How do I keep my hardwood floors clean with my pet?

Keeping hardwood floors clean can be a challenge for pet owners. Pet hair, dander, dirt, mud, and other debris can quickly make hardwood floors look dirty and feel gritty underfoot. The good news is that with some simple daily and weekly cleaning routines, you can keep your hardwood floors looking beautiful despite having furry companions in your home.

What are the main things that make hardwood floors dirty with pets?

There are a few key culprits that dirty up hardwood floors when you have pets:

• Pet hair – Dogs and cats shed, leaving hair all over your floors. The hair gets trampled into the floors and can be difficult to remove if allowed to build up.
• Dander – Pets produce dander (dead skin flakes) that falls from their bodies and coats. The dander accumulates on the floors.
• Mud and dirt – Pets playing outside track in mud, dirt, grass, leaves, and other debris into the house. These get ground into the floors as your pets walk around.
• Paw prints – Oils and grime on your pet’s paws leave prints all over the floors.
• Drool and accidents – Pet stains from drool, vomit, urine, and feces can damage hardwood floors if not cleaned up promptly.

All of these things make hardwood floors appear dull, dirty, and grimy over time if regular cleaning is not done.

How often should I clean my hardwood floors with pets?

Most experts recommend a daily and weekly cleaning regimen for hardwood floors with pets. Here are some general guidelines:

• Daily – Sweep, vacuum, or dust mop floors daily to remove surface dirt, hair, and debris.
• 2-3 Times Per Week – Damp mop floors thoroughly using clean water or a vinegar and water solution.
• Weekly – Deep clean the floors by mopping with a wood floor cleaning solution. Focus on high traffic areas.
• Monthly – Clean baseboards, trim, and floor vents to remove pet hair. Vacuum and mop under furniture.

In high traffic areas like entryways, the kitchen, and main living spaces, you may need to vacuum or dust mop daily and mop up to 5 times per week. Bathroom floors may need mopping 3-4 times per week if pets walk through or drink out of the toilet.

What supplies do I need to keep my hardwood floors clean?

Having the right supplies will make cleaning hardwood floors a breeze. Here are some must-haves:

• Broom and dustpan
• Vacuum cleaner – A vacuum with soft bristles/beater bar heads is best for hardwood. Models with a hardwood floor setting are ideal.
• Dust mop – Choose microfiber mops that attract dust and hair.
• Mop – Opt for a mop with washable microfiber pads. Swiffer sweepers work well.
• Spray mop (optional) – A spray mop dispenses liquid floor cleaner and scrubs the floors in one step.
• Wood floor cleaner – Use a mild cleaner made specifically for hardwood. Avoid oil soap.
• Soft rags or towels
• Two buckets for mopping – One for clean water and soap, one for rinsing.

It’s also a good idea to place mats at entrances and food/water bowls to trap excess dirt and contain messes.

What is the best way to sweep hardwood floors with pets?

Sweeping is the first line of defense against pet hair, dander, and debris. Here are some tips for effective sweeping:

• Use a soft-bristle broom, or better yet, a microfiber dust mop. They glide across floors smoothly and attract dirt and hair.
• Sweep in multiple directions – forward, backward, side to side. This picks up dirt trapped in floor grain.
• Start from the far corner of the room and work toward the exit to avoid spreading dirt around.
• Sweep under furniture and into corners to get all dirt and hair.
• Dispose of sweepings immediately so they don’t get tracked around.
• In high traffic areas, sweep frequently – daily or multiple times a day.

Avoid sweeping with stiff-bristle brooms, as these can scratch hardwood floors. Vacuuming works well too, but sweeping is ideal for quick daily dirt removal.

What is the proper way to mop hardwood floors with pets?

Frequent mopping removes stuck-on dirt, stains, and residue from hardwood floors. Follow these steps:

1. Sweep or vacuum floors thoroughly before mopping.
2. Fill one bucket with warm water and a pH-neutral wood floor cleaner. Use only a small amount of cleaner.
3. Fill a second bucket with clean, warm water for rinsing the mop.
4. Submerge the mop in the soapy water but don’t soak it. Wring it out well.
5. Mop in sections, rinsing the mop head often in the rinse bucket.
6. Work in straight, overlapping lines. Rinse and wring the mop frequently.
7. Let floors air dry completely before allowing pets back on them.

Avoid over-wetting hardwood floors. Excess moisture damages wood over time. Also steer clear of oil soaps – they leave greasy film. Vinegar and water works well for pets too.

How can I get pet hair out of hardwood floor cracks and crevices?

Pet hair has a sneaky way of getting trapped in hardwood flooring cracks, gaps, and crevices. Here are some tricks for removing it:

• Use a rubber squeegee to dislodge hairs and sweep them up.
• Wrap masking tape or duct tape around your fingers, sticky side out. Pat and peel hairs up.
• Use a vacuum crevice tool attachment to suck up pet hair in floor gaps.
• Spray compressed air into cracks to force hair out.
• Use a plastic toothpick or dental floss to pull out stubborn embedded hairs.

Getting hair out of floor cracks takes some patience but prevents grimy buildup over time. It’s most important along baseboards, wall edges, and underneath doors.

How do I get dog urine stains out of hardwood floors?

Dog urine can stain and damage hardwood floors if not cleaned up right away. Follow these steps to remove urine stains and odor:

1. Blot up fresh stains immediately with paper towels.
2. Spray vinegar over the area and let sit 5-10 minutes.
3. Scrub area with an old toothbrush and baking soda paste.
4. Dip a soft cloth in hydrogen peroxide and dab on stains.
5. Rinse with clear water and allow to fully dry.
6. Apply pet odor eliminator if any smell remains.

For dried or set-in stains, you may need to sand and refinish the spot after cleaning. Avoid using harsh chemicals like ammonia or bleach, as these can discolor and damage wood.

What’s the best way to deep clean hardwood floors with pets?

For a periodic deep clean, use these steps:

1. Remove all movable furniture, rugs, and decor from the room.
2. Vacuum floors thoroughly with a vacuum that has a hardwood floor attachment.
3. Fill a bucket with warm water and a pH-neutral hardwood floor cleaner. Dampen a microfiber mop and wring well.
4. Mop floors using a figure-8 motion. Refill bucket as needed to keep water clean.
5. Rinse by damp mopping with just clean water.
6. Inspect baseboards and edges for grime or hair buildup. Clean as needed.
7. Allow floors to dry completely before replacing furniture.

Deep cleaning once every month or two keeps floors fresh and prevents pet hair and dirt from becoming embedded.

What are some quick daily hardwood floor cleaning tips for pets?

Staying on top of daily maintenance prevents pet floors from getting too dirty. Quick tips include:

• Keep dog and cat food mats under bowls to contain spills and crumbs.
• Use lint rollers on pet beds and furniture to remove excess hair regularly.
• Vacuum or sweep high traffic areas like entryways twice per day.
• Use carpet runners on top of hardwoods in pets’ favorite play or sleep areas.
• Wipe up wet paws and any spills immediately.
• Spray pet odor eliminator on urine accidents as soon as they happen.
• Brush pets regularly to remove loose hair and dander.

Taking just ten minutes per day for quick cleaning keeps hardwoods from becoming too hairy and dirty between deeper cleanings.

How should I clean unfinished, oiled, or waxed hardwood floors?

Unfinished, oiled, or waxed hardwood floors require gentler cleaning methods. Here are some tips:

• Sweep with a soft broom or dry microfiber mop only.
• Use only wax-safe hardwood floor cleaners, avoid Murphy’s Oil Soap.
• Damp mop sparingly with distilled water or very dilute floor cleaner solution.
• Buff floors occasionally with microfiber cloths to restore shine.
• Re-apply wax or wood oil products per manufacturer instructions.
• Avoid getting floors excessively wet.

These specialty floors are beautiful but more prone to water damage. Take extra care to keep moisture limited during cleaning.

What kind of vacuum is best for hardwood floors with pets?

Look for these features in a vacuum for hardwood pet floors:

• Adjustable suction power, with a hard floor or hardwood setting
• Brush roll on/off switch to disengage beater bars as needed
• Large wheels that glide easily over the floors
• Attachments for baseboards, gaps, and furniture
• HEPA filtration to catch fine dust and allergens
• Bagless canister or bucket design (easier to empty hair)

Canister vacuums with separate heads offer optimal control and maneuverability. Uprights with adjustment features work well too. Avoid heavy vacuums that may scuff or ding hardwoods.

Should I use rugs and carpet runners to protect hardwood floors with pets?

Yes! Rugs and carpet runners are an easy way to protect high traffic hardwood areas from pets. Some benefits include:

• Catches dirt, mud, debris from paws before it’s tracked around
• Absorbs urine accidents for easy cleaning
• Prevents scratching and scuffing from pet claws
• Provides cushioning for pets to sleep/lay
• Contains hair shedding to one area
• Adds warmth for pets in areas like food bowls
• Prevents slippery surfaces from paw traction

Use carpet runners on high traffic pathways. Place area rugs in entryways, dog beds, play areas, and kennels. Rugs are a must for hardwoods!

Conclusion

Keeping hardwood floors clean despite having furry companions takes commitment. With daily sweeping and vacuuming, weekly mopping, using rugs, and cleaning messes ASAP, you can maintain beautiful hardwood floors. Having the right tools like microfiber mops, hardwood cleaners, and vacuum cleaners designed for hard surfaces also makes a big difference. With some diligence, your hardwood floors can stay stunning despite pets walking around!