Hardwood floors can be difficult when it comes to house cleaning. You don’t want to do anything to damage them, but getting them cleaner and looking good again is important. You can’t always hire professional hardwood floor cleaners, so what do you do when it’s up to you?

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to making your hardwood floor cleaner:

Step #1: Sweep. Use a soft broom to sweep up particles that could be missed or spread around while you’re cleaning the floor. If you’re also cleaning counters, you should finish them before moving onto the floor so you don’t risk adding more dirt and particles after you’ve swept!

Step #2: Move furniture. If you’re really going to get a good clean on the floor, you’re going to want to move the furniture out of the way. You can always work with the furniture in the room, especially if it’s just maintenance cleaning, but if you’re going for a thorough clean, move the furniture out.

Step #3: Clean! Use hardwood floor cleaner, or the easiest and most effective solution: 1 part vinegar to 10 parts water. Avoid polishes that will leave a waxy residue on your floor (they attract dust!) and avoid harsh chemicals that will damage the floor and its seal.

Wipe it clean with a soft mop or cloth like a terry cloth mophead or towel and clean in the direction of the grain.

Step #4: Dry. It’s never a good idea to leave moisture on wood, so when you’re done cleaning, dry up the excess water with a dry mophead or towel.

This should make your floor look much, much better. If your floor is still looking a little too rough, it might be time to call a professional carpet cleaner or floor refinisher.