How to Clean Brazilian Cherry Hardwood Floors: Five Easy Steps [DIY]

Are you tired of looking at your dull and dirty Brazilian cherry hardwood floors? Do you want to restore their natural beauty and shine?

Whether you are a homeowner or a professional cleaner, learning how to clean and maintain Brazilian cherry hardwood floors properly is essential. With the right techniques and tools, you can ensure your floors stay clean and aesthetically pleasing for years.

To clean Brazilian cherry hardwood floors, vacuum them first to remove loose dust. After that, choose a cleaning solution appropriate for the task. Afterward, apply the solution and gently scrub it. Finally, it is necessary to dry the floor thoroughly.

Our step-by-step guide explains how to clean your Brazilian cherry hardwood floors, including the tools, methods, and products to use. So, let’s dive in and learn how to revive your floors to their original glory.

How to Clean Brazilian Cherry Hardwood Floors: Step-By-Step Guide with Precautions

Cleaning Brazilian cherry hardwood floors requires a systematic approach to prevent damage to the wood. Here are the steps you should follow:

STEP 1. Vacuum the Cherry Hardwood Floors

Dirt and dust can easily accumulate on the surface and, if left unattended, can cause scratches or damage to the wood. That’s why starting with a thorough vacuuming process is crucial to eliminate lingering debris from every nook and cranny.

When vacuuming, use a soft-bristled brush attachment to avoid scratching the surface of the wood. Also, ensure that the vacuum cleaner is in good working condition for maximum efficiency.

STEP 2. Choose Your Cleaning Solution

Choosing a safe, effective, and environmentally friendly cleaning solution for your wooden floors is essential to keep their natural allure and durability. Brazilian cherry hardwood floors require gentle cleaning solutions free from harsh chemicals and abrasive ingredients.

Here are some essential factors to consider when choosing a cleaning solution for your floors:

• pH Level: Ensure the cleaning solution has a pH level between 7 and 8. High acidity levels can damage the wood surface and strip off the protective finish.
• Non-Toxic: Choose a non-toxic and eco-friendly cleaning solution to avoid exposing your family and pets to harmful chemicals.
• Compatibility: Confirm that the cleaning solution is safe and compatible with the type of finish on your Brazilian cherry hardwood floor.

STEP 3. Apply the Cleaning Solution

Before application, ensure that the cleaning solution is well mixed and that excess water is wrung from the mop or cloth used.

The cleaning solution should be applied in small sections, starting from one end of the room and moving towards the other. When applying the solution, avoid over-saturating the floor, as this can cause damage to the wood.

Instead, the solution should be applied in light, even strokes, and excess moisture should be wiped away immediately.

STEP 4. Clean the Hardwood Floor

Maintaining the pristine condition of wooden surfaces requires a meticulous cleaning approach involving specific steps. When cleaning Brazilian cherry hardwood floors, use a gentle cleaning solution appropriate for the type of wood.

Start by dipping a mop or a soft cloth into the cleaning solution and wring it out until it is damp but not soaking wet. Clean the hardwood floor in sections from the room’s farthest corner and work toward the entrance.

This method ensures that you do not step on the freshly cleaned sections of the floor, preventing smudging or streaking. As you clean the hardwood floor, apply gentle pressure and only use a back-and-forth motion.

Also, avoid using a circular motion, which can leave behind swirl marks on the wood. Pay special attention to the corners and edges of the room, where dirt and dust accumulate.

STEP 5. Dry the Hardwood Floor

Drying the Brazilian cherry hardwood floor is a crucial step that helps prevent water damage, warping, and swelling of the boards.

Remember that moisture can penetrate the wood grain and cause irreparable damage, leaving behind unsightly stains and marks. Therefore, dry the floor thoroughly after cleaning it.

To dry the Brazilian cherry hardwood floor, use a clean mop or cloth to wipe away any excess water on the surface. Then, open windows or turn on fans to increase air circulation and help dry the floor faster.

Avoid using a heater or hairdryer, which can cause the wood to dry too quickly and potentially crack. Also, avoid walking on the floor until it is completely dry, as any foot traffic can cause moisture to get trapped between the boards.

Cleaning Solutions with Methods for Cleaning Your Brazilian Cherry Hardwood Floors

When cleaning your Brazilian cherry hardwood floors, there are several methods available. These include:

#1 DIY Cleaning Solutions

Cleaning Brazilian cherry hardwood floors can be challenging, but DIY cleaning solutions can make the process much easier. Two effective cleaning solutions for Brazilian cherry hardwood floors are dish soap, water, and vinegar and water.

A. Dish Soap & Water

A warm water and dish soap mixture works great for cleaning wooden surfaces. Dish soap is a great option because it is a mild detergent that can easily cut through dirt and grime without leaving any residue.

To use this solution, simply fill a bucket with warm water and add a small squirt of dish soap. Be sure not to use too much soap, as this can leave a film on the surface of the wood.

Using a clean mop or cloth, gently apply the solution to the floor, being careful not to saturate the wood. Rinse the mop or cloth frequently to avoid spreading dirt and grime. Once the entire floor has been cleaned, rinse it with clean water and allow it to air dry.

B. Vinegar & Water

Vinegar, the versatile and natural elixir, can effectively remove dirt and grime from wooden surfaces when diluted with warm water. Brazilian cherry hardwood floors are no exception to this rule. The acidity of vinegar helps to break down any stubborn stains or residue that may have accumulated on your floors.

But dilute the vinegar with water in 1 cup of vinegar to 7 to 9 liters of warm water to avoid damage to your floors. Simply mix the solution in a bucket, dip a mop into it, wring out the excess liquid, and then mop your floors as you normally would. 

Be sure to avoid soaking the mop, as excess water can cause damage to your floors. After mopping, use a clean, damp cloth to remove excess liquid.

#2 Commercial Cleaner

Using a commercial cleaning solution is a viable option for effectively maintaining cherry hardwood floors’ natural beauty and longevity. These cleaners are designed to remove dirt, grime, and other unwanted substances.

Here are some benefits of using a commercial cleaner:

• They are easy to use and require minimal effort to apply.
• Some commercial cleaners have added ingredients that can help protect the floor from future damage.

When choosing a commercial cleaner, selecting one specifically designed for hardwood floors is important. Also, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure the best results.

How do you maintain Brazilian hardwood floors after cleaning?

Proper maintenance of Brazilian cherry hardwood floors ensures their longevity and beauty. After cleaning, you must take preventative measures to avoid scratches and dents on the floor.

• It is best to lift heavy furniture and place it gently on the floor and to place protective pads under the legs of chairs, tables, and other objects.
• Having doormats at all entryways is a good idea so dirt and debris don’t get tracked onto the floor, causing abrasions.
• Excess moisture should also be avoided to prevent the warping of the floor. This can be achieved by using a microfiber mop to clean spills immediately and sweeping or vacuuming regularly to remove dust and dirt.
• Also, avoid using chemicals or abrasive cleaners, which can damage the floor’s finish. Instead, a gentle cleaning solution specifically designed for hardwood floors can be used.
• Finally, regular maintenance for your Brazilian cherry hardwood floors can include applying a protective coating every few years. This can help to maintain the floor’s finish and protect it from wear and tear.

Do Brazilian cherry hardwood floors scratch easily when cleaning?

Brazilian cherry floors are known for their incredible hardness and durability, which makes them resistant to scratches, dents, and imperfections. But they still need to be completely scratch-proof, especially regarding cleaning.

Some cleaning methods can cause scratches on Brazilian cherry floors. For instance, using abrasive cleaners, such as ammonia or bleach, can damage the floor’s finish and leave scratches.

Similarly, rough scrub brushes or scouring pads can cause scratches on the floor’s surface. Thus, you must use gentle cleaning methods and avoid abrasive cleaners and tools that can scratch the floor.

To prevent scratches, it is recommended to use a soft-bristled brush or a microfiber mop when cleaning Brazilian cherry floors. This will help to remove dirt and debris without scratching the floor.

Can I use a steam mop on Brazilian hardwood floors for cleaning?

While Brazilian cherry hardwood floors are known for their durability and beauty, they can be susceptible to scratches and dents. Thus, homeowners are often cautious when it comes to cleaning them. One frequent question arises whether steam mops can be used on these floors.

Steam mops are a popular cleaning tool because they remove dirt and grime without harsh chemicals. But exercise caution when it comes to Brazilian cherry hardwood floors.

The high heat and moisture from the steam can penetrate the joints between the boards and get into the wood. This can cause it to warp and potentially lead to irreversible damage.

Keep Your Brazilian Cherry Floors Beautiful: Proper Cleaning is the Key

Maintaining the beauty and longevity of Brazilian cherry hardwood floors requires proper cleaning methods and techniques. There are several ways to clean your floors effectively, from sweeping and vacuuming to using specialized hardwood floor cleaners.

While the Brazilian cherry is durable and resilient, it is still vulnerable to scratches and damage caused by harsh cleaning agents and tools. It is crucial to avoid using steam mops or abrasive cleaning tools on Brazilian cherry floors to prevent scratching and damage.

Remember, like a delicate flower needs proper care and attention to blossom, so do your Brazilian cherry hardwood floors. With the right care, your floors will continue to add warmth and beauty to your home for many years.