Tips For Deep Cleaning Hardwood Wood Floors This Summer

With their natural elegance, durability, and classic charm, hardwood floors are a prized feature in many Maryland homes—from charming bungalows in Catonsville to grand colonials in Annapolis. But as summer rolls in, bringing with it humidity, extra foot traffic, and debris from outdoor activities, your hardwood floors may need more than the usual weekly sweep. Deep cleaning becomes essential to maintain their appearance and longevity. In this guide, we’ll share expert-backed tips to help Maryland homeowners deep clean their hardwood floors effectively this summer—preserving their beauty and keeping your living space fresh, healthy, and inviting.

Helpful Tips For Deep Cleaning Hardwood Wood Floors This Summer

Why Summer Deep Cleaning Matters

Summer can be especially tough on hardwood floors in Maryland. Between beach trips to Ocean City, hikes through Patapsco State Park, or backyard barbecues in Ellicott City, dirt, sand, moisture, and allergens often get tracked inside.

Here are a few specific reasons why deep cleaning during the summer is especially important:

Humidity causes wood to expand, which can open gaps between boards or lead to warping.
Sweat and sunscreen residue from bare feet can create film buildup.
More time at home (especially with kids out of school) means more wear, spills, and scuffs.
Allergens and dust mites thrive in the humid climate if not cleaned properly.

Regular maintenance is important, but a deep clean once a season can breathe new life into your hardwood floors—especially in summer when they face added stress.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Deep Clean Hardwood Floors

1. Start with a Surface Clean

Before you get into deep cleaning, remove the top layer of dirt and dust.

Use a soft-bristle broom or a dust mop to clear the surface.
A vacuum with a hardwood floor setting or brush attachment works well, especially to clean in between planks or in corners where dirt collects.

This step prevents scratching the surface when you mop or use liquid cleaners.

2. Pick the Right Cleaner

Not all wood floors are finished the same way. Knowing your finish (polyurethane, oil-based, wax, etc.) helps you choose the safest cleaning product. For Maryland homes, where seasonal humidity is high, it’s important to choose a cleaner that doesn’t leave behind moisture.

Avoid:

Vinegar and water (acidic and can dull the finish)
Ammonia
Steam mops (the moisture can seep into seams)

Instead, opt for:

A pH-neutral hardwood floor cleaner (like Bona or a wood-specific product)
DIY solution: Mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap with 1 gallon of water for finished floors

Always test the cleaner in a small, inconspicuous area before mopping the entire floor.

3. Damp Mop – Don’t Drench

Use a microfiber mop or cloth—never a soaking wet mop. Excess water is the enemy of hardwood floors, especially in the humid Maryland summer when wood is already absorbing moisture from the air.

Dampen the mop slightly; it should be wrung out so it’s just barely wet.
Mop with the grain of the wood for the best finish.
Replace dirty water regularly and rinse your mop often to avoid redistributing grime.

If you have pets or kids, you may need to spot-mop certain areas more than once.

4. Target Tough Spots and Build-Up

Stains, sticky spots, and cloudy film from previous cleaning products may need extra attention.

Use a soft cloth dampened with a cleaner and gently rub the area.
Avoid abrasive pads or scrubbing brushes that can scratch the surface.
For scuff marks, a tennis ball or baking soda on a damp cloth can sometimes do the trick (again, test first).

Maryland homeowners may especially notice build-up in high-traffic areas like entryways or near deck doors—make those a priority.

5. Dry Immediately

After cleaning, go over the floor with a dry microfiber cloth or towel. In Maryland’s summer humidity, moisture can linger and lead to damage like swelling or cupping. Also, consider opening windows or using ceiling fans to improve air circulation and help the floors dry faster.

Maintenance Tips for Summer-Ready Hardwood Floors

Once your floors are deep-cleaned, keep them looking great all summer long with a few proactive steps:

Use Entryway Mats: Place high-quality doormats inside and outside entry points. This is especially useful during Maryland’s summer storm season to keep mud and moisture at bay.
Implement a “No Shoes” Rule: Shoes bring in dirt, sand, and even asphalt residue that can scratch or dull your floors.
Wipe Up Spills Promptly: Pool water, melted ice cream, or spilled lemonade can seep into the boards and stain the wood—especially if left in warm conditions.
Manage Indoor Humidity: Use a dehumidifier or run your AC regularly to maintain indoor humidity levels between 35–55%. This helps prevent expansion or contraction of the wood.
Add Felt Pads to Furniture: More movement in summer often means more shuffling of chairs and furniture. Felt pads reduce scuffing and scratches.

When Deep Cleaning Isn’t Enough: Signs It’s Time to Refinish

Sometimes, even after a thorough deep clean, your hardwood floors still look dull, scratched, or uneven in tone. This could be a sign that they’re ready for refinishing.

Signs to look for:

Worn or bare spots in high-traffic areas
Deep scratches or gouges
A cloudy or dull finish that doesn’t go away with cleaning
Uneven coloration from sun exposure or aging

If you notice these issues, refinishing your floors can restore their natural beauty and protect them for years to come.

Contact Flawless Floors Today for Hardwood Floor Refinishing in Maryland

At Flawless Floors, based in Perry Hall, MD, we specialize in hardwood floor care—including refinishing, staining, and expert advice on seasonal maintenance. If your floors have lost their luster or no amount of deep cleaning is bringing them back to life, it might be time to call in the professionals. We proudly serve homeowners across Maryland, from Baltimore and Columbia to Annapolis and Towson. Whether you need help evaluating the condition of your floors, picking a stain, or scheduling a full refinishing, our experienced team is here to help. Don’t let the summer humidity or daily wear take a toll on your hardwood floors. Contact Flawless Floors today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you protect and enhance one of your home’s most beautiful features—all summer long and beyond.