How To Clean Your Brazilian Cherry Hardwood Flooring

Brazilian cherry hardwood flooring is considered one of the most beautiful types of flooring in the world. It is also much better than regular domestic North American hardwood.  The reason is that this particular category of hardwood consists of harder and denser wood species that do not easily fade or get damaged.

In general, there are four species of Brazilian Hardwood:

1. Jatoba, or Brazilian Cherry
2. Ipe, or Brazilian Walnut
3. Cumaru, or Brazilian Teak
4. Tigerwood, or Brazilian Koa 

It is true that the hardness of Jatoba wood makes it one of the most durable types of hardwood flooring in the world. It is resistant to dents, scratches and other types of wear and tear due to high foot traffic. But even this super-strong flooring type requires cleaning and maintenance to keep it shining for a long time.

Tips for Cleaning Your Brazilian Cherry Hardwood Flooring

Here are a few ways to extend the longevity of your exotic Jatoba hardwood flooring.

1. Regular Dusting or Vacuuming

The problem with Brazilian cherry hardwood flooring is that it accumulates dust. Therefore, you will need to clean the floor frequently to maintain its beauty.

One simple way is with a broom and dustpan. You can even use a dust mop for this purpose.

Another way is to remove dust and dirt using a light-weight vacuum that has powerful suction. Avoid using the beater bar, though, as it can scratch your precious hardwood. In fact, dragging dust and grime on your floor can cause dust particles to brush against it, causing scratches.  

It is recommended that you vacuum every two to four days, as leaving dirt on your floor longer than that can damage the finish.

If you do not have the time or necessary vacuum cleaner, simply dust the floor with a soft-bristled broom or a dust mop made from dry microfibre.

2, Using a Home-Made Cleaning Solution

Vacuuming is a good start, but you should also use a cleaning solution on your Jatoba floors.  It's easy to make a home-made cleaning solution that is safe for your hardwood.

Here are a few choices:

a. Water and Dishwashing Liquid

Simply mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid into a bucket of warm water. Apply gently, but make sure that the mop is only damp and not too wet.  After that, clean the floor with plain water and wipe with a dry towel to leave no water on the surface.  With Brazilian cherry hardwood – or any wood for that matter – it is never a good idea to let water sit too long.

b. Water and Vinegar Mix

Another easy solution is to add about a half cup of white vinegar to 3.5 litres of water. Mix it well and you have a natural cleaner that will not leave any residue, unlike most commercial detergent cleaners. Repeat cleaning the floor with a damp sponge or mop and leave it to dry.

3.  Applying Commercial Cleaners

There are manufacturer-approved commercial floor cleaners available that are specifically designed for hardwood. All you need to do is spray your flooring directly from the bottle and wipe with a mop.  In order to prevent damage do not let any cleaning liquid stay on too long. 

When you have a beautiful product like Jatoba hardwood flooring, you need to maintain it. But if you follow these simple rules, your hardwood flooring will last a long time and continue making your interiors elegant and exclusive.