Hardwood floors are not only a beautiful addition to homes, they also add value. But, there are a few downsides to having wood floors in your home. The primary one being that they can be a bit finicky to clean, especially if you have kids or pets.
Check out a few of these handy ways to get or keep your hardwood floors in tip-top shape.
1. Repair dents with an iron
If your kid drops their heavy sports equipment onto the hardwood floor and leaves a dent, try this trick for repairing the damage. Get the dent a bit wet. Then, dampen a cloth and place it over the dent. Rub your hot iron in circles on the wet cloth for several minutes. If the dent is deep or has dirt embedded you may need to slightly sand the surface first.
If your kid drops their heavy sports equipment onto the hardwood floor and leaves a dent, try this trick for repairing the damage. Get the dent a bit wet. Then, dampen a cloth and place it over the dent. Rub your hot iron in circles on the wet cloth for several minutes. If the dent is deep or has dirt embedded you may need to slightly sand the surface first.
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2. Remove permanent marker from your wood floors
That permanent artwork Joe Junior drew on your hardwood floors, may not be so permanent. Rub a bit of white toothpaste on the marker and then use a microfiber cloth to scrub the mark away.
That permanent artwork Joe Junior drew on your hardwood floors, may not be so permanent. Rub a bit of white toothpaste on the marker and then use a microfiber cloth to scrub the mark away.
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3. Make your own wood floor cleaner
Be kind to your pocketbook and the environment. Mix 1 cup of water with 3/4 cup vinegar, 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol, 2 drops of dish soap and 5 to 1o drops of your favorite scented oil in a spray bottle. After sweeping your wood floor, spritz with the cleaner and use a soft cloth to wipe it away.
Be kind to your pocketbook and the environment. Mix 1 cup of water with 3/4 cup vinegar, 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol, 2 drops of dish soap and 5 to 1o drops of your favorite scented oil in a spray bottle. After sweeping your wood floor, spritz with the cleaner and use a soft cloth to wipe it away.
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4. Hello Magic Eraser, goodbye scuffs
Get rid of scuffs on your wood floors in a snap. Just use a Magic Eraser to buff the scuff mark away.
Get rid of scuffs on your wood floors in a snap. Just use a Magic Eraser to buff the scuff mark away.
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5. Use canola oil to remove scratches
In a small container mix 1 part vinegar with 2 parts canola oil (or vegetable oil). Wipe the mixture on your scratches and gently rub it into the wood. You don't even have to wipe the mixture away.
In a small container mix 1 part vinegar with 2 parts canola oil (or vegetable oil). Wipe the mixture on your scratches and gently rub it into the wood. You don't even have to wipe the mixture away.
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6. Remove pet urine from your wood floors
Your best bet is to tackle the urine as soon as possible! While it's still wet, blot up as much of the moisture as possible. Dust plenty of baking soda on the still-wet spot and let it sit overnight. Wash away with a gentle cleaner.
Your best bet is to tackle the urine as soon as possible! While it's still wet, blot up as much of the moisture as possible. Dust plenty of baking soda on the still-wet spot and let it sit overnight. Wash away with a gentle cleaner.
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7. Use a microfiber cloth for general cleaning
For general sweeping/cleaning opt for a microfiber duster. The gentle material protects your floors from scratches.
For general sweeping/cleaning opt for a microfiber duster. The gentle material protects your floors from scratches.
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8. Remove gum with ice
Get stuck-on-gum off of your wood floors with a piece of ice. Use the ice to freeze the glue, then use a razor blade to remove the gum from the floor. You can also use this trick with glue or tape residue.
Get stuck-on-gum off of your wood floors with a piece of ice. Use the ice to freeze the glue, then use a razor blade to remove the gum from the floor. You can also use this trick with glue or tape residue.
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9. Use a walnut to remove scratches
If you have shelled walnuts on hand, you can get rid of scratches. Simply rub the walnut on the scratch until the scratch lightens or disappears.
If you have shelled walnuts on hand, you can get rid of scratches. Simply rub the walnut on the scratch until the scratch lightens or disappears.
10. Clean your floors with black tea
Boil four tea bags in 1 quart of water. Let it soak for as long as possible (the strong the brew, the better it cleans... though if you have light wood floors, you'll want to opt for less time to avoid staining your floors). Pour the cool tea into a bucket. Get a rag damp (not soaked) and wipe your floors down. Note: This is method is not safe for laminate flooring.
Boil four tea bags in 1 quart of water. Let it soak for as long as possible (the strong the brew, the better it cleans... though if you have light wood floors, you'll want to opt for less time to avoid staining your floors). Pour the cool tea into a bucket. Get a rag damp (not soaked) and wipe your floors down. Note: This is method is not safe for laminate flooring.
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