So you have a beautiful hardwood floor in your home, and now you want to keep it beautiful. You’re even prepared to go all out and purchase a steam mop in order to clean it, but don’t.

Rule number one in taking care of your hardwood floors is:

Hardwood Floors Hate Moisture!

With this rule in mind, here are Paragon Flooring’s tips for cleaning your hardwood floors:

•  Mop your hardwood floor no more than twice a week. Once a week is even better.
• When you mop, avoid using cleaners that are scented and contain a polishing agent. Instead, use combine one part distilled vinegar and ten parts warm water. This will remove stains from your floors without diminishing its luster.
• After mopping, use a soft microfiber cloth to dry the floors so the water doesn’t sit.
• If something spills on your hardwood floor, clean it up with a soft cloth and dry it immediately.
• Sweep, dust-mop, or vacuum using the bare-floor setting daily. This will keep dirt and dust from wearing down the finish of your floor and scratching its surface.
• Once a month, you may want to use Bona’s Hardwood Floor Cleaner, available at Amazon, Walmart, Lowe’s, Home Depot, and other retailers. It will give your floor a temporary protective coating without chipping away at its shine.