DIY Network

Cleaning Hardwood Floors Cleaning Hardwood Floors From "Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean" episode DQOC-126

Each type of flooring has its own special cleaning requirements. Here are some ideas for cleaning hardwood floors.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

• Brew a quart of strong tea and let it cool to room temperature. Dip a cloth or microfiber mop into the tea, wring out and wash the floor. The tannic acid in the tea will leave a brilliant shine on the floors. No rinsing is required as long as you keep the cloth/mop clean.

• Crayons can be used to cover scratch marks (figure A). You can test and blend colors to find the shade needed to match the floor. Apply heat from a hair dryer to the crayon and buff the area with a soft cloth to blend. Buff and reapply as needed.

• Scratches on walnut and pecan floors can be covered using the oils from the corresponding nuts. Break the nut in half and rub over the scratch (figure B). Buff and reapply as needed.

• Iodine can cover scratches on darker woods. Brush on (figure C), then buff with a cotton ball or paper towel.
  

Tip: Avoid scratches to wood floors by applying felt pads to the bottom of furniture legs. And always try to lift furniture when it is being moved.