I just moved into a new home with hardwood floors. How do I care for them?

Newer homes usually have floors with surface finishes - blends of synthetic resins. These are referred to as urethanes or polyurethanes.

Most floor manufacturers make a cleaner for their product. Use that, or a generic hardwood floor cleaner.

Vinegar water is fine for cleaning surface finishes, but never use wax-based or petroleum-based cleaners on a surface finish, says Debbie Whittamore, administrative assistant at Schumacher & Co. in Newport.

Wipe up spills immediately with a damp cloth and, if necessary, follow with a hardwood floor cleaner.

Older homes may have original hardwood floors, unsealed and with a wax finish. Only solvent-based waxes, buffing pastes or cleaning liquids made specifically for wax-finished wood floors should be used.

Not sure what type of finish your floor has? Here's a test: Apply two drops of water in an inconspicuous area. If white spots do not appear within 10 minutes, your floor likely has a surface finish.

The Cincinnati Enquirer