Hardwood floors looking a little worse for wear? Mop them! Two experts explain how — and how often — to mop your hardwood floors. Gleaming, polished oak floors give a home a clubby vibe, while white-pine planks evoke sun-kissed cheeks and sandy swimsuits. Whatever style wood floor you have, it’s important to keep it clean. But how?

Can You Mop Wood Floors?

“Yes, you can absolutely mop hardwood floors,” says Dan Deonarain, owner of Galaxy Maids, a residential and commercial cleaning company that services the New York City and Boston areas. However, it should not be your default option for everyday dust and dirt. That honor goes to your broom and vacuum cleaner.

Mopping Hardwood Floors: Pro Tips

Both experts say you should use as little water as possible. Pallares says water tends to pool on hardwood floors, leading to water stains and other damage. “Water, over time, can get into the wood and cause warping,” Deonarain says. You could be looking at mold growth, too.

Also, beware of products that promise a heavy shine. “[T]hey tend to look great right after cleaning, but can cloud up after you start walking on the floor,” Deonarain says. And avoid overly aggressive cleaners, particularly anything acidic. “These will permanently damage your floor, and make it more susceptible to water damage,” Deonarain says…

This article was originally published on www.familyhandyman.com and featured expert advice from the Galaxy Maids team. Click here to read the full article.