Get matched with top floor cleaners and waxers in Florence, WI

Most DIY floor cleaners don’t require rinsing, but you’ll want to make sure you don’t add too much dish soap or oil to the cleaner to avoid having to rinse it after cleaning. For non-wood floors, mix 8 parts warm water, 1 part vinegar, and 1 part baking soda with a few drops of dish soap. For wood floors, use olive oil in that same mixture instead of the vinegar. You can let these solutions air-dry after cleaning your floors with them, although you should manually dry your floors if they aren’t waterproof.

Before installing shoe molding, evaluate redoing or refinishing any floors and painting your walls or baseboard before putting on your shoe molding. If you don’t already have baseboard trim, you should install that before adding shoe molding. Shoe molding is the final touch. Additionally, a carpenter or other professional that’s installing shoe molding might also give you a deal on installing crown molding and replacing other trim if you get them done at the same time.

Yes, vinegar and water can strip wax. For a DIY wax stripper, mix about a quarter cup of vinegar with one gallon of warm water. You can also mix one cup of cream of tartar, one cup of white vinegar, and one gallon of water. Before using it on a large area of the floor, you should test it in an inconspicuous place to make sure it works like you want it to.

To properly maintain and care for hardwood floors without damaging the finish, establish a regular cleaning routine. Sweep with a broom or microfiber dust mop daily, or vacuum weekly, to remove dirt and debris that can scratch the surface; be sure to clean in tight corners and under furniture. For a deeper clean, use a damp mop with a cleaner specifically designed for hardwood floors, but avoid using harsh chemicals or excessive water, as this can damage the wood. You can further protect your floors by placing mats at entryways to catch dirt and moisture and putting felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches. For long-term care, refinish the floors as needed to keep them looking their best.