Keep Your Floors Beautiful for Decades
Hardwood flooring is one of the most durable and elegant choices you can make for your home—but it also needs a little TLC. Many Kansas City homeowners unknowingly damage their floors with incorrect floor cleaning habits.
Here are the top five hardwood floor cleaning mistakes—and how SVB Wood Floors can help you avoid them.
Mistake #1: Using Vinegar or DIY Cleaners
Vinegar may work wonders in the kitchen, but it’s acidic enough to strip hardwood finishes over time.
Use This Instead: Choose a pH-neutral cleaner specifically formulated for hardwood floors—like Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner, a trusted option that’s both effective and safe. A little goes a long way, especially with high-quality cleaners like Bona.
We offer floor-safe cleaning products and expert guidance to help you care for your hardwood properly and avoid accidental damage. If you’re unsure which product is right for your floor type or finish, our team is always here to help.
Mistake #2: Over-Saturating the Floor
Excess water can seep into wood seams, causing swelling, cupping, or even mold growth underneath the boards.
Solution: Use a lightly dampened microfiber mop, never soak it. The goal is to clean without leaving behind moisture, so avoid puddles at all costs. Excess water can seep into seams or cracks and damage the wood over time. Always follow the product label’s instructions, and when in doubt, test a small area first.
By using the right technique and minimal product, you’ll keep your floors looking great without risking damage.
Mistake #3: Using Steam Mops
Steam mops may seem like a quick fix, but they’re one of the worst things you can use on hardwood floors. The combination of heat and moisture can damage both the finish and the structure of the wood over time. Avoid waxes or polishes too—they can create a residue buildup, make your floors slippery, and interfere with future refinishing or recoating.
Better Choice:
Use a dry cleaning system or a lightly damp microfiber mop with a pH-neutral, wood-safe product like Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner. A little goes a long way—avoid oversaturating the mop, and never allow standing water on the floor.
Also, make a habit of cleaning up spills immediately—liquid can seep into seams and cause warping or staining faster than you might expect. Don’t forget about large debris like rocks, crumbs, or pet food. These can get caught in your vacuum and scratch the finish as you clean. Regular sweeping or dust-mopping keeps grit off the surface and protects your investment.
If your floors need a refresh, SVB’s expert team also offers professional hardwood cleaning and recoating services to safely restore their natural beauty—without damage.
Mistake #4: Skipping High-Traffic Maintenance
Areas like entryways, kitchens, and hallways wear down faster. Ignoring them leads to uneven fading and premature damage.
Protect with Rugs & Runners: Also consider recoating high-traffic areas every few years to maintain uniform protection.
Mistake #5: No Felt Pads on Furniture
Scratches from chairs or furniture legs are common—and completely preventable.
Easy Fix: Add felt pads to all contact points. Replace them as they wear down or collect grit.
Bonus Tip: Recoat Before It’s Too Late If your floors look dull but aren’t damaged, a recoat or buff & recoat could restore shine and durability without full refinishing.
SVB’s Floor Care Services
Your floors deserve better than vinegar and steam. Let SVB help protect your investment the right way. Learn About Floor Care Services
