What to Consider When Choosing the Best Broom for Hardwood Floors?

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
44 min read

When it comes to quick cleanup, a broom is generally the first and last tool needed. Even on generally spotless hardwood floors, stray cracker crumbs, a dead plant, and pet hair can stand out like spotlights. For hardwood floors, the finest broom has gentle bristles that won’t hurt sensitive floors, but that can also catch dust, debris, and dog dander. In addition, they prevent dust from being kicked up into the air, preserving the hardwood’s gloss and natural luster.

There are a lot of things to keep in mind when purchasing a new brush, and here are some of the best ones for hardwood floors that we’ve found.

Contents

Features to Look for When Choosing the Best Broom for Hardwood Floors

While all brooms are made to help clean, there are a wide variety of variances among the choices. Specific design aspects and broom bristle materials have an impact on how well a broom works for specific jobs. When looking for a new broom, it’s critical to keep these things in mind.

The Best Brooms – LifeSavvy

Bristles

Brooms come in a variety of stiffnesses, from the softest to the stiffest, and some even have different sorts of bristles on the same broom. Large debris is better removed with stiff brushes, however tiny scratches on hardwood floors may result. Fine dust is easier to remove with softer bristles.

In addition, there are several varieties of broom bristles, such as flagged, unflagged, cloth/mop, or rubber ones.

  • In order to better sweep, trap, and collect small dust and particles, flagged bristles have split ends. For hardwood floors, brooms with flagged bristles are preferable because they collect the fine dust that can be seen on the surface.
  • Brushes equipped with unflagged bristles remove heavy, damp debris with straight ends. Indoor and outdoor brooms and brooms used in the bathroom and kitchen contain these types of bristles. They tend to be excessively stiff for hardwood, which makes them prone to scuffs and dings. While some are composed of soft materials, others are made of metal.
  • Microfiber “bristles” on cloth or mop brooms collect more dust and grime than they push or sweep. In terms of hardwood floor dust removal, these mop brooms are great. Dry sweeping and wet mopping heads may be included in some models, but this is not always the case.
  • Instead of resembling regular bristles, thick rubber bristles resemble thin rubber fingernails. These bristles are great for getting rid of pet hair from carpets and hardwood floors because they attract, push, and pull it. Soap and water can then be used to clean the broom head and remove any leftover pet hair. Hardwood flooring can’t be cleaned with rubber bristles. There is only one use for them and that is to remove pet hair.

The angle at which the bristles are arranged can have an impact. Straight bristles can’t go into corners or under cabinets, but angled ones can. Flagged and unflagged bristles are available in straight and angled cuts.

Materials

When it comes to the weight of a broom, the materials used to make its handle and bristles have an impact on how well it sweeps up debris and what types of surfaces it performs best on. Natural and synthetic materials are the two main divisions, although even within these divisions, there is a wide range of options.

Those who want to keep synthetic fibers out of their homes may pick natural bristles over synthetic ones. Horsehair and straw are the two most common natural materials used to make brush bristles. Broomcorn, Tampico, yucca, and palmyra are a few other possibilities. Many brooms are made with a mixture of natural bristles. For example, broomcorn and yucca are sometimes used combined to create an all-purpose broom that removes both huge debris and small dust.

PVC, polypropylene, and microfiber synthetic bristles are all examples of synthetic bristles. Microfiber and marked plastic bristles are two examples of synthetic bristles that are both soft and firm, like natural bristles.

Broom handles made of plastic, metal, or wood are the most prevalent. Plastic and metal resist heat and moisture better than wood, making them a preferable alternative if the broom is going to be exposed to extremes in temperature or humidity. The best lightweight handles are stable and allow the operator to apply pressure to the broom without the handle flexing.

Handle

The length, thickness, and style of broom handles can vary widely. When sweeping, longer handles with adequate length to allow the user to stand upright can reduce back pain and increase leverage.

Brooms with adjustable handles are ideal for multi-user homes since each user can change the length to their own height. To modify the length, some have telescoping handles, while others have one or two extension sections.

To reduce the amount of power you can apply to the broom, it is possible to weaken several adjustable joints. To avoid bent or broken adjustable handles, look for joint locking systems, robust joints, and sturdy handle materials.

Weight

When sweeping a broad area, using a lightweight broom prevents tiredness from setting in. The broom’s weight is kept under 1 pound by using plastic and synthetic bristles. Lightweight brooms can also benefit from aluminum handles.

The heaviest brooms are made of wood and weigh between 2 and 2.5 pounds. Natural hair brooms function best with wood, therefore the extra weight is sometimes worth it for the improved effectiveness. Even though the weight differences don’t seem significant, they add up when you’re sweeping an entire residence.

The broom’s performance can be influenced by a variety of other factors, including its weight distribution. As an illustration, heavier push brooms, such as those with wood handles and larger broom heads, may have a lower center of gravity because of this. That makes pushing the broom a lot easier.

Sweeping with a normal broom makes it easier to handle a higher center of gravity. Brooms with synthetic synthetic bristles tend to have a lower center of gravity, which makes sweeping more efficient.

Storage

Storage space can also play a role in determining which broom is appropriate for a given residence. Most brooms don’t take up a lot of space in a pantry or closet with a lot of vertical storage space.

However, features such as hooks, loops, or brackets and bracing that allow the broom to be mounted to a wall make storage considerably easier in smaller dwellings and smaller storage locations. A few types come with broom heads that can be removed and attached to the handle for compact storage.

In many cases, the dustpan is used to store the broom’s head. To make storage easier, dustpans and brooms with snaps or hooks can be attached to one another.

Dustpan

Having a dustpan attached to a broom is a big plus. To begin, most dustpans are designed to be used in conjunction with a broom, which eliminates the need for users to go hunting for the dustpan every time they need to sweep.

As a second benefit, brooms that include dustpans usually have better fit than those purchased individually. To get the most out of your broom, use a dustpan that has the same width and depth as it. Finally, purchasing the broom and dustpan together saves money.

Cleaning can be made easier with the use of dustpans. These “teeth” polish the broom’s bristles or rubber lips that help debris fall into the dustpan rather than into the dustpan’s lip, depending on the model. Long-handled dustpans with mechanisms that lock them open make it possible to clear the final dust pile without stooping to the floor or bending over.

Our Top Picks

Brooms with microfiber heads or rubber bristles are among the top options, as are those with matching or linked dustpans. In addition to offering exceptional functionality, these brooms also come in a range of styles. Some are designed for specialized tasks, while others can be used to sweep hardwood floors in general.

TreeLen Broom and Dustpan

There are no dust bunnies left behind when you use the TreeLen Broom and Dustpan. The accompanying extension pole extends the 40.5-inch broom handle to 52 inches, reducing the likelihood of back injuries.

With a 38-inch handle and a mechanism that keeps the dustpan in the opened position, the dustpan may also be appreciated by backs. It eliminates the need to stoop to sweep trash into a dustpan. A rubber lip seals the dustpan to the floor, preventing particles from being swept underneath. The dustpan’s tines are also useful for clearing the broom of debris.

The broom’s flagged bristles are soft and flexible, so they won’t harm your hardwood floors. To keep dust and grime from returning to the floor, the bristles have feathered ends. With this last connection, the dustpan can be stored inside the lightweight plastic broom. There is a built-in hook for hanging the entire set, or you can just slide it into an area with limited space.

SANGFOR Dust Pan and Broom Set

Broom bristles on the SANGFOR dust pan and broom set are softly slanted and flagged so that each stroke covers more surface area. Using the 40-inch broom, even tall people may sweep without stooping thanks to the 54.3-inch extension pole.

The final dust pile may be easily removed without stooping thanks to a 38.9-inch dustpan handle. It has a rubber lip that prevents dust from escaping the dustpan and settling on the floor. For more thorough cleaning, a rubber comb is attached to the dustpan to remove hair and other dirt.

The dustpan has a clip that attaches to the broom so that it can be stored within the dustpan. In addition to standing, the dustpan’s flat bottom enables for hanging storage, as does the broom handle’s hook. Their combined weight is only 2.4 pounds, thanks to their plastic construction.

O-Cedar Fast ‘N Easy Angle Broom

Using the O-Cedar Fast ‘N Easy Angle Broom, you can get great cleaning results without breaking the bank. The O-Cedar Flare-Tip technology in the soft flagged bristles traps dust and grime to help keep hardwood floors clean. Cleaning corners and behind kitchen cabinets is made easier thanks to the angled bristles. The use of cleaning brushes with 80 percent recycled plastic bristles reduces the impact on the environment.

The 53-inch length of the handle helps keep most users upright, which relieves back strain. A handle on the open design of the head allows for more control when clearing the final debris pile. Because it weighs only 1.26 pounds because to its all-plastic construction, this broom is easier to use when sweeping large floors.

SWOPT Premium Smooth Surface Straight Broom Head

SWOPT’s interchangeable cleaning system includes the Premium Smooth Surface Straight Broom Head. Straight flagged plastic bristles are affixed to the wood head of this broom. To keep pet hair from flying into the air and settling on hardwood floors, the bristles’ feathered ends widen the surface area.

This broom head’s manufacturer offers a wide variety of products and alternatives to go along with it. In order to customize the broom, you must purchase the handle separately. 48-inch and 60-inch lengths are available in wood and stainless steel. As an alternative to screwing the handle to the broom head, SWOPT employs a snap-lock method. The broom head and handle can be swapped out for various SWOPT cleaning tools.

However, the entire weight of the broom is dependent on what kind of handle is attached to it. All of the handle options come with a hook for hanging.

OXO Large Upright Sweep Set

To set it apart, the telescoping handle on the OXO Large Upright Sweep Set extends to a whopping 20 inches. From 39 to 53 inches, the handle can be locked at any point along the extension range.

The OXO’s cleaning power comes from angled and marked bristles. In addition to trapping dust, filth, and pet hair, they are gentle enough to maintain hardwood floors.

GetUSCart- OXO Large Upright Sweep Set

The dustpan that comes with this broom has a 36-inch handle, so users won’t have to stoop down to use it. A rubber lip on the dustpan prevents debris from falling under it while it is open on the floor for simple sweeping. A comb on the top of the dustpan aids in the removal of hair and other debris from the brush. It weighs 2.2 pounds, and the broom features a plastic handle and a plastic dustpan. For storage, they can either stand or be hung.

O-Cedar Power Corner Large Angle Broom

With “double bristle technology,” the O-Cedar Power Corner Large Angle Broom is equipped. The black flagged bristles at the extremities of the broom are firmer to remove both fine and large material from corners. The softer gray bristles at the center of the broom head collect the finer dust particles and prevent them from falling to the floor. Recycled materials make up about 80% of both categories. Memory technology developed by O-Cedar ensures that they won’t bend or break.

Most individuals can sweep without crouching thanks to the 55-inch handle height. A handle on the broom head makes it easier to sweep away dirt mounds, even without the inclusion of a dustpan. The plastic broom weighs 1.5 pounds in total.

Quickie Bulldozer 18-Inch Smooth Surface Push Broom

This 18-inch push broom from Quickie Bulldozer has a smooth surface and sweeps an expansive 18 inches in one sweep. Poly-fiber bristles are gentle enough to protect hardwood floors, yet robust enough to hold and push dust, debris, and hair away from the surface. Push brooms differ from ordinary brooms in a number of ways. In order to accommodate users of various heights, they require a 60-inch handle.

Despite its plastic, resin, and synthetic bristle construction, this broom weighs in at 2.45 pounds due to its larger, heavier design. But if you’ve got a lot of square footage to cover, the added weight of a push broom’s wide head is worth it. With the broom’s head removed and attached to the handle, it can be hung and stored in an even more compact manner.

FURemover Telescoping Handle Broom

Pet hair removal is the exclusive focus of the FURemover Broom. The natural rubber bristles collect and remove pet hair from carpets and hardwood floors. It’s ideal for households with multiple pets or a pet that sheds a lot. With warm, soapy water, the broom’s accumulated pet hair is washed away.

To accommodate varied heights, the handle of the broom can be extended from 36 to 60 inches. Removes pet hair, but the head does more than that: Cleaning up spills on hardwood floors or washing windows is a breeze with the built-in squeegee. The FURemover is surprisingly light for its size. 92 kg.

Full Circle Tiny Team Mini Brush and Dustpan Set

On this list, the only broom with unflagged bristles is the Full Circle Tiny Team Mini Brush and Dustpan Set. Softness and pliability, on the other hand, make them an excellent choice for cleaning up tiny spills on hardwood surfaces.

The bristles on this little brush are made from recyclable plastic and have a beautiful bamboo handle. By pressing into the floor with its silicone lip, a dustpan keeps its contents from falling out of it. Dustpan and brush fit together when it’s time to put them away. The entire size of the set is 7 inches x 7 inches and weighs just.15 pound, making it ideal for travel.

O-Cedar Dual-Action Microfiber Sweeper Dust Mop

The microfiber and chenille head of the O-Cedar Dual-Action Microfiber Sweeper Dust Mop catches hard-to-remove debris, fine dust, and stray pet hair. To go around furniture edges and tight corners, this type works like a push broom.

Cleaning becomes more powerful with a flexible head. Cleaning the baseboards is done by flexing the head up and down. Larger material is pushed as well, resulting in an accumulation resembling that of a typical broom.

Users can easily maneuver the broom around and under furniture legs and cupboards thanks to the strong 49.5-inch handle, which isn’t adjustable. This variant has a head that can be washed by a machine. After around 50 washes, the head should be replaced.

Swiffer Sweeper Dry Mop

Among hardwood floor owners, the Swiffer Sweeper is a popular choice. When used on a smooth, hard surface, it’s quick and easy to deploy.

Fine dust from the floor’s cracks and crevices is collected by wringing out the dry towels. You can use a moist towel to create a glittering finish if you’d like to be more thorough in your cleaning efforts.

The Swiffer’s ease of assembly is one of its numerous appeals to homeowners. To get started right away, everything is supplied.

The Pros

Thick Cloths

Even the smallest dust particles are picked up by the dry, thick cloths as they sweep across your floor. Even the notoriously difficult grout lines will be no match for it. Using a dry cloth to wipe away dirt binds the dust in its core.

Easy Assemble

Assembly of the Swiffer is made simple. You attach three poles to the head of the sweeper and link them.

Wrap a dry cloth around the head, and it will secure itself. Simply remove and change the cloth when it becomes filthy.

In the same way, a damp cloth can be attached and utilized for a more thorough clean.

Large Supply of Dry Cloths

The set includes 14 disposable dry cloths. The “starting kit” in this case is perfect for getting a feel for the various pads. Five wet pads are also included in the package.

Swiffer is acquiring new admirers every day because to the starter kit, which many customers were pleased with.

Works on Multiple Surfaces

Hardwood floors might benefit from the gentleness of the dry cloths. They’re also great for tile floors, and you can even use them on wooden cabinets or furniture.

The damp pads, on the other hand, aren’t suited for oiled, waxed, or unpainted wood floors because they’re too slippery.

The Cons

Cloths Won’t Last

Unfortunately, this item is designed to be thrown away after only a short time of use. The “body” of the sweeper will last, but the cloths need to be changed frequently.

The wet pads should only be used once before being thrown away. In the long term, this could end up costing a lot of money. However, a few people have devised ways to create the same look with different, more affordable, fabrics.

Additional Specs

JinClean Industrial Class Cotton Dry Mop

When it comes to cleaning hardwood floors, a fast sweep across the surface can save time and effort. Use this dry mop for this kind of cleaning. Dust and fine hair are drawn to its cottony threads.

With a huge sweeper-head, you can sweep across a larger area in a shorter amount of time. When it comes to assembling and attaching the cotton sleeve, the broom is simple. The adjustable height makes it easier to access hard-to-reach spots.

The Pros

Gentle Cotton

Hardwood floors benefit greatly from cotton, one of the gentlest materials available.

Using a dry mop head, you may sweep across the floor and remove all of the tiny dust particles.

Using warm water and detergent, you can quickly clean the pad if it becomes very soiled.

Quick Cleaning

You may not have the time to sweep the floors, especially if you’re a busy mom. With the huge 24-inch mop head, you can cover a larger area in a shorter amount of time. In addition, it removes dust and shines the floors, so there’s no need to use water after the procedure.

Easy Assembling

You slide a metal frame into the mop sleeve to use it. Using the easy-lock method, you can then attach it to the pole.

Height Adjustable

You can adjust the sweeper’s height thanks to the telescoping wand. It may be changed from 34 to 59 inches in length.

Many consumers were happy with this feature, commenting that everyone could use the mop comfortably.

It’s Versatile

To clean numerous types of flooring, you have to select the correct cleaning product. This dry mop is designed to go from wet to dry with ease. Even cement floors may be cleaned with this product.

The Cons

Doesn’t Swivel

At any one time, the mop can only move in one certain way at a time. Corners and furnishings might make it difficult to go around.

Pole Collapses

The pole started falling as customers were cleaning it. They had to take a break and re-adjust, which was inconvenient.

Additional Specs

TreeLen Dustpan and Broom

Broom and dustpan in one: The TreeLen is a great all-in-one tool. Cleanup is a breeze, and it’s also easy to store. When not in use, you may store it standing up because the two pieces snap together.

A high-quality plastic is used to ensure long-term use. It is effective on both hardwood and carpeted surfaces. You won’t have to worry about scratching your hardwood floors thanks to the gentle bristles.

The Pros

Adjustable Length

This is an excellent alternative for tall or small people alike. Using the provided extension pole, the broom may be extended from 38.5 inches to 52 inches in length. If you have movement concerns or are plagued by back pain, the extra length is a boon.

Maximum Cleanup

Soft bristles of the broom are encased in a scraper and set of teeth. Because of this, your floors will be free of dirt and debris, including human and animal hair! As a result, the dustpan is equipped with a flexible lip that allows you to sweep dirt and debris directly into the pan, rather than through the lip.

Ease of Use

The installation of this broom and dustpan is a breeze. So you’ll be able to go on with your day in no time. In addition, it’s a breeze to use. Customers appreciate how easy it is to sweep their floors clean with this mop and bucket set.

The Cons

Broom Head Size

Many customers find the broom head size to be too small. If you have a wide floor area to cover, this method is better for getting into tight spaces and corners, but it takes longer.

Additional Specs

Evriholder Furemover Squeegee Broom

When you have a pet, you have to deal with hair all of the time. If you don’t have the correct tools, it can be difficult to keep the fur at bay.

Thanks to the clever shape of the head of this broom, small hairs and tiny dust particles can be swept away. With its telescoping wand, it can be used by people of varying heights. In addition, it can be applied to a variety of surfaces.

The broom includes an additional feature that makes it easier to clean up wet messes and spills.

The Pros

Pet Hair Eliminator

When you see pet hair on the floor, it might be a pain to drag out a bulky vac every time. While it takes some time to set up, this broom gets the job done quickly and efficiently.

They’re composed of soft rubber, which slides across hardwood floors without leaving any marks.

Broom and Blade

Use the broom’s blade to clean up damp messes by turning it over. This mat won’t leave stains on your flooring because it is composed of natural soft rubber.

On windows, windshields, as well as on pool decks, the blade can be used

Can Be Used on Multiple Surfaces

Carpet, hardwood, and tile are all interchangeable. Pet hair, dust, and debris can be removed from carpets with the use of squeegees that glide over the surface. Flat and curved surfaces can also be utilised.

Telescopic Wand

To accommodate everyone in the family, the telescopic wand extends from 36 to 60 inches. Additionally, it comes in handy when cleaning windows or other high spots.

Easy to Clean

Easy to use, but also easy to maintain clean after cleaning. Detach the head and wash it in soapy water whenever you feel like it. The amount of hair that you take up may necessitate more frequent washings.

The Cons

Weak Handle

The squeegee head is excellent, however the grip is flimsy and prone to breaking. Customers have reported having to use a wooden broomstick in its place.

Additional Specs

O-Cedar PowerCorner Angle Broom

Using the O-Cedar PowerCorner broom in tight spaces is the best way to go. Even if you don’t own a pet, you’ve experienced the agony of finding their hair in places you didn’t expect. In addition to dust, food, and other debris that accumulates in the corners throughout the day, this broom is ideal for cleaning up the mess.

PowerCorner® Angle Broom with Dust Pan | Household Cleaning Products Made for Easy Cleaning | O-Cedar®

Because of its slanted shape, it is particularly useful for cleaning up hard-to-reach crevices. As a result, your home will now appear immaculate from top to bottom.

The Pros

Double Bristle Technology

Brush with a double row of bristles There’s a lot of work to be done with the black bristles. Afterwards, the gray, semi-soft bristles pick up and transport the dirt so that you can easily sweep it up. Often referred to as “memory bristles,” these bristles do not flex or change shape.

Picks up More Dirt

This is a wonderful option if you’re fed up with your brooms leaving behind shards of dirt and debris. Even the tiniest particles of dust and hair are captured by the flare tips. Double bristle technology clings to it as you sweep the floor, preventing it from falling off.

Clicks Together

With one click, the broom and dustpan are attached. This allows for safe and convenient storage. After reading this, you will never lose your dustpan! This new feature is hugely popular with customers. Additionally, it saves a bit of space.

The Cons

Not for Outdoor Use

There’s no doubt that an all-purpose broom has its advantages. The O-Cedar broom, on the other hand, isn’t built to survive the elements. Pressure on the broom caused it to break for a client who used it on patio bricks. So if you’re looking for a broom that can do it all, this isn’t it.

Dustpan Disappointment

With the dustpan, many people have no problem picking up dirt and are happy with the product. For this reason, the rubber seal is designed to be permanently affixed to the floor. Some consumers, on the other hand, complain that the rubber seal doesn’t hold up. Rather than settling in the pan itself, the dust is deposited on the pan’s underside.

Additional Specs

How Do You Sweep Hardwood Floors?

Get organized and stick to your plan. On a daily or bi-weekly basis, you should sweep the floors.

The best way to dust is as follows:

  1. Begin by cleaning the ceiling and windows first. This is to prevent dust from returning to the area you just swept.
  2. You can virtually split your room into sections that go from one side of the room to the exit. You don’t need any tools to do this, but simply your thoughts.
  3. The bristles on the broom should be soft and oriented in one direction.
  4. Keep to your parts as you sweep the farthest away from the entrance. When compared to haphazard movement, this will save you both time and energy.
  5. Sweep each mound of dirt into a dustpan with quick, even strokes.
  6. Consider moving any appliances or furniture to one side of the room by elevating them off the floor. When you dust them, some dirt and dust mites will linger behind.
  7. After sweeping, wash your broom with soap and water and dry it before putting it away.

After you’ve swept, it’s a good idea to damp-dry mop your floor. This will remove the tiniest specks of dirt and filth that can’t be brushed away.

It will also freshen the air in your home. Vacuum your floors on a weekly or monthly basis, and then deep clean your home with a mop and your preferred cleaner or a steamer.

Is It Better to Sweep or Vacuum Hardwood Floors?

Compared to sweeping, vacuuming is a much faster and more efficient way to dust a hardwood floor. Even the tiniest bits of dirt and hair that are difficult to sweep are captured by vacuums.

HEPA filters in advanced vacuums catch allergens.

It is possible to get into places that other methods can’t reach with cordless vacuums for hardwood floors.

As the dust moves around, part of it flies into the air as well. People with allergies may have an issue with this.

Modern brooms, on the other hand, come in a wide variety of styles and purposes and can be used safely on your wooden floor.

With a broom, you risk damaging your floor by not using the right vacuum cleaner. On a wood floor, avoid using a vacuum with a beater bar to avoid scratching the finish.

Robotic vacuum cleaners are increasingly popular for wood floor cleaning in households. Because of their intuitive control and navigation, they’re a breeze to use.

It is possible to use them when you are away via Wi-Fi and an app on your phone.

Tips for dusting a hardwood floor

  • Maintain a regular cleaning routine, such as once a day or once a week for thorough cleaning.
  • Regular cleaning with a soft, fine-bristle brush or dust mop is recommended, as is cleaning before mopping.
  • Every week, vacuum the tiny dust and pet dander from the floor. To prevent scuffing, use a soft brush attachment.
  • Remove wet spills like water with a dry cloth and dry vacuum immediately.
  • In order to keep the polyurethane surface dry, use a damp-dry mop when mopping.
  • Rugs should be placed in high-traffic areas and vacuumed often.
  • To avoid scuffing your shoes, don’t wear them while walking.
  • Objects such as furniture and appliances should not be dragged across a wood floor.
  • To avoid bringing in soil from shoes, place floor mats at the door.
  • Protect the legs of your furniture from dings and dings by putting felt pads underneath the legs.
  • On a regular basis, replace the filters in your vacuum cleaner.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for wood floor care and maintenance.

How to Clean Hardwood Floors Without Damaging Them

It’s not difficult to maintain clean floors if you keep up with the pace. Clean the floor regularly with a moist mop and a neutral solution when it appears dull. Use tough-bristled mats, store dirty shoes outside, and sweep, dry-mop, or vacuum routinely.

Hardwood Floor Cleaning and Maintenance Steps

Wood floors should be cleaned at least four to six times a year in most households.

To keep an eye on the cleanliness of his first floor, floor installer Michael Dittmer dispatches a robot vacuum cleaner every day. As for the rest of my home, I clean the kitchen floor weekly and other areas twice a month. So, naturally, there are dogs and adolescent sons in his backyard. For most families, this routine should be sufficient.

4 Methods To Clean and Maintain Your Floors

  1. Angled brooms with soft bristles are best. If you want to get the work done quickly, you’ll need to get into the corners and broad enough to do so.
  2. Vacuum the floor with a soft floor nozzle rather than a carpet beater or brush roll. Make sure the robot vacuum doesn’t get stuck in a corner and lasts at least an hour before it has to recharge.
  3. With a damp cloth, a squirt of wood floor cleanser, and a vigorous scrubbing, remove the sticky residue as soon as possible. A microfiber mop head with a positive electric charge is great for removing dust and pet hair from surfaces. Again, keep the mop head going along the grain.
  4. You can use a damp mop with a flat head mop and a microfiber pad or a microfiber string mop that has been fully wrung out if the mop seems dirty. When cleaning with a spray bottle, aim for roughly a half teaspoon of cleaning solution per two square feet of surface area. There’s no need to follow up with a rinse. Cloth diapers and soft socks can be used instead of buffing.

5 Ways to Avoid Major Damage

  1. Be careful not to overlook any moist or sticky spots on the floor. None of this is going to go away on its own. Is it an ice cube that just sprung out of the ground? It’s yours.
  2. Don’t bring in the big rigs. In order to protect the finish, you should avoid using anything that isn’t supposed to be used on the floor.
  3. Avoid using the wrong cleaning product when cleaning. Murphy Oil Soap can leave a residue on polyurethane, according to industry experts. Paste wax merely increases the slickness. To remove a glow from acrylic polishes while putting more on? That doesn’t sound right. Polyurethane can be dulled by them, but cleaning it will restore its luster.
  4. Take care not to over-flood the area. Moisture is sprayed between boards and through tiny gaps in the surface that emerge when wood shrinks and expands in response to the weather by standing water and wet mops. Moisture can weaken wood over time.
  5. Steam cleaning is not permitted. Never build anything out of wood. Tile, linoleum, and vinyl are good candidates for it.

What To Use To Clean Hardwood Floors

A pH level of roughly 7 is ideal for a neutral solution; anything higher or lower, save for an all-purpose cleanser, is excessively alkaline. Bona’s free and simple Hardwood Floor Cleaner ($18; Bona) is an excellent illustration of this.

Is it Safe to Use Vinegar to Clean Hardwood Floors?

There is no need to use a solution of vinegar or baking soda. Polyurethane can be damaged or dulled by using vinegar or dish detergent, which aren’t as effective as today’s multi-functional cleaning products.

Pro2Pro Tip: Spray a small amount of solution over a piece of glass to see what it leaves behind.

Treatment might be just as bad as a disease. National Wood Flooring Association technical expert Brett Miller warns against using too much water or steam in the cleaning process.

Strong vinegar or baking soda solutions that can breakdown polyurethane, and “glow” enhancers that sound like they would work on your hair are also no- no’s..

What Makes Wood Floors Shine?

Here are some of the most important features to look for in pre-engineered wood floor solutions:

  • The drying process is sped up by the use of solvents, which reduce the amount of moisture in the air and speed up the process. Wood floor cleaner Method Squirt & Mop contains two solvents, one of which is made from cornstalks.
  • Hardwood Floor Cleaner by Rejuvenate uses surfactants, which loosen grease and filth and emulsify them so they can be transferred to the mop head.
  • Method’s cleaning contains chelators, which combat water spots and snow-melt salts.
  • A neutral pH can be achieved with the use of citric acid and alkaline substances.
  • It is possible to purchase extra-powerful oxidizers, such as Bona’s PowerPlus ($21; The Home Depot), to help remove accumulated grime from neglected floors.

Wood Floor Cleaners and Tools

Spray mops with on-shaft refillable tanks, like the $30 Libman Freedom Spray Mop, are available. You can wash O-Dual-Action Cedar’s Microfiber Flip Mop ($20) pads in the washing machine, but avoid using fabric softener, which might leave streaks on the floor.

Spin Cycle Mop ($30; Casabella) is a microfiber string mop that can be wrung out until merely damp.

FAQs About Brooms for Hardwood Floors

New questions and approaches for keeping hardwood floors pristine may arise as a result of advancements in cleaning equipment. Some of the most frequently asked questions concerning hardwood floor cleaning using brooms are addressed here.

What’s the Difference Between Flagged and Unflagged?

There are two types of bristles: those with flags or those without flags. Bristles with flared tips are ideal for dusting because they are supple and easy to use.

Straight, stiffer bristles are characteristic of unflagged brooms. Therefore, they’re more suited to carpets and tiles than hardwood floors.”

What’s the Best Bristle Material?

Stiff bristles might leave behind a lot of dirt that needs to be swept up a second time.

The dirt and dust will be pushed in your direction by the soft bristles. There is a good chance that they will complete the task fast and easily.

Hardwood floor cleaners choose wet mops and dry mops with rubber brushes.

What’s the Best Way to Clean Hardwood Floors?

In comparison to other types of floors, hardwoods necessitate more frequent cleaning and maintenance. The presence of dust and dirt can be easily seen. Furthermore, if small rocks or other hard things are carried in, the flooring may be scratched.

For this reason, we advise you to start by mopping the floors with a broom. Vacuum first, then clean. As a result, you may expect nothing less than perfect results.

What is the best way to sweep hardwood floors?

Using a circular motion, begin at the outside and work your way toward the center of a room while sweeping hardwood floors. Whenever required, keep sweeping. Pet-owning households may require more frequent sweeping than non-pet-owning households. It’s possible that once or twice a week is sufficient for residences with lower traffic levels, though.

Is it OK to use a broom on hardwood floors?

The answer is yes, brooms function nicely on hardwood floors. To prevent hair, filth, and dust from settling on the floor, be sure to pick a broom with soft flagged bristles.

How often should you change your broom?

The frequency of broom replacement depends on how often and how regularly the broom is used. They will naturally wear out more quickly if used on a hard surface like a pavement or a concrete floor. Using a broom on a daily basis will cause it to wear out more quickly. How often you use the broom will determine whether it needs to be replaced every few months, annually or every few years.

Signs of wear include bent or broken bristles and losing hair. You should replace your broom when it starts to break down.

Conclusion

Wood floors can last a lifetime if they are cleaned and swept frequently. Maintaining hardwood floors is essential because they are such a valuable investment. The best broom for hardwood floors is what you’ll need for this project. Keep your hardwood floors looking their best for years to come with the help of the best broom for hardwood floor cleaning. Hopefully, this list of the best brooms for hardwood floors will make your search a little less time consuming. To keep your broom in top condition, practice washing it.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

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