Anyone with a newly installed hardwood would do well to keep it in the best possible shape. And Bona, the Swedish floor care company, has mastered the preservation wood floors. Its three-part cleaning and care system includes one swivel-head mop, two cleaning and polish solutions, and three cleaning and care pads that are cost efficient, eco-friendly and super-easy to use. Here’s how it works:
Daily: To reduce dust and allergens that accumulate on your floor, you simply apply the fluffy, white dusting pad to the mop head and use it to dust the floor. Its electrostatic charge attracts dust and protects the floor from scratches.
Weekly: To clean the floor, attach the microfiber pad to the mop head and use the pH-neutral, non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning solution to remove dirt and 99 percent of bacteria (vs. 30 percent from a regular mop) from the floor .
Quarterly: To preserve the finish on your floor, attach the sheepskin-like applicator pad to the mop, and polish the floor with Bona’s hardwood floor polish, which comes in high- and low-gloss versions and protects the finish with a light layer of water-based urethane shine.
You can buy these products separately or get them all in a kit, which costs about $59.99. The pads are washable and reusable and save you about $70 annually over the disposable variety of dusting pad.
To see a video of how these products work, click here. To get a coupon that will give you $2 off on a purchase of the kit or any Bona through April 2011, click here.
Here are two more tips the Bona company offers to keep your wood floors in good condition:
•Avoid using water and vinegar, soap-based cleaners, wax or steam cleaners on your hardwood floors. Vinegar and water actually dull the floor’s finish over time, while soap and wax leave residue. Steam cleaners put heat and excessive water on your floor, which can lead to cupping and long-term damage.
•Protective mats can further your floor’s life. Use natural rubber rug underlayments with a waffle pattern in entryways or high traffic areas, and use felt floor protectors on furniture.
