At Choice Hardwoods, we understand that your hardwood floors are an investment, and proper care is essential to keeping them looking beautiful and lasting for years. One of the best ways to maintain the elegance of your floors is by using the Bona Hardwood Floor Care Kit. This kit is specifically designed to clean, maintain, and protect hardwood surfaces without causing damage. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the proper steps to clean your hardwood floors, how often to clean them, and some additional tips to keep them in top condition.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Hardwood Floors with the Bona Care Kit

1. Preparation:
   Before you start cleaning, remove any furniture, rugs, or obstacles from the floor. This will make the cleaning process more efficient and prevent debris from scratching the surface. Sweep or vacuum the floor to eliminate loose dirt, dust, and debris. Use a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum with a hardwood floor setting to avoid damaging the wood. A clean surface ensures that the cleaner will be more effective, and you won’t risk pushing dirt around or further scratching your floors.

2. Using the Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner:
   The Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner is specially formulated to clean your floors without leaving any sticky residue or causing harm to the finish. It’s safe for all types of hardwood floors, including pre-finished and laminate. Simply shake the bottle of cleaner to ensure the solution is well-mixed.

   Attach the Bona Floor Cleaner to the included Bona Microfiber Cleaning Pad. This pad is soft and designed to pick up dirt without scratching the floor. Spray the cleaner directly onto a section of the floor—just a few sprays should suffice for an area of about 3-4 square feet. The solution dries quickly, so you can move to the next area without worrying about residue.

3. Mopping the Floor:
   After applying the cleaner, use the Bona Mop to gently mop the floor, starting from one corner of the room and working your way toward the exit. This ensures you don’t walk on the wet floor, preventing dirt from being tracked back onto it. The microfiber pad will trap dirt and dust, lifting it away from the surface. For stubborn spots, you can spray a little more cleaner directly onto the area and gently scrub it with the microfiber pad.

   Avoid soaking the floor with excessive water, as standing water can damage hardwood over time. Bona’s cleaning system is designed to use minimal moisture while effectively cleaning your floors.

4. Drying:
   Since Bona’s cleaner is low moisture, it will dry quickly, usually within a few minutes. However, if you notice any leftover streaks or excess liquid, simply buff the floor with a dry microfiber cloth. This ensures a shiny, streak-free finish and prevents any buildup of cleaning solution that could dull the wood over time.

5. Finishing Touches:
   Once the floor is clean, you can reassemble any furniture or rugs you moved. Make sure the furniture is equipped with felt pads to protect the floor from scratches. Also, avoid walking on the floor with wet shoes, as this could leave streaks or cause dirt to stick.

How Often Should You Clean Your Hardwood Floors?

The frequency of cleaning depends on the amount of foot traffic and lifestyle factors. In general, we recommend cleaning your hardwood floors at least once a week. If you have pets or children, or if your home experiences high foot traffic, you may want to clean them more often—perhaps twice a week. Sweeping or vacuuming should be done daily or as needed to prevent dirt and debris from building up.

In addition to regular cleaning, we suggest doing a deeper clean with the Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner every month or so, especially in high-traffic areas. A monthly deep clean helps remove any embedded dirt and grime that regular sweeping or vacuuming may not capture.

Additional Tips for Maintaining Hardwood Floors

• Use Rugs and Mats: Place area rugs or mats in entryways and high-traffic areas to protect your hardwood floors from dirt, water, and abrasions. Be sure to shake out and clean rugs regularly to avoid dirt buildup.

• Control Humidity: Hardwood floors can expand or contract with changes in humidity, leading to gaps or warping. Maintain a consistent level of humidity in your home (ideally between 35% and 55%) to help preserve the integrity of the wood.

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals on your hardwood floors, as these can strip the finish or cause discoloration. The Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner is a safe and effective option, as it is pH-balanced and free from harsh chemicals like ammonia or bleach.

• Protect from Furniture: Always use felt pads under the legs of furniture to prevent scratches. Avoid dragging heavy furniture across the floor, as this can leave marks or dents.

• Refinishing: Over time, the finish on your hardwood floors may begin to wear down. If your floors start to look dull or scratched, it may be time to consider refinishing them. Depending on the wear and tear, this can usually be done every 5-10 years to restore their original luster.

By following these guidelines and using the Bona Hardwood Floor Care Kit, your floors will remain looking beautiful and well-maintained for years to come. At Choice Hardwoods, we’re committed to helping you get the most out of your hardwood investment, and regular cleaning is an essential part of that process.