How to get gorgeous hardwood floors

• Don't use oils, waxes or furniture sprays. Oil leaves a residue, furniture spray creates a slippery surface (think ice-skating rink!) and wax takes time to apply and makes recoating (see Tackling simple wood floor problems) difficult.
• Don't use straight ammonia, alkaline products or abrasive cleaners. They'll dull or scratch the finish.
• Do use a floor-cleaning product recommended by the floor finisher or opt for plain soap and water. If the recommended product is hard to find or costly, and other floor cleaners contain ingredients that violate your floor's warranty, try soap and water. I add a quarter cup of mild or pH-neutral soap (like liquid dishwashing soap) to a bucket of water.
• Don't rely on water alone or a vinegar and water solution. Mopping with water will result in dingy-looking floors and won't-budge dirt build-up. Vinegar and water is not as effective as soapy water and - some suggest - may dull floors sooner. (Eventual dullness and the need to recoat are inevitable no matter what you use. See Tackling simple wood floor problems)

Routine cleaning

• In high-traffic areas, like the dining room and kitchen, you should sweep daily, if possible, and mop once or twice a week.
• Mop less-trafficked areas once a month or once a season.

Mopping technique

• Remember: Water is wood's worst enemy (even on sealed floors!), so use a damp mop rather than a soaking wet one.
• Dip the mop into the bucket of prepared cleaning solution, wring it out completely, mop in the direction of the wood grain and repeat. When the water gets dirty, empty the bucket, mix a new batch of cleaning solution and continue mopping.
• When finished, go back over the entire surface with clean water to rinse.
• Don't be afraid to get on your hands and knees if necessary. When a floor needs serious attention, I clean it with a cloth. (It's better than a sponge because you can 'feel' the dirt as you wipe!)

Tackling simple wood floor problems

• Scuff marks getting you down? A bit of baking soda on a damp sponge will erase them.
• Noticed a stubborn food, water or grease stain on your surface-sealed floor? Always use a commercial cleaner to treat this problem.
• Hairline cracks in the floor? Don't panic and attempt to fill them. Dry heat during the winter months causes wood floors to shrink and crack. Cracks should close up during the summer (though using a humidifier can also help).
• Finish looking dull? Sand the floor lightly and recoat with an additional layer or two. Recoating is necessary about every five to seven years.