Avoid Ruining Your Hardwood Floors: The Right Way to Clean and Protect Them

Hardwood floors are one of the most beautiful and valuable features in any home. But the reality is, improper cleaning is one of the most common ways homeowners unintentionally damage their investment.

At Simpson Built Flooring Solutions & Finish Carpentry, we’ve seen it all — warped planks, dulled finishes, cupped boards — all because of well-meaning cleaning gone wrong. Let’s break down what you need to know to keep your floors looking pristine for decades, and why we only recommend Bona hardwood floor cleaners to our clients.

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Common Cleaning Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Floors

1.

Using Too Much Water

Water is hardwood’s worst enemy. Soaking your floor with a wet mop or bucket can cause:

• Warping and swelling

• Cupping (when the edges of the boards rise)

• Finish breakdown

  
  

  Hardwood is porous. Even sealed floors can absorb water over time, leading to long-term structural and aesthetic damage.

2.

Steam Mops

They might be trendy, but they’re one of the worst tools for hardwood. The intense heat and moisture can:

• Break down protective finishes

• Force moisture between seams

• Cause delamination of engineered floors

3.

Harsh or Generic Cleaning Products

All-purpose cleaners, vinegar, and store-brand floor sprays often contain:

• Acids that dull finishes

• Soaps that leave residue and streaks

• Ingredients that void your flooring’s warranty

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The Right Way to Clean Hardwood Floors

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Use Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaners

We exclusively recommend Bona Professional Series floor cleaners because they’re:

• pH-neutral and safe for all wood finishes

• Residue-free

• Certified by the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA)

• Trusted by flooring professionals worldwide

They’re designed to clean thoroughly without damaging the finish or wood underneath.

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Dry Clean Regularly

Use a microfiber mop or vacuum (with a hardwood-safe setting) daily or a few times per week. This removes grit and debris that can scratch the surface over time.

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Control Your Indoor Humidity

Keep indoor relative humidity between 35–55% year-round to prevent seasonal expansion and contraction.

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Protect High-Traffic Areas

• Use area rugs (with hardwood-safe backing)

• Apply felt pads to all furniture legs

• Keep pet nails trimmed

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Why Choose Simpson Built?

When you choose Simpson Built, you’re not just hiring a contractor — you’re investing in craftsmanship and care that lasts.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• 🛠️ 10+ Years of Craftsmanship Experience

• 🧼 Daily Job Site Cleanups — We Respect Your Space

• ⏱️ Always On Time & On Schedule

• 🏆 NWFA Membership — Certified Quality

• 🛡️ 3-Year Craftsmanship Warranty on full-spread glue-down installations

• 🇨🇦 Proudly Canadian, Locally Trusted

And yes — we send every client home with a full cleaning guide and product recommendations so you’re confident in caring for your floors after install.

📦 Ask About Our

Care + Clean Bundle

When you book with Simpson Built, you can add on our Care + Clean Bundle — a curated kit with Bona cleaner, microfiber mop, and our exclusive floor care guide — delivered to your door.

💬 Final Thoughts

Hardwood floors are a major investment — and with the right care, they’ll reward you for decades. Skip the steam, forget the vinegar, and choose a cleaning method that respects your wood. Trust the pros, trust the process, and let Simpson Built help you protect the beauty in every grain.