especially to polyurethane finishes.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references