What is a safe way to clean hardwood floors without damaging them?
Question:I've heard of vinegar and water but have no measurements. I do not want them sticky or shiny but clean and vacuumable.
Anything would be good, thanks. Mike
Answers:
Mike, I also have hardwood floors. I vacuum them good, then just take a DAMP, not wet, mop thats just got water on it and damp mop the floors. You really don't need any kind of cleaning solution that can just damage the finish. Just good ol water. I do this about once a week. No sticky residue either and no vinegar smell(have allergies). Hope this helps.
once I had a house with all wood floors and wood walls. I was told to use vinegar water too, vinegar is supposed to clean and shine, you only use a tiny amount of vinegar into a lot of water, but then just gently wipe the wood with a dampened sponge..but I was also told that if they are clean then "cold" water will work very well to take off the dust (just a dampened sponge), and that's what I chose, the cold water and it worked very well. Then just using a soft mop (like swiffer) or just a soft mop can be used weekly. Anything else I used made it too slick and therefore dangerous.
Use Murphys Oil Soap Squirt and Mop. You squirt it on your hardwood and remove with a damp mop. Does a great cleaning job. Available most everywhere.
Tea is a wonderful cleaner for wood because of the tannic acid. Brew 1 quart of boiling water with 1 or 2 tea bags. Let it come to room temperature. Wring out a soft cloth to just damp and wash floor, keeping the rag clean. Do not over- wet floor. This will clean the floor and cover any imperfections. Buff with a soft cloth if desired.
There is also a product made by Bruse Floor Care Products that is a cleaner and wax in one. It comes in two colors, light and dark. If your floors are very bad you might consider trying this product before you spend the money to refinish the floors. Follow the directions on the can carefully, and allow plenty of time to do the job, working in one small area at a time.
More Related Questions & Answers...