Tell me how to take care of my hardwood

[stayathomecristi]

floors! We just moved into this lovely home, but the previous owner (a single guy) installed hardwood on the first floor---the foyer, 1/2 bath, diningroom and KITCHEN. I know I am going to ruin the floor at least in the kitchen (probably the bathroom as well) because I live in the kitchen. I'm constantly spilling things (mostly water) on the floor and we have an ice machine in the door of our new refrigerator so sometimes the kids use it and ice melts on the floor. I have no idea how to clean these floors nor how to keep them looking nice. I don't understand why anyone would even put a hardwood floor in the kitchen! (maybe he never cooked ).

Any suggestions?

[Octobermama]

Hi! We have hardwood floors in the kitchen. I just vacuum up the crumbs and once a week mop with a product called "Good For Wood." It is an almond-scented cleaner that is non-toxic and fairly natural (I think) by Method found a Target stores. I just squirt it on the vacummed floor and mop with a microfiber towel. They shine and look beautiful. I haven't noticed any water damaged from drips or spills. I think the finish on wood floors is very strong. I also put some rugs down in front of the sink and diswasher where I was having the most spills and dribbles. HTH!

[stayathomecristi]

Thanks, I'll try that.

I have a spot in the bathroom (about 2ft x 2ft) that is sticky right now. It's not even near the toilet, but I can't seem to get it back to what it was.

I did buy some small rugs for the kitchen as well (great suggestion!). We now have one in front of the fridge, in front of the dishwasher, in front of the sink and in front of the stove.

I see a couple of water spots in the middle of the floor, but I'm wondering if I start using a product like you suggested once a week that it will protect the floors.

[Zach'smom]

I have hardwood in my kitchen, hall, foyer and dining room. Miles and miles of hardwood! (it feels that way at least)The best thing to clean your hardwood floors with is tea!! Add 2 tea bags to each quart of boiling water and let stand until it cools off a bit. Then dip a rag in and wring it out really well. Wipe down the floor. You can dry with a soft cloth if you like. This works great. My floor is very clean and really shiny! Something about the tanic acid in the tea. You can also wash it with vinegar water. I keep a spray bottle of vinegar water handy for sticky spot touch ups. Just spritz a little on and immediatley wipe with a cloth.

I also have rugs in front of the sink and 'frige.

In between I just sweep or vac the floor (without the beater bar on- it can mark up the floors)

[stayathomecristi]

Wow---What a great idea! Cheap too. I wonder if decaf will work since that's all I have in the house. I don't mind buying regular though--dh will drink it.

Thank you so much, I will give it a try. Yes, I think of it as miles and miles of floor too. I'm preggo right now, so it's really a good excuse for me to get on hands and knees to practice for the birth .

Thank you both for your responses