Hardwood floors are a luxurious and satisfying addition to any room. They look stunning, and they can last for many years if they are cared for properly.

Cleaning a hardwood floor is a relatively simple thing to do. The first thing you need to be aware of is that hardwood floors should be kept cleanly swept and free from debris. Sweep them or vacuum them, dry, before you attempt to clean them properly.

To clean the floor, use a soft, damp cloth – for example a microfiber cloth. If your floor has a small lacquer or varnish cover on it, then you can use a hardwood floor cleaner. Do not use bleach or harsh detergents because they can severely damage the surface.

Once you have wiped the surface clean, you can buff it with a dry, soft cloth.

If you spill something on the floor, blot it up as well as possible. Do not let anything that could stain the surface stay for too long, because it could do some serious damage to the floor.

Do not put furniture with solid feet on a hardwood floor. You are unlikely to do lasting damage to the wood, but you could scratch the surface and you could damage the varnish. You can use small felt pads underneath the furniture legs. Vacuum them frequently to stop debris from damaging the surface.

If you have pets, make sure their nails are kept short so as not to pit or scratch the surface. Pet hair should mop up or vacuum up easily if you stay on top of the task.