Hardwood vs Laminate Flooring?

Question

I have bought my first townhouse and the entire first floor (living room, hall, 1/2 bath, kitchen) are all real hardwood flooring (not laminate-whatever that means). I have absolutely no idea how to take care of these floors and am scared to death that I am going to scratch or mar them. How do you clean them? How do I take care of them? I got a "dust mop" but that is all I "know" to do. What product is acceptable for use on this type of flooring? HELP

Answer 1

The thing to remember, is wood and water are not friends.  For the most part, simply clean it with a dry mop.  There are wood laminate cleaners you can buy for occasional use.  The thing is to apply this sparingly, and dry it immediately.

Swifter makes a good product.  You squeeze the handle, apply the cleaner, and mop it dry all in one motion.

Laminate is made from wood, but pressed wood.  The pattern you see in laminate is actually a photograph.  The cleaning method is the same.

Answer 2

I went to home depot and bought a combination Floor cleaner and mop works great for hardwood floors, made by Bruce and was in the flooring/carpet section.  Laminate vs hardwood, well hardwood is better looking but a little less durable and easier to scratch.  Laminate is fake looking but hard to scratch, laminate is like paneling for the floor.  Nothing beats the look of real hardwood flooring, plus it will increase the value of your home when you try to re-sell.