in the vacuum and allow them to completely dry (this takes at least 24 hours)..

, but here are some simple tricks to get you started:.Establish a cleaning routine..

The best way to maintain hardwood flooring is with a regular cleaning routine.Don’t wait until dirt and other debris becomes noticeable..Wet clean your floor at least twice per month.. Vacuuming each week gets rid of dirt and grit, but it doesn’t clean your floor.

You may need to wet clean more frequently if you have a busy household.Never let water sit on hardwood floors, so use a damp mop rather than a wet one – especially for unsealed floors!.

Ask guests (and family members) to take off their shoes at the door..

This greatly reduces the amount of dirt that’s brought into the house and protects your hardwood’s finish.. Add a mat to your front door hallway.Cleaning any attachments or tools.

Of course, some maintenance tasks need to be performed more regularly.For example, filters should be cleaned monthly to prevent dust and dirt building up.

Any clogs should also be dealt with as soon as you notice them.. For more information, read our guide to.cleaning vacuums.