7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors
Floors Housekeeping Most Popular How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors
Gleaming wood floors are a thing of beauty. Here’s how to keep them that way
Bonnie McCarthy
Houzz Contributor. Style anthropologist, freelance writer and photographer... More 2
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lthough installing hardwood flooring is usually more expensive than rolling out new carpet, it’s an investment worth considering, according to data from the National A Desperate for Curb Appeal Association of Realtors. Surveys show that 54 percent of home buyers are willing to 3 pay more for a house with hardwood floors. The question now: What’s the best way to clean and care for that popular flooring and keep that natural beauty (and value) shining through? Here’s how. See all Design Dilemmas 2 It’s not the wood — oak, Gast Architects 2 maple, mesquite, bamboo, News From Our Partners engineered hardwood or This HGTV Host Just Took the First something more exotic — Dance to a Whole New Level that determines how the Homespun Heirloom Kitchen floors should be cleaned, but 8 Projects to Renew Every Room in Your Home rather the finish. 7 must-haves for Scandinavian style
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Surface finishes, often referred to as urethanes or polyurethanes, are among the most
popular treatments today and are usually applied to hardwood floors after installation to The Best Backsplashes to protect them and make them more durable and water resistant. These finishes create a Pair With Wood Counters protective barrier. There are four types of surface finishes, according to the American Full Story 2 Hardwood Information Center: water based, oil based, acid cured and moisture cured.
Homes built before 1970, including historic residences, may have original wood floors Your Guide to Common that were sealed with varnish, wax or shellac. These require a different approach to Light Fixtures — and How to Use Them cleaning. The American Hardwood Information Center says these types of finishes work Full Story 2 by penetrating the wood to color the planks and form a protective shield. Using a wax coating after staining provides a barrier against wear and tear and gives the floor a beautiful low-gloss satin sheen. The classic look requires a little extra TLC, however, 9 Questions to Ask When Planning a Kitchen Pantry since water-based products and mopping can damage the finish. Full Story 2 How to Determine Your Frederick + Frederick Architects 2 Wood Floor Finish
To figure out whether or not Related Products your wood floors are finished with a polyurethane, shellac, wax or varnish, or have a finish that has worn away and is no longer providing coverage, the American Hardwood Information Slice Stainless Steel J.r. Watkins Toilet Bowl Center suggests these tests: Waste Paper Basket Cleanser Lemon, 24 Fl $82.79 $O1z4.31 Run your hand over the wood. If you can feel the texture of the grain, the floor has a “penetrating” finish (usually a combination of a natural oil, such as linseed or tung oil, mixed with additives for drying) topped with wax. Flooringinc 1" MMA Cabo Wire Trash Bin Foam Tiles, 10 Tile $45.35 In an out-of-the-way spot, $Pa7c4k.9, 52'x2' Tiles, dab on a little paint remover. http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 2/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors If the finish bubbles up, it is a surface finish, like polyurethane, which coats the floor in a protective layer.
In an out-of-the-way area, place a few drops of water. If the water beads up and does not soak into the wood, the finish on the floor is intact. If the water is absorbed into the floor or leaves a dark spot, the wood is unfinished or the protective layer has worn away. Laundry Drying Rack, Woca Soap 0.75 Liter 28" Spray, Natural Soap If you sprinkle on a few drops of water and white spots form beneath the droplets after $32.99 $19 about 10 to 15 minutes, the floors are sealed with wax. To remove the white spots, use a piece of fine steel wool lightly dampened with wax and rub gently. Sponsored Products If you suspect a varnish or shellac, take a coin and scratch the surface of the floor in an inconspicuous corner. If the floor has been sealed with one of the older finishing methods, it will flake off.
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Preventing Dirty Wood Floors
Not wearing shoes in the house is one of the best ways to significantly reduce dirt, scuffs 5'x7' Ivory Modern Savoy House 4- and daily wear and tear, and lessen cleaning time. Moroccan Berber SF05141-209 Laurie 1H8a0n0d mGeatd Ae ORurigental LSiitltvmera nM Birrors Lighting The National Wood Floor Association, or NWFA, is more specific and warns against walking on wood floors with cleats, sports shoes and high heels. It also offers this cautionary example: A 125-pound woman walking in high heels has an impact of 2,000 pounds per square inch. Furthermore, an exposed heel nail can exert up to 8,000 pounds of force per square inch.
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What Not to Do
No matter what type of wood flooring you have, the NWFA advises against using cleaning products meant for vinyl or tile flooring. Their take: Self-polishing acrylic waxes cause wood to become slippery and appear dull quickly.
Another no-no: wet-mopping wood floors, since standing water can dull the finish, damage the wood and leave a discoloring residue. Along the same lines, avoid overwaxing unfinished wood floors in an attempt to restore luster. If a waxed floor has become dull, try buffing the surface instead.
Regular Wood Floor Bradley Van Der Straeten 2 Cleaning
Cleaning floors with contemporary polyurethane wood finishes (for floors installed after 1970) starts with vacuuming, sweeping or dust-mopping the surface.
Vacuuming. Vacuum wood floors daily, or at least once a week with a vacuum fitted with an attachment for wood floors. For regular machines, the American Hardwood Information Center advises turning off interior rotating brushes or beater bars if possible.
Regular vacuuming helps remove dust and dirt particles that play a leading role in scratching and dulling the surface of the floor. http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 4/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors
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Sweeping. The American Hardwood Information Center says choosing a broom with “exploded tips,” also known as synthetic fiber ends, is step one.
Damp mopping. Damp mopping should be done with a simple solution of pH-neutral soap (like dishwashing soap) and water; or one capful of a mild cleanser such as Murphy Oil Soap in a bucket of water; or a solution using products specially formulated for wood floors, such as Eco Mist Colloid W, Dr. Bonner’s or Method.
In conscientious cleaning circles, controversy swirls around whether to use a mixture of vinegar and water for damp-mopping wood floors. Ultimately, everyone has to do what works best; however, within the past 10 years this method has lost favor, and popular belief now holds that the solution causes floors to dull more quickly and is not as effective as simple soap and water.
To begin mopping, dampen the mop in the prepared solution, wring it out completely, and mop in the direction of the wood grain. Repeat as necessary. As the water in the bucket becomes dirty, dump it out and refill. Many experts (including Martha Stewart) believe scrubbing wood floors with a damp cloth by hand is the ultimate cleaning strategy — unless abundant square footage or protesting knees prove problematic.
But avoid cloths or mops dripping with water. If your floors do get wet or worse, dry them immediately!
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Another technique: After the floor has been swept or vacuumed, put your cleaning solution of choice in a spray bottle and mist the floor, then use a dry microfiber mop or cloth and mop in direction of the wood grain.
It’s important to note that just because a floor is clean doesn’t necessarily mean it will be shiny. If the floor has lost its luster, it may be time to have it refinished professionally. Whatever you do, don’t wax a polyurethaned finish.
What you should know before refinishing your floors
Unfinished or Waxed Floors Rikki Snyder 2
Unfinished or waxed floors, like those in older and historic homes, as well as floors in which the protective seal has worn away, should never be treated with water or liquid cleansers, which may penetrate, stain or warp the wood. Instead, according to cleaning experts, sweeping with a soft-bristled broom and vacuuming should be done as the primary line of defense. The NWFA says to step away from the mop: Never damp- mop a waxed floor.
Beyond basic care, buffing and waxing the floors once or twice a year should maintain the shine.
Old-fashioned shellacked floors are not common in most homes. However, if you find yourself the proud owner of this vintage flooring, regular care should include sweeping http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 6/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors and vacuuming often. Avoid water and liquid cleansers.
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Engineered Wood Floors
Engineered wood flooring is created with a thin veneer of hardwood fused atop a plywood base. The material is stronger and more durable than regular hardwoods, and as a result has become a popular choice.
The cleaning procedure for this type of wood is the same as for hardwood floors with urethane finishes. Keep clean on a daily basis by sweeping and vacuuming and use a slightly damp mop as needed.
See when to use engineered wood floors
Painted Wood Floors
Painted wood floors make a strong style statement and are a clever way to disguise wood flooring in less than perfect shape. To clean them, sweep, vacuum or dust-mop regularly. Avoid scratching or damaging the painted surface by staying away from abrasive cleansers and opting for a simple soap and water solution for damp mopping. Experts suggest drying the surface immediately by hand to avoid streaking and unnecessary moisture.
More: 7 Kitchen Flooring Materials to Boost Your Cooking Comfort What to Know Before Finishing Your Floors
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Comments (274)
Meep Meeps
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 8/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors I -HATE- engineered wood floors with a passion. They don't look right & they wear like crap. --At least for my husband & I in our office with rolling chairs (rental house, everything was cheaply built/installed anyway). But we've used those same chairs in a previous house (owned, but had to relocate for work) & the hardwood floors handled them just fine. That's just my experience with 1 instance of engineered floors.
I like this article though on wood flooring care though. =)
65 Likes last Thursday at 4:09PM
lizzie91001 Question: I visited an office the other day where the floor was clearly hardwood--definitely not laminate or bamboo--and the finish was thick and super-glossy to repel potential damage caused by lots of foot traffic. I mean, this finish was soooo tough-looking that I had the impression that wet-mopping wouldn't come close to fazing it. Tons of people trample this floor every day, yet I detected nary a footprint. I'm guessing the finish was polyurethane. How many coats would it take to get that look of impermeability? And how come one never sees it in homes? It does look a little strange--kind of plasticky-- but I kind of liked it.
41 Likes last Thursday at 7:40PM
southernpointofview I have found Bona brand hardwood cleaner and polish works very well on my heart pine floors.
119 Likes last Thursday at 7:50PM
skagitnana We have also used Bona on wood floors for years, with good results. Our present floors are pre finished solid hickory, and Bona is what the manufacturer recommends.
75 Likes last Thursday at 10:34PM
Alison Kandler Interior Design
PRO I install a lot of painted wood floors and water mixed with windex clean them right up. http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 9/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors
Beach Cottage · More Info
Beach Cottage · More Info
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38 Likes last Thursday at 10:39PM
The Big Small
PRO Meep Meeps, I agree there is nothing worse than a really cheap floor (engineered, solid wood or even laminate). Like anything we buy, the lowest of the low end can give an otherwise excellent product type a bad rap. I realize that in most cases budget determines what goes in...and I encourage my clients to select building products that 1 - they can afford, 2 - are durable and long lasting, 3 - are a mid-grade or better level product, 4 - are as green as possible. In the case of flooring, if budget only allows for the lowest quality engineered product, I'd rather the client step down to a laminate. By doing this they put themselves at a price point that is on the high end for laminate instead of the low in engineered. Same goes if a client wants a solid wood floor but can only budget for the lowest quality - I'd prefer they step down to an engineered product in the mid to high range. The goal is to select the product that will be the most durable, long lasting option within a given budget. Apologies for hijacking the 'how to clean your hardwood' discussion here. I will say that I'm always so happy when we renovate an older home and are able to keep the original hardwood floors - which is so much easier when they have been properly cleaned and cared for in their lifetime. Ounce of prevention...
65 Likes last Friday at 12:16AM
M B The manufacturer of my hardwood floors also recommends Bona and I http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 10/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors love it. I have never had a problem with it leaving streaks. I never add fabric softener to the rinse when I wash the microfiber pads that came with the Bona kit. Fabric softener collects and sticks to microfiber and is left behind on any surface that a person is trying to clean. Don't believe me? Try cleaning a window or a mirror with a microfiber cloth or Bona microfiber pad that has had fabric softener added to the wash. There will be streaks left behind.
57 Likes last Friday at 12:51AM
JAN MOYER
PRO A luxury engineered hardwood can be a thing of beauty, and allow for tones and finishes that would be very difficult to replicate on the the "real thing". They also allow folks to remain in a home on reno's and installs in older builds particularly on second floor situations ! On ANY flooring, be that hardwood , carpet, tile.....the daily dry sweep/ dust/ vacuum/ "swiffer"/ is the key to longevity of good looks.
32 Likes last Friday at 3:31AM
bellasirena We have wood floors that date from 1871 - I love them! There are gaps from shifting over the century and almost a half. I use a padded floor duster - vacuum a lot and have just used clean water to lightly go over them when needed (wasn't sure what would be safe so really like this article). House is 7000 sf but some of it with recent addition (2001) and those floors of a different material. This is a picture of the flooring in the front hall.
81 Likes last Friday at 6:17AM
Tania Summers Ugh, we've been through just about every type of floor cleaner. HATE Bona! Leaves a whitish film over my dark wood floors. We finally found something we love, Pledge for wood floors! Not the spray for furniture, but specifically made for wood floors. So happy to have finally found something that works for us.
51 Likes last Friday at 7:00AM
Lucas Goldbach @MeepMeeps I think you may be confusing engineered hardwoods with a vinyl type of product or a heavily pre-finished product. Engineered hardwoods have a 1/4" of actual hardwood over an underlayment. The underlayment allows for more dimensional stability. (So they don't split/gap over radiant, etc.) The sand-able depth is the same as a conventional hardwood. On a conventional hardwood there is about a 1/4" of wood before you get to the tongue and groove. Any type of wood can look fake and ware poorly if it has the wrong finish. http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 11/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors
38 Likes last Friday at 7:13AM
wickedxx My hardwood is an exotic S .American walnut . It came with a finish of Aluminum Oxide. I clean as recommended by the manufacturer. One part vinegar to 10 parts water. Keeping them vacuumed is a must as dirt scratches over time. I have natural bristles on my vacuum attachment, intended for hardwood, not nylon. Nylon bristles scratch.
21 Likes last Saturday at 12:36AM
wickedxx Windex is bad to use!
7 Likes last Saturday at 12:39AM
lfiscus I have a Shark steam mop... it has three settings: dust, mop and scrub. I used to use it on my linoleum (and loved it), but we finally replaced that with pre-finished hardwood floors (Mirage). Can I use the Shark steam mop on the lowest setting (dust) on the wood floors? It definitely does not make the floors wet. I have not done so; I was just curious. Currently, we use Bona and that does well for us.
12 Likes last Saturday at 6:00AM
clara23 Vacuum wood floors daily? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
269 Likes last Saturday at 6:03AM
clara23 Also, what happened to a good old vinegar and water solution. Works wonders when the floor gets extra dirty and I don't have to worry about the pets.
28 Likes last Saturday at 6:08AM
alleykat6093 Ifiscus I used a steam mop on my wood floors and it was a mistake. It dulled the finish. My husband noticed the minute he walked in our front door.
14 Likes last Saturday at 6:55AM
pbsch The company that installed our wood floor told us to use Bona. As others have said, it is an easy system to use and works amazingly well. Be sure to buy an extra pad, so that you can switch pads if you're doing a big, dirty area. (My floors are maple and quite light. Can't speak to the comment that another person made about Bona on dark floors.)
The other best tool I bought for my wood floors is the Hoover Linx cordless vacuum cleaner. I love it because it is lightweight and very maneuverable and is great for picking up dog hair off of hardwood. I bought a second battery for it so that I can do a large area without having to recharge the battery. Cons: relatively expensive and not real good on carpeting.
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16 Likes last Saturday at 7:25AM
victoriaclary Any suggestions for whitewashed or pickeled white oak floors?
3 Likes last Saturday at 9:32AM
Shannon Brennand @Clara23 Roombas do my daily vacuuming. We have two large dogs that shed their short fur ferociously. Our house is one story and long, so I have one Roomba for the master bedroom and ensuite, and one for the rest of the house. You can program them to run whenever you want, and set up little "towers" that keep them from going where you don't want them. We have dark wood floors and light tile, but you'd never know that we have two white haired shedding fools! The two Roomba's collect enough fur and dust that I do need to empty the collection cups daily. Costco and Bed, Bath and Beyond and the best place to buy them.
43 Likes last Saturday at 10:26AM
Shannon Brennand When we had our dark wood floors installed, the installer said that even though they sell Bona brand cleaner, Bruce is just as good and more economical.
8 Likes last Saturday at 10:28AM
Bradford It's wood. We are talking about cleaning wood - an inorganic occurrence in nature. It would only be "natural" to believe the use of "natural" cleansers would be the perfect compliment to the wood floor upkeep.
But a cleanser is made to be a striping agent with properties that (re)act by removing dirt, etc.
Vinegar is acidic. Overtime it will do what acid does -- eat away at the surface.
I love cleaning products, so don't get me wrong... I too an intrigued by the squirt and shine array of choices, but again, it will have alcohol, sulfates, or some detergent to act by removing or striping dirt away.
I'm all about bringing back the carpet rake - I love the look of carpet that has vacuum lines in it!!
that are "natural" in Since wood is an "good ole" vinegar, Murphy's Oil, or dish soap is
13 Likes last Saturday at 11:02AM http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 13/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors
knollst What about using the Hoover Steam cleaner? On engineered wood?
12 Likes last Saturday at 7:35PM
vudat12
PRO I enjoyed the wood floor, very natural and very beautiful
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1 Like last Saturday at 8:33PM
Charmean Neithart Interiors, LLC.
PRO In addition to regular sweeping, I use the Bona system. It works great and is easy to assemble.
6 Likes last Saturday at 10:09PM
annoulaxeni Yeah, Martha Stewart would suggest something she personally would never be caught dead doing, wouldn't she?!
66 Likes Yesterday at 12:01AM
pauli12 Great advice! What is the best cleaner to use on floors finished with polyurethane? I was using vinegar and water but read it could dull the finish faster so have stopped.
5 Likes Yesterday at 12:16AM
ralegria we have used bona for years and something was not working for our dark bamboo floors. we recently tried damp mopping using water boiled with tea bags and I felt like our floors took on an extra sparkle. not sure how the experts would weigh in on this method?
24 Likes Yesterday at 12:47AM
pauli12 Sounds like an interesting idea, ralegria. Thank you. Tea is supposed to be good for all sorts of things, so why not floors? I will google this and see what else I find. If it is working for you then it's a keeper!
9 Likes Yesterday at 1:21AM
pauli12 I found several articles on cleaning wood floors with tea. Here is one. I am going to do this next time. Thanks again for adding this, ralegria! http://ruralspin.com/2013/01/20/5-benefits-of-cleaning-wood-floors-with- tea/
24 Likes Yesterday at 1:24AM
umbarra Tea is also acidic though. Our floors are 17thC chestnut with interesting gaps. It is just gorgeous. Here in France there are Marseille soap products for everything including wood floors. I use one made for wood floors http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 14/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors sparingly. You need to vacuum to get the dust from the gaps. Sweeping just moves dust into the gaps!
10 Likes Yesterday at 2:09AM
prairiefire Reading this reminds me why I am among the 46% who will NOT pay more for hardwood floors. Lovely to look at, but time consuming to care for, especially with dogs and family who will not remove their shoes.
It breaks my heart when a seller has installed new HW floors in hopes of a better price ... do it for yourself if you must, but I'd rather you let me (the buyer) choose what works for me!
It breaks my heart to see that a seller has listened to their realtor and installed new hardwood floors in hopes of selling.
14 Likes Yesterday at 3:07AM
jives6 I enjoy Houzz and have found it a good source of info for remodeling etc.
Let me start by saying that I have been in the wood flooring business for thirty six years and I totally disagree with your article on cleaning hardwood floors. Soap , water , vinegar and especially Murphy Soap oil would never be recommended . Murphy soap oil leaves a film that can cause problems if you ever decide to have a proffesional come in and apply a coat of urethane, even with a lite sanding there have been many cases where the urethane peeled. Water is also not recommended, water will dull the finish on your floors and if it is used on a regular bases it will pop the grain.
The one cleaner that most flooring professionals recommend is Bona for hardwood floors, it dry quick and clear and does not leave a film. Do your self and your floors a favor use this product on floors that have been coated with a urethane.
47 Likes Yesterday at 3:29AM
theblueglow A great article on cleaning old hard wood: Hardwood, Not Hard Work, By Stephanie Cavanaugh, Washington Post, Saturday, July 28, 2007
5 Likes Yesterday at 3:33AM
pauli12 Thanks,jives6. I never realized until a few weeks ago that the polyurethane could be damaged by cleaning products. What I have never understood is this: Since the floors are covered in polyurethane, aren't we actually cleaning "polyurethane" and not "wood"? I don't even see that is makes a difference what is under the poly because we are cleaning it, not what is actually underneath. (Aren't we?)
32 Likes Yesterday at 3:51AM
Kathleen Zamorski Thx theblueglow...... Interesting article. We have a 1922 bungalow and just uncovered original maple floors in the small kitchen, beautiful. http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 15/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors
6 Likes Yesterday at 3:52AM
pauli12 I would like to reply to a few comments about how difficult hardwood floors are to live with. They are actually not hard at all (for me at least. )
I have enjoyed every minute of my hardwood floors. They are Brazilian Cherry and were put down raw and sanded and finished over a period of time. There are no gaps for dust to settle in. They are smooth and are much easier for me to work with than carpet. I hate to vacuum and I don't vacuum these. I dust mop and sweep and damp mop or get down on the floor and wipe.
I agree that it is better to let the person who is going to buy the house pick their own floors as everyone's taste is different.
13 Likes Yesterday at 3:56AM
renisue The 400$ Dyson rechargeable Moorhead vacuum was the best investment I ever made for my new floors. it's fantastically easy and quick..you wouldn't believe the amount of daily dirt it gets up. I HATE vacuuming but this tool is kinda fun to use. if you think about the price of hardwood 400$ is a pittance to keep them beautiful. my contractor even bought one after using mine. Oh and no I'm not affiliated with the Dyson company.
13 Likes Yesterday at 3:57AM
lindamarie1 lfiscus, I use my shark steam mop on the dust setting and it works great, just keep moving and you will have no issue. I use use spray bottle with method and/or vinegar solution to spray on floor every other cleaning.
4 Likes Yesterday at 3:58AM
Rasha Olama In addition to daily vacuuming, I use the German brand Dr. Schutz (http://www.dr-schutz.com/en/) once a week and it's perfect. Also steam- mopping every month does wonders.
Great article, thanks.
1 Like Yesterday at 4:09AM
dsleight My dining room has an oiled oak floor that is 40 years old. I vacuum and occasionally clean and buff with Howard's Orange Oil. It does a fabulous job.
Like Yesterday at 4:12AM
Daryle Taylor I am not sure how someone could prefer carpet to hardwood. My guess is that they have never seen old carpet removed. It seems like more work to sweep and mop daily but you are removing the daily dirt and grime that builds up in any home, regardless of the flooring. So if you aren't doing the same thing to your carpet, do you think that dirt magically disappears? Of course it doesn't. You are just walking on it and grinding it deeper and deeper into your carpet and pad and releasing it into the air as well with http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 16/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors every step. The thought of going back to carpet actually creeps me out...
69 Likes Yesterday at 4:15AM
Lisa Durstin What about bamboo? Anyone found anything that doesn't dull? So frustrating...
8 Likes Yesterday at 4:18AM
polly1947 We just installed oil-rubbed, engineered hardwood floors. Anyone have any experience in cleaning these beauties?
1 Like Yesterday at 4:20AM
smaroulis This is to Lizzy commenting on a super shiny finish in a office- some people use marine grade finish- which should absolutely not be used indoors!!! It gives off fumes that are not meant to be inhaled over years.
4 Likes Yesterday at 4:31AM
Gina Decorates Lisa Durstin, have you tried Murphy's Oil? Curious because that is what we use on our hardwoods on the main floor. We tore out the carpets upstairs and are going to be putting down Bamboo. Wondering if that causes dullness on Bamboo?
2 Likes Yesterday at 4:38AM
Theresa Thompson I use the "Ultimate Spin Mop" on my hardwood floors. I fill the container with plain water then spin the mop like crazy ( a few seconds) until it is practically dry....voila, floors are clean in minutes, no chemicals needed. I've used Bona and I find it leaves a slight wax finish and god help the person who walks on the floors later in bare feet..leaves footprints everywhere! I've decided to use it periodically for a slight shine. :D
8 Likes Yesterday at 4:41AM
grizzly Have I missed it or were the finishes that come on prefinished hardwood flooring completely ignored? That is what I have and I sweep regularly and damp mop occasionally with clear water. I do not remove my shoes to enter my house. (my house is to serve me, not vice-versa).
Like Yesterday at 4:43AM
krace No one has mentioned using a Swiffer Wet Jet. I've been using that but don't want to ruin my beautiful floors. Any comments?
2 Likes Yesterday at 4:54AM
rosemary1938 Vacuum daily? You've got to be joking!!.,
32 Likes Yesterday at 5:01AM http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 17/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors
happyland55 Any suggestions on a brand/type of broom. I would prefer to sweep crumbs and debris daily but I'm afraid I will scratch the floor over time.
Like Yesterday at 5:07AM
bmessic What should I do if polyurethane finished floors have been waxed??
Like Yesterday at 5:10AM
Wanda Collins We have had scraped wood and we use Therapy by kentwood. I have used bona before but therapy works better and leaves a nice finish unlike bona which left it dull
4 Likes Yesterday at 5:21AM
sarahmwalsh Theresa Thompson, you are not kidding about the Bona and footprints! It's such a convenient delivery system though. I wonder if there is a homemade liquid I could substitute in the bottle?
3 Likes Yesterday at 5:21AM
MB Huntington I love Murphy's Oil Soap, However.....if you use it even once on a hardwood floor that you hope to recoat with polyurethane in the future, the polyurethane may not stick. It is a great product for a floor that is beyond rescreening (you know you will have to completely resand and refinish in the future).
Like Yesterday at 5:22AM
littlemy Why all the fuss? Just use a broom once in a while and vacuum every two weeks. Done.
13 Likes Yesterday at 5:22AM
lmhenc I too am questioning the use of Murphy's Oil Soap. I have heard that it can actually permanently ruin engineered wood.
2 Likes Yesterday at 5:25AM
joycedurkin I had a custom built house with real hard wood floors downstairs. We had put 4 coats of polyurethane on them. We never wore shoes in our house!! All I had to do was vacuum or dry mop them. I now clean houses and most of my customers have the new engineered wood floors. I have found vacuuming them often and using bono works great, by using a mister/microfabric mob. I have also used the one cap of murphy soap to a bucket of very hot water (must try to squeeze most of water out of mop as best as you can). Also must keep emptying the bucket of water and refilling it with hot hot water. With using the moping method with the murphy oil, use a cotton mop head. http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 18/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors
3 Likes Yesterday at 5:26AM
prajnapara We use Murphys Oil Soap on our 110 year old Red Oak polyurethaned floors in the city and 170 year old wide pine shellacked floors in the country.
It cleans beautifully, is very gentle, and the floors look beautiful. It can be used on most finishes, and isn't expensive.
2 Likes Yesterday at 5:27AM
knlross My entire house, except for bathrooms, have hardwood floors. The oak and heart pine floors were installed in the early 1900's and refinished with a polyurethane coating in 1986. I use Endust sprayed on a commercial sized dust mop or vacuuming and damp mop them maybe once a year with plain water. Spills are spot cleaned with a cloth. They have worn well and are still pretty shiny. I recently installed new white oak floors in the kitchen. My installer said to clean them the same way I've cleaned the other floors since it seems to be working. Still, a kitchen floor requires more cleaning than other floors due to spills. I tried the spray Murphy's oil soap on a spot, but it felt a bit sticky. I think I will stick to plain water unless it's an oily spill. I also have a Dyson rechargeable stick vacuum that is very handy for quick clean ups.
3 Likes Yesterday at 5:30AM
rkt10 @lizzie9001, regarding your question about commercial floor finishing: I have spoken with a hardwood installer as we are considering installing hardwood. He has told me of a different product he uses in a commercial setting that is more durable and more costly. I don't know what the difference in product is; but your installer should know. He just refers to it as a commercial finish. I also believe the product is oil based and not water based, which is also more durable. Likewise, many installers nowadays apply only 2 coats of urethane finish, whereas the standard used to be 3 coats. We've had him price out for 3 coats. Of course, it's critical that the finish dries completely between applications. Some installers will want to come in in the morning for one coat, and come back in the afternoon. Have them wait at least overnight, if not a few days between coats. So: commercial finish, oil based, 3 coats.
6 Likes Yesterday at 5:32AM
laurahp Has anyone been using a Hoover steam mop regularly for cleaning their hardwood floors? Any problems?
2 Likes Yesterday at 5:33AM
pattimay lfiscus and laurahp, my neighbor used a steam cleaner advertised as safe for hardwood floors and just had his 2 year old floors replaced because they warped. I wouldn't take the chance - hot steam and wood don't mix!
6 Likes Yesterday at 5:34AM
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 19/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors
juudean I love the look of my new hardware floors...and I use Bona products to keep them clean. I would like to comment on not wearing shoes on those floors...after walking around in stocking feet after 4 months in the new house I developed a foot condition (plantar fasciitis). I still have it 9 months later. Wear shoes with some support on those hardwood floors...PF is becoming an epidemic! My second floor is carpeted, and feels like heaven on my feet. I'm just sayin'...
11 Likes Yesterday at 5:35AM
minniegirl We have Brazilian engineered hardwood floors and love them. Had it for 6 years now. Always get compliments. We live on a lake property and advised not to get hardwood because of the dampness. Always clean with a damp mop.
3 Likes Yesterday at 5:35AM
laurahp Pattimay, thanks for the warning.
2 Likes Yesterday at 5:37AM
prajnapara Klnross
Re Murphy's Soap:
I don't know about the Murphy's spray. I buy the concentrate and dilute it according to the job.
2 Likes Yesterday at 5:38AM
ggoff124 Great discussion! While I love the look of my hardwood (maple) floors, I've often said that the dirty little secret behind them is the 2-step process for maintaining them. Guessing that most of us on this forum are not leading a Dowton Abbey lifestyle with a cleaning crew to accomplish daily upkeep or to have the bandwidth (or interest) to sweep/vac/mop daily. Hoping that Houzz will follow up with a practical piece about dealing with scratches on hardwood floors for the millions of us who share our homes and hearts with dogs (big dogs=big scratches) and with the thinking that sanding and refinishing annually is not a practical solution.
22 Likes Yesterday at 5:40AM
AnAhitA Nazeri BEWARE: LUMBER LIQUIDATORS have a Huge recall of Flooring because of Cancer causing Formaldehyde made in China ..unlucky for me..I have some installed in my Home..First Class Action Lawsuit VOC is very high
6 Likes Yesterday at 5:46AM
Vicki Short Juudean- the brand Vionic makes great shoes for plantar fascitis and my ortho approved them!
7 Likes Yesterday at 5:47AM http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 20/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors
joycedurkin Regarding the steam mop for engineered hard wood floors. 3 of my customers have the Hann steamer. There is some warping happening to the floors. My customers insist that I use this steamer to clean the floors. I have to do what I am asked to do, even pointing out the warping. Kitchen and bathrooms are the most common place for the warping to happen since there is water in both rooms obviously. The no shoes in the house is the best way to help keep your floors clean. Buying slippers is a good idea.
1 Like Yesterday at 5:50AM
kfb55 I used Murphy's for years in my last home( built in 1927) but when we moved into our 1929 Dutch and had the floors redone with latex poly the refinishers said NO Murphy's. We were told it breaks done the finish. We now use a very dilute solution of distilled white vinegar. Sometimes I throw a drop or two of essential oil into the mix.
1 Like Yesterday at 5:52AM
Jay Maggio Sorry but any suggestion of wet mopping is irrisponsible. There is never a time to do this. Spot cleaning with water is ok but busting out the mop will, over time, cause cupping and curling. Also, this article leaves out the fact that most engineered floors are factory coated with aluminum oxide. This article lacks "field" and "industry" knowledge. Stick to design ideas Houzz
7 Likes Yesterday at 6:00AM
Gloria H.
We built a home one year ago and there is no difference in pricing anymore for having professional put woodfloors down on site (the old fashion way) or engineered wood flooring. We went with engineered flooring due to the diamond finish because we have a large dog. I thing-- like granite--there are different levels of both types of wood. I had white maple in my old home that turned a terriible yellow with time (put down on site) and now I have engineered wood which I love. Its beautiful and durable. It does depend on the finish which product and/or type of solutions to use to clean. Either way, very little of any product is the best way to clean.
4 Likes Yesterday at 6:02AM
juudean Vicki Short- I love my Abeo sandals, will take a look at your recommendation...can't have too many shoes!
Like Yesterday at 6:04AM http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 21/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors
13carol Be careful when spraying Bona on floors with large rugs, the spray will get on the edges of the rugs and discolor them after a time, ruining Orientals, but the Bona works great.
5 Likes Yesterday at 6:05AM
janetgoar I have oak hardwoods. I use a mix of vinegar and water with a damp mop. Once a year I sparingly apply pure lemon oil and buff. Floors look great! They were installed in 1988!
3 Likes Yesterday at 6:09AM
jlacount PolyCare is great for cleaning hardwood floors.
2 Likes Yesterday at 6:10AM
danscole I use the Oreck Orbiter with their wood floor cleaning solution to clean my wood floors. Still look brand new after 13 years
Like Yesterday at 6:10AM
kcandle We use the ultimate soon mop and water! No streaks. Have tried vinegar and water and just water with a regular micro fiber mop. This does the best. The Dr Schutz is tempting. I watched the video provided in the above link.
And daily vacuuming doesn't happen around here but I do have a Miele canister for hardwood floors!
Like Yesterday at 6:15AM
seagrin cant say enough about the shark duo - solution is mild and sprays just enough to dampen - doesn't soak the floor - it dries within minutes and the vibrating head with soft washable pads beats anything I could do my hand!
4 Likes Yesterday at 6:30AM
everythingsgrey I'm surprised this article doesn't address prefinished hardwood flooring. At all. Are we to assume that prefinished falls under the urethane/polyurethane category? Doesn't it make a difference that the finish doesn't span the gaps in prefinished hardwood (perhaps making it more susceptible to water seepage between planks?)?
3 Likes Yesterday at 6:34AM
carolinamack We have Brazilian Cherry engineered floors in our home. We use nothing but Bona, and they are still as beautiful as the day they were installed despite having grandkids and a beagle. No dulling or white film.
Like Yesterday at 6:35AM http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 22/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors
mamorse Seeking brilliant solution to thorny problem. My problem is an urban one and have found no good solution: sticky residue from city air. I can use Bona/Bruce or other, get down on knees and clean with vigor (and using a terry cloth), and still I can find darker residue if I take a damp paper towel and swipe across just cleaned areas. I have Bruce pre-coated wood (so beautiful) but it isn't sealed between planks so NO water. Thoughts? Suggestions based on experience?
1 Like Yesterday at 6:35AM
tuulikkimarie Our hardwood floors were installed just 2 years ago but already are showing gaps of 1 to 2 mm wide. Can be done to fix this, perhaps refinishing or similar? I use vacuuming and Swiffer to clean them.
1 Like Yesterday at 6:36AM
susanrbarber Any suggestions on how to disinfect a natural hardwood floor?
2 Likes Yesterday at 6:36AM
sallypchrystal We are thinking of selling our home so our real estate agent has told us to put in hardwood floors. We have tile floors that have worn like steel..dogs and shoes are not able to ruin them. We are choosing a prefinised maple. Please give me advice....will this really make buyers happy? And, are the refinished real woods as good? Help!!!
Like Yesterday at 6:37AM
newbiev I just installed oil-finished matte engineered floors. The company sells a brand-specific cleaner to use but I wonder if there is a natural or commercial alternative. Any ideas?
Like Yesterday at 6:40AM
tilly32 Thoughts on steam mopping hardwood?
1 Like Yesterday at 6:43AM
mikki310 I have engineered medium shade floors. Was told to use Bona by my installer within a few months the floor looked like an oil slick. Bare feet left prints and dust clung to the floor. Bona said they had NEVER had this complaint?? Called manufacturer and was told to clean floors with vinegar and water. That took at least 4 times, by hand, to get rid of the Bona slick. They recommended ZEP Hardwood & Laminate floor Cleaner. I have been using for three years and NO MORE slick. Anyone that uses ZEP has loved it.
3 Likes Yesterday at 6:45AM
Jen Holtzman http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 23/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors I tried Bona -since it's easy to find. Does not begin to compare to the recommended Bruce hardwood floor care. I have found nothing even close. I have 2 dogs and my floors look gorgeous.
3 Likes Yesterday at 6:51AM
mikki310 The finish on my floors (the one above) is Valspar Ultra-Transparent Aluminum Oxide. The floor actually looks better now then when installed
3 Likes Yesterday at 6:51AM
fairfax66 We have wood floors through out the entire house (even the laundry room), except for the bathrooms. They were installed with a polyurethane coating that gives them a high gloss. I would never damp mop these floors. I Vacuum without the rotating bar used for carpets and then clean with a soft towel after the floor has been sprayed with Bruce dura luster no wax floor Cleaner in the green spray bottle. Have been doing this for almost 20 years and our wood floors are as shiny and bright as the day they were installed.
5 Likes Yesterday at 6:51AM
kbelinko If you are considering hardwood, ask your installer what he did when he installed his own hardwood floors - they do 3 coats so we paid the extra - not a lot of money - to get the extra coat and they look new. We only damp wipe up when we see something on them.
Like Yesterday at 6:52AM
mrsom I live close to Toronto (Canada) and hardwood floors are definitely more valuable than carpet and homes with them sell for more compared to homes with carpet. I have had homes with both and there is no comparison. Walking and breathing in a home with hardwood that can be cleaned to the root compared to carpet and who's knows what's lurking in there as much as one vacuums is a relief in itself. I have matte pre- finished hickory floors. Love the look that it doesn't look fussy and hard to see the dirt. I vacuum and swift regularly and once a week clean them with water and vinegar. I tried bona several times but left streaks .. and I'm still trying to get them out. Finally after several months, they are starting to go away. I am worried about the vinegar solution after reading this article. Any other ideas for matte floors. We had maple in our other home with a shine and found cleaning them with murphy's oil was amazing, We had the floors for 10 years until we moved and never a problem. Those floors were beautiful. I am finding matte floors harder to keep streak free. Any suggestions?
1 Like Yesterday at 6:53AM
wdhsvbgod I have +1000 sq. ft. of pre-finished maple floor, 2 teenagers and a dog in my house. I have read so many articles with conflicting information (Bona is GREAT, Bona is BAD), that I have been paralyzed into not changing my hardwood cleaning routine since 2010! http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 24/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors
Your article didn't help me with that, but at least now I can point to it and say, "see kids... you should be vacuuming the hardwood EVERY DAY!"
4 Likes Yesterday at 6:59AM
srcounts I am responding to question on Bamboo Floors. We heard they were green and would be great at the beach house. The floors are beautiful / easy to clean with Bona and remain so after a few years-. Unfortunately we made the mistake of using a company in our town instead of the beach town. They rushed and did not allow the -wood to acclimate so the wood has buckled (more visible in summer than winter). I am sure we are the only people this has happened to but just a heads up.
2 Likes Yesterday at 6:59AM
safrosch Okay, I am a single mother (read: no time for vacuuming daily!!) and a proud owner of engineered hardwood with wax finish. I have bought every product by WOCA as instructed - but I have spots galore!! My two year old is a disaster for the floor (dropping food, squishing crayons, etc...) so I spot clean like crazy. Any suggestions on cleaning wax finished floors and removing spots/stains?? Thank you!
2 Likes Yesterday at 6:59AM
donnaing I used Bona and Armstrong hardwood floor cleaner. I spray lightly on floor and use micro fiber mop. I actually prefer the Armstrong.
Like Yesterday at 7:01AM
chevelle71 As a Professional Residential Cleaner. Bona is the best product out on the market, it's expensive, but it's worth every dime to protect your investment. The first time you use, Bona its best to use, the hard floor cleaner and polish, you can just maintain it every week with the cleaner. Use the polisher, every 3 months. For your granite and porcelain tile, stone and ceramic, they have a special cleaner for those types of flooring as well.
Like Yesterday at 7:03AM
alpine29 If your installing hardwood floors go for oak with an auburn finish, looks great with white millwork. Since doing our main floor I don't think of selling, it's so inviting, perfect combination with Persian rugs. Easy to keep clean and no signs of wear.
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 25/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors
Like Yesterday at 7:04AM
motherhuber Having worked in the industry, I must put in my two cents worth of knowledge. Hardwood floors with urethane finishes, whether prefinished or finished on site, should never be cleaned with Murphy's. It doesn't protect the finish and over time the oil will build up causing a great deal of issues when the floor requires refinishing. We used to have to charge more to refinish a floor that had been cared for with Murphy's as the sanding paper would have to be changed on the floor sander every couple of passes. The heat and friction generated when sanding would cause the urethane on Murphy's cleaned floors to soften and gum up instead of dusting off. My crews would complain loudly as the job would then take more time and sandpaper to get the surface cleaned off and ready for a new finish. Hardwood flooring manufacturers recommend certain products for a reason - they know what is best to clean their brand of flooring.
3 Likes Yesterday at 7:07AM
elinorhanschke We have installed UV oiled white oak wide plank engineered hardwood. My sister in law who is a professional cleaner has used Bona products with great success. She and I are both wondering if Bona is a good choice for my new floor? Does anyone have suggestions for this type of flooring?
Like Yesterday at 7:07AM
buppysauce I use a Shark steam mop on the old hardwood floors in our historic loft. It works very well. Because it is steam, not mopping, there isn't enough wetness to cause problems, and it is fast and easy to use. I get clean and shiny oak floors with no streaks, and no worries about using a chemical that might harm the finish or the environment! The cleaning pads go into the washing machine an hang to dry. Easy, efficient and inexpensive!
8 Likes Yesterday at 7:12AM
codsey11 I have tried different products over the years for my hardwood floors! What I have learned is steamers are a definite no! Our older 1960's floor was easiest to clean; water & vinegar or dish soap works about the best for our maple hardwood presently in our living room and kitchen; Bona does a nice job for the engineered hardwood we had installed last year in the other rooms. What I don't like about the engineered hardwood...we had a little wetness from a small one in the bedroom which I cleaned up promptly...the edge of the board started to turn up and had to be replaced! This was the first time I ever had this happen!! So, not sure I would put this in again. I really like the maple hardwood (10 yrs.) which still looks great in the busiest area of our home! Mopping, sweeping and touching up with a Revel cleaner works best for me in between. Great article! Thanks!
Like Yesterday at 7:13AM
aqeelel good uo
1 Like Yesterday at 7:13AM http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 26/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors
Neville Lewis Question: which hardwood floor is best to use to keep away Termites?
Like Yesterday at 7:19AM
aqeelel uo very good
Like Yesterday at 7:22AM
texasblond sallypchrystal -- regarding installing wood floors to sell the house -- why not just offer a flooring allowance as part of the terms of selling? We did this in our last home, so that the buyers could replace the worn-out vinyl flooring in the large kitchen with a product of their choosing. We got an estimate of the cost to replace with a similar product so that we'd know how much to offer as an allowance.
5 Likes Yesterday at 7:24AM
Peggy Tupper WOW this is a popular thread. My solution to brighten dull hardwood floors is to add a capfull of olive oil to a very small bucket of water, dip a microfiber cloth in it and wrap the cloth around my swiffer style dust mop. Each room gets a fresh bucket of water and olive oil.
3 Likes Yesterday at 7:31AM
J K I am installing mostly hardwood (some tile and carpet too) in our new home whole-home renovation. For my tile, I swear by the Hoover Floormate hard floor cleaner, which the previous owner of my current home used, as did my next door neighbor used on her pre-finished wood floors. People actually ask me how I keep my floor looking so clean. The Floormate solution says that can be used on sealed wood floors. It is like a carpet shampooer for wood floors. It puts the water and solution down, spin scrubs with soft bristles and vacuums up the solution where it was laid down without spreading dirty water around like a wet, or even dry mop does. I've cleaned my tile for years with this--first vacuuming and dry dusting, then washing. The floors dry almost immediately since they are squeagied. (If there is such a word!) My testament to it is that my grout never looks dirty--still looks brand new, and the floors are soft and smooth with no residue after cleaned that I love walking around in my bare feet after cleaning with it. I am truly hoping that I can use it on the engineered floors we are planning and are highly recommended for our lakefront house due to high moisture levels. I would NEVER use hot steam on a wood floor. And I don't like solutions of any kind that are placed down and simply wiped up. I feel like the dirt is spread around and never really removed from the floor.
Does anyone have any experience with using a Floormate on wood floors? My only concern would be that the high speed of the bristles (I believe they may be nylon, which another poster mentioned could scratch) could wear down the finish over time, but everything I've read says it should not.
Like Yesterday at 7:44AM
shank I have gorgeous dark hardwood floors throughout most of my home. I http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 27/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors used Bona floor cleaner on the recommendation of a pro cleaner. It worked great for several years, then the floors started to show every footprint, vacuum wheel marks, etc. I called Bona customer service and was told to periodically clean the floor with a half and half mixture of water and vinegar. Said "Bona doesn't clean grease and grime since it is water based". It took 4 cleanings of the water and vinegar mixture to get the floors back to normal. Bona is expensive and about as effective as using plain water. I have been using a 10:1 mix of water and vinegar for over a year now and the floors look great and no longer have the oily film that Bona left behind. Many of today's homes have open floor plans so the residue of cooking eventually ends on the floor. Bona won't touch it. For the people who recommend Bona, if you use it long enough in an environment where there is any kind of oily residue over time, you too will find Bona ineffective.
4 Likes Yesterday at 7:44AM
J K What I love about the Floormate solution is that it gets up all of the grimy greasy film that ends up airborne from cooking. When I clean the dirty water reservoir, I use Dawn to get the greasy water off of the plastic!
Like Yesterday at 7:48AM
shaddorff I love using my Norwex mop on my floors...just high quality microfiber and water! www.susanhaddorff.norwex.biz
1 Like Yesterday at 7:50AM
elises56 Our last house was an 1890 farm house we restored. The original floors were oak but destroyed by a number of things, water, warped, and generally not possible to refinish. We took it all up, and installed wide plank pine boards that had been finished at the mill before delivery with a golden oak/honey coloured stain and a matte top finish. Absolutely gorgeous. We didn't have to worry too much as they got scratched and dented over the next four years, pine is so soft (country house, four dogs, two cats, and no taking off shoes), the scratches showed but didn't penetrate to the colour. When time came to sell the house, I actually heard one set of buyers admire the "original" floors, we had added over a hundred years of character in four years! The floors were easy to care for (sweep and then from time to time damp mop). Now we're in a new house we are renovating and opted for a new look, rustic maple variable widths and lengths, installed unfinished then very light stain and sealed with some kind of poly something. Frankly I prefer my old pine floors...for dirt hiding (i.e. less maintenance). The light stain was also a mistake, have only two dogs left but both are black shedders, and I'm now sweeping and damp mopping far more often than before and I hate it, the floors never look clean. The old floors may not actually have been any cleaner but you just couldn't tell, and I wasn't a slave to floor cleaning and always disappointed at how bad they look. Am considering refinishing these current floors again to a moderately darker colour to disguise the debris and my slovenliness.
6 Likes Yesterday at 7:52AM
nafitz
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 28/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors I was told by a floor store to lightly spray Windex on polyurethane sealed wood floor to clean them NEVER use Murphy's oil soap
2 Likes Yesterday at 7:55AM
brewer Vacuum often and use Bona - works for me
2 Likes Yesterday at 7:56AM
Floortrends Ltd
PRO A lot of people recommend Bona but Ive had just as many complain about it leaving a white film. We use Woodpecker, you can buy it in a concentrate or the more popular diluted spray which is what I use in my house with a terry cloth mop. Vaccuuming before is essential and NO MOP AND BUCKET OF WATER and definitely NO STEAM MOP! (regardless of what the Shark ads say). Vinegar and water or Windex or other ammonia based products are "tricks" for stubborn spots but really should not be used on an ongoing basis.
Also I dont know where the idea that engineered wood is more durable than solid keeps coming from...its more dimensionally stable and prone to less expension and contraction than a solid but it does not mean its stronger. Its the same surface wood as a solid and has the same characteristics and properties as the solid. Yes if you roll office chairs across it, it will scratch the same as a solid hardwood.
7 Likes Yesterday at 7:59AM
igatsios I use Bona and my floors are beautiful! My installers told me to use very little product. First I use the Bona dust mop, then I use the blue cleaning pad with Bona spray. No complaints and easy. I only use Bona spray every 2x a month. But I Vacume and dust mop as needed
1 Like Yesterday at 8:00AM
hockeypuck7
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 29/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors I'ver been using Bona on my oak floors for the past 18 years per installers instructions. I use the Bona mop. The have held their sheen and look beautiful. I recently had them cleaned and new coat of poly on them. No sanding needed. I was told as long as I do that every 7 years or so I should never have to go through the ordeal of having them sanded. So far so good!
Like Yesterday at 8:03AM
Kristine Spengler My ok Kyoto
Like Yesterday at 8:04AM
jives6 Tilly32, steam is water no matter how you look at it. Not trying to get to technical but the optimum moisture content of wood is 8% and the humidity in a house should be between 45 to 55 % . So with that in mind let's say your pushing the humidity level in your home to the max or above and then you add steam to the mix you're taking a chance. That and the fact that in my opinion water and wood floors do not mix..
Check the NWFA and NOFMA and read what they have to say about it. Hope this helps.
2 Likes Yesterday at 8:04AM
jayhawknana Have pre-finished floors and have only used Method for wood floors. Not only love it but it makes my rooms smell wonderful. I do not apply directly to the floor but on my cleaning pad (Bona) and squeeze out the excess . Works wonderful.
Like Yesterday at 8:05AM
cvvera @sallypchrystal Listen to your Realtor. As a Realtor, its so much harder to sell homes with carpet or some particular tile styles. Buyers just cannot imagine what the home will look like with the wooden floors OR don't want to do the work. I also hear Buyers preferring actual hardwood to engineered wood. If a slightly darker tint would work (like walnut) than maple, I would do that. Maple/oak can look dated. The wood is the same, its just the tint/stain that can give the home a more modern look. Best wishes!
Like Yesterday at 8:07AM
cvvera @sallypchrystal Listen to your Realtor. As a Realtor, its so much harder to sell homes with carpet or some particular tile styles. Buyers just cannot imagine what the home will look like with the wooden floors OR don't want to do the work. I also hear Buyers preferring actual hardwood to engineered wood. If a slightly darker tint would work (like walnut) than maple, I would do that. Maple/oak can look dated. The wood is the same, its just the tint/stain that can give the home a more modern look. Best wishes!
1 Like Yesterday at 8:07AM
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 30/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors
gabmtl The shark steam mop has worked fine for me for 5 years on a white oak floor in a 1940's house. no warping or dulling.
2 Likes Yesterday at 8:10AM
andimcmo We moved into a new house with engineered flooring in Novermber and I was having a terrible time with streaking in some areas when cleaning the floors. I called the builder and was told to contact the floor installer to get help. I was surprised when he suggested trying a little W-D-40 on a small area to see if that would remove the streaks. Well low and behold, that solved the problem. He said that there might have been something on the surface from the install or initial cleaning. Now, I just use water/vinegar or a little Bona or Woodwise and a terrycloth rag or mop.
Like Yesterday at 8:13AM
Come To Our House
PRO Victoria, Regarding your pickled finish wood floors. I recommend getting them refinished. They have always had an issue with looking nice over long periods. It might be a good time to rethink the stain color. Just a thought. Good luck!
Like Yesterday at 8:14AM
annagastaldi Hello, I am not sure we talked about how to clean unfinished old wood floors. I live in a 100 year old house and my floors are stained, but are unfinished.
Thank you Anna Gastaldi
Like Yesterday at 8:16AM
rehana3344 I have water based coating. We have it cleaned using vinegar every two weeks. Still see dark residue in heavy traffic areas including the first stair step. Any suggestion on how to clean dark residue? The floor is only two years old.
Like Yesterday at 8:25AM
judithschaer I have autrailian cypress in my log home. this is a nighmare experience. hard wood that scratches more than soft. we used water based polly and it didnt protect. we are gaving them redone (sanded and polly) But maybe we should consider lin seed or something else. our floor guy said he has seen this before wth Austrailian cypress??????
Like Yesterday at 8:26AM
gaguayo
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 31/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors I dust mop and only use Goddards Wood Works on my engineered wood floors. It cleans and shines my floors without leaving a film. I love it and won't use anything else. I tried Bona initially but it left a film.
2 Likes Yesterday at 8:26AM
lpspeck This maybe a bit long but I want to throw out what I know and also have learned about contemporary hardwood floors... I installed Tecsun engineered dark walnut 'hand scraped' hardwood floors throughout most of the downstairs 9 yrs ago in our new house. As a former General Contractor I chose to save the money and install them myself (lot of work on my knees at my age!!! - probably never do that again but rewarding! ). I just want to say that cleaning methods vary as widely as the types of materials and finishes they are made of and you must find out what is best for you and your floor but in general it is best not to use ANY fluid other than water for most p-/urethane sealed floors although I admit I will often lightly spray either Bruce or Bona ahead of the steamer as I go which I believe helps clean and keep some shine on my floor. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO AVOID EXCESS WATER FROM THE STEAMER so it dries as quickly as possible. You must find a balance between enough moisture to clean well and avoid too much that stands and takes longer to dry... (Ie. Keep the microfiber pads moving and spreading steam and not water.)(our new Haan has moving pads). For most of the last 9 yrs we have used a Roomba (must be a 500 series or higher) daily to collect dust and dog hair (now on our second unit). We then steam mop with a Haan about once every 2-3 weeks (also on our second unit). And we do a more thorough vacuuming and/or hand cleaning only as needed. As for us, I can rarely but occasionally see places where I didn't quite install the planks as tight together in just the right light and angle. Yet with this moisture - to Tecsuns credit - we have had no warping or finish distortion. I credit this largely to the expensive 'sealer' adhesive they require when installing this flooring. (Adhesives can play a role in the longevity and durability of your floor.) This system has worked well for us as a balance between cleaning and the labor required. We have had minimal changes in the shine -if any - and no warping has been noticed in 9 yrs.
2 Likes Yesterday at 8:28AM
Mahealani Taylor Thank you for the info. We will most likely be installing engineered hardwood floors throughout our home. I have never had hard wood floors and this was very helpful
Like Yesterday at 8:29AM
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 32/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors
cindyboubou Do you have any tips on how to remove black spots from liquid (specifically urine from a small dog!) - I have two spots where my dog had peed and I didnt find it right away (under plants) and now the wood is darken...
1 Like Yesterday at 8:29AM
Chris Gaggero RKT10, the commercial product your installer is talking about is probably Synteco. It's very, very tough but also quite toxic. You should research it before using it.
Something this article doesn't address is floors finished with a 'hard wax oil' like OSMO or Rubio Monocoat. They give a lovely matte finish and are easy to spot treat. They're also environmentally friendly.
We used Rubio 5% white on 5" white oak. Rubio provides their own soap, which seems a lot like Murphy's to me. I use a vinegar solution instead.
This contractor specializes in these finishes and has some excellent information about them: http://napervillehardwood.com/blog/the-hardwax-oil-experiment-part-2- monocoat/
1 Like Yesterday at 8:34AM
monicucha Se puede pasar enceradora después de la mopa para realzar el brillo??!
Like Yesterday at 8:37AM
talkstoself Any help would be appreciated. We moved into my childhood home, a 1956 Mid Century Modern, a year ago. We pulled up all the carpet and had the beautiful, 1" thick oak flooring refinished and treated with polyurethane. Almost 8 weeks ago we were flooded by the Memorial Day flood in Houston. We had 7 inches of category 3 'black' water in the house for about 8 hours. We had a remediation team in immediately and the floors are OK. No buckling, cupping, etc. I am waiting on insurance and many other things to happen at the moment. Yes, I'd like to get them lightly sanded again and refinished, but that's not going to happen right now. We just got walls up and the house painted. My QUESTION is: how do I clean what was sewer water (plus 6 weeks of workmen being here, sheetrock dust, etc) from my floors before I use my usual Bona cleaner??? I heard using a stiff broom in a downward movement to chip up embedded dirt is a start. These beautiful old floors cover more than 60% of the house. Any help or suggestions appreciated!!!
1 Like Yesterday at 8:37AM http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 33/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors
tjpile The premier wood floor installer and refinisher in our area says NO to Murphy's oils soap on Poly - leaves an oil film that is impossible to completely remove if floors need sanded and refinished in the future. I bought a home in which the previous owner had used Murphy's oil soap. Refinisher sanded and cleaned for hours - still there were areas where the Murphy's was not completely removed before the new Poly was installed. Over time, the poly flaked off of those areas. This professional recommended sweeping - Swiffer queen here - and when floors needed wash floor use Dreft - yes Baby Clothing Wash - and then dry floors (I stood on a towel and skated around the room to dry and buff the floors). My neighbors had the same flooring and used Bona products. Both worked awesome. I liked the Smell of Dreft - and I have found that it is excellent on vinyl flooring (especially the high end hardwood floor look alike that has grooving). Dreft even removed dried latex paint specks from this vinyl look alike!
1 Like Yesterday at 8:38AM
fionasmith0213 Love the runners
Like Yesterday at 8:40AM
she2 Yes, I used vinegar & water once a month on my light oak floors for 22 years. Bona & all other cleaners failed to REALLY clean them, but I used Bona once a week. When I finally had them professionally resurfaced/cleaned for home resale, all prof. estimaters marveled at how great the floors looked & the condition of them after kids, dogs & life in a 35 yr. old house. Yes, they ALL said they are used to charging more with customers who end up using wrong cleaners, waxes/shiners steamers & everything else on their wood floors. Sometimes it is double the process & time refinishing the wood floors. I am in a AZ. home with tile, carpeting & miserable : ( I am jealous of all of you & can't wait to get back to wood floors!!
1 Like Yesterday at 8:44AM
lovecurt We spent a small fortune and I just can't believe that no matter what I do I cannot get this floor to look spotless. It's rather dull I use Murphy oil soap and vacuum once a week and as necessary. Thinking about. Orange Glo. Any comments on scotchgard w/repel technology & armomax finished floor
Like Yesterday at 8:45AM
Pascal L. http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 34/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors Amazing tip
Like Yesterday at 8:49AM
she2 Oh, I forgot to say - I never had the floors buffed or resurfaced. All of the wood floor prof.'s talked me out of it!!!
Like Yesterday at 8:51AM
Janine Stickney Our hardwood floors look identical to those in photo 7 (white chairs) I use a mixture of water/Murphy's oil soap in a spray bottle. I spray a slightly damp wood floor mop (flat) and mop that way after vacuuming. I'd like to know HOW TO REMOVE or improve large scratches?? On occasion, a little grain or tiny pebble gets caught under a chair leg and then...... SCRATCH! Yikes.
Like Yesterday at 8:55AM
sommardag I use Bona. My grandmother used water, a touch of vinegar and a raw egg (yes you read that right) and her floors were always beautiful and shiny. However, nothing can save the oak flooring in my kitchen now since I, instead of Bona, accidentally grabbed the chlorine based bathroom cleaner and sprayed it on my kitchen floor. It only took a second for me to realize this but the damage was done. My whole house has beautiful floors but the kitchen floors are now grey and dull looking. In my next life I want to come back as Martha Stewart.
1 Like Yesterday at 8:55AM
maggiesetler do NOT use Murphy's Oil Soap!! See this blog post to find out why not!! http://laurelberninteriors.com/2015/07/12/all-about-hardwood-flooring-the- common-cleaner-thatll-ruin-them/comment-page-2/#comment-17512
2 Likes Yesterday at 8:58AM
carefreehouse Sallyp.....
Let the new buyer put in the new hardwood to their tastes. I would find another realtor if your believes he/she can't sell your home without replacing the tile floor
5 Likes Yesterday at 9:07AM
otaam @sallypcrystal, I think texasblond had a good idea for a cost allowance for the new buyer. However I am not a realtor, but from my buying point of view, having this option is better than having to accept what is newly placed, especially if it isn't well liked by the new buyer. In my neighborhood, sellers redo the interiors to sell and the new buyers ALWAYS tear it out to place what they prefer. Sad waste of materials, but good business for contractors, I guess.
5 Likes Yesterday at 9:18AM http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 35/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors
Barbara Lee I love my engineered flooring. I started out using bona but found it streaked. I tried Ed Begley's Natural Hardwood Cleaner and it works great no streaking and all plant based. Surprised no one has mentioned it yet.
1 Like Yesterday at 9:21AM
alicekevin Engineered hardwood, like all products, comes in differing qualities. Look at the amount of hardwood ... don't purchase if it is tissue paper thin. Our e-h is fairly thick and it is a must when you have in-floor heating ...another great thing!
Like Yesterday at 9:22AM
Kathleen Another slant. Yes bright shiny wood floors are nice. I prefer the look of older wood floors. There is a patina that adds warmth and comfort to the room or house. I don't mind the slight imperfections, I like it! Shoes, pets are welcome.
4 Likes Yesterday at 9:24AM
makeashow I use method floor cleaner. Love it! My floor is left with a nice subtle clean shine.
Like Yesterday at 9:24AM
nitemareontaftpl We had to replace our 90 yr old heart pine after Katrina in our house except for one room. At the time we had limited options. The existing pine had been refinished too many times and was splitting vertically. Although floors were lovely pre-K, it was a VERY soft wood. We chose Pecan (Hickory is similar) raw wood, sanded and sealed on site w 4 coats of Poly. I sweep vaccum 3 x a week, damp clean/mop about 2 months. No kids, 1 cat. I don't like Murphy's it smells and leaves a whitish finish. Bona is fine PROVIDING you buff it. It does leave a dullish finish otherwise. So when I "do the floors" 2x a year I rent Oreck floor buffer. I also have a steamer but it ONLY gets used on the floors at most 2x a year during the "big clean".
I do wish the article would have gone into more detail about screening? flooring or just redoing the top poly layer. I agree with others I don't use vinegar--it leaves a film, dulls and probably eats away at the urthene. I will check into the product Dr. Schutz.
This is probably the most popular post for Houzz in awhile! I also wish for more complete understanding of the oxide finishes.
1 Like Yesterday at 9:25AM
mmbmom2 I recently had all new red oak hardwood installed on my main floor. I bought a Miele callima canister vac with a cool hardwood swivel attachment. It really makes it easy and is a bit fun and so quiet. It swivels under your furniture laying flat, slides into corners and around area rugs. I love it and use it often. It was expensive but so worth it. Before I bought it I always had dust in corners and lots under my heavy sofas. This thing works like a dream! I also use Bona on my polyurethane coating maybe http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 36/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors monthly or so mostly in kitchen where there a more drips and spills.
Like Yesterday at 9:27AM
rhart239 We have polyurethane finished floors (Brazilian Cherry) and have cleaned, washed as per instructions above. We also have 2 young grandchildren and have dropped a few things on the floor ourselves. Is there any way to deal with the scratches in the finish? They don't seem to have gone right through to the wood. The dents are still finished, so would be ok with leaving them, just addressing the scratches without sanding, refinishing. Thanks
1 Like Yesterday at 9:32AM
lpspeck One more quick point about engineered hardwood. I'm sorry that this deviates slightly from the articles purpose - cleaning! Since some of the comments here reference complaints about experiences with engineered hardwood. Engineered wood products were originally meant to provide a more affordable yet quality option to real solid hardwood and they vary widely. The trade off is engineered laminated wood is more resistant to warpage and stronger in general but typically cannot be sanded down and refinished years down the road like solid wood can. Also solid wood often is installed as seamless and has nowhere moisture can get through the finish and between planks which is another plus for solid. With engineered flooring there are variations in number of laminate layers and thickness of the 'finish' wood layer on top. Without getting too technical and discussing things like glues etc. which I know something - but much less about... In general, the more layers of lamination, the better. Always look for more layers of lamination - more expensive but as with anything - you get what you pay for. Few layers make for more warpage and problems down the road. Also, the final finished wood layer on top can vary from as little 1/16 inch thick to 1/4 inch thick or over. For obvious reasons, thicker is better. Most experts will recommend a minimum of 1/8" for your finish layer. If the finish layer is thick enough - say 1/4" or so - it may be able to be sanded and refinished as with any solid wood in 30 yrs if it ever becomes necessary. Installation is also very important. For example, it is imperative to seal concrete subfloors, etc. do your homework and make sure you have a quality installer. Since at least a couple people have indicated they may be shopping for wood floors soon I thought I would share some of this off topic info.
2 Likes Yesterday at 9:33AM
clintondavid NEVER use Murphy's oil on your wood floor!!!!!! I am a site finished wood flooring professional working in my family business of 72 years. Please do not use this on your floors! Keeping your floor free of dirt and debris is the best thing you can do so clean regularly by vacuuming, sweeping, or dry swiffering. Damp mopping only when neccesary with a bucket of warm water and a drop or two of dish soap using a sponge mopis all you need.
4 Likes Yesterday at 9:34AM
marcish http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 37/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors We chose engineered hardwood in a dark maple finish in our new home. They are made by Shaw and we use Shaw Hard Surface Flooring Cleaner recommended by the company. (It is similar to Bona.) It cleans very well and the floors would look beautiful if no one ever walked on them. However, the minute we walk on the floor, every footprint is visible (with socks or bare feet). I knew darker floors would require more frequent cleaning, but I was not prepared for the footprints. Does anyone have any advice or suggestions please?
2 Likes Yesterday at 9:36AM
Lisa Elias i use wegmans on my solid bamboo floors and they look amazing. i dust with a flat microfiber duster and vacuum up the dust i accumulate then use the wegmans products. really great finish. you let it dry 30 minutes...no foot prints, no problems. you can recoat it if you want it mirror finished and it seems to repel the dust.
Like Yesterday at 9:37AM
nsbhouse We have 27 year old oak floors that were polyurethaned when the house was built. From the beginning, we have used Lundmark's "Poly-Clean" to clean the floors, and "Poly Pro-Tech" to protect the finish. I have not come across a product that does as nice a job, and anyone who has seen our floors, asks us what we use to clean our hardwood floors. The product is easy and fast to work with.
2 Likes Yesterday at 9:45AM
kjziebell Perfect timing on this article. I just got my floors redone and I have yet to clean them. A lot of food for thought here, but that Bona seems to be the hands down fave. Oak wood with a golden pecan stain. Love them.
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5 Likes Yesterday at 9:49AM
mgscrnp My prefinished hardwood oak floors have warped in the kitchen, leaving a 1-2mm space between some of the boards (long side). One space, over the warped sub-flooring is about 5mm wide.(This is the short end of the board.) Every little line between the planks can be seen and I cannot figure out how to get these spaces clean. I normally just use water and Dawn solution on the floors with a microfiber cloth attached to a handle. It is not very wet--just damp and is not the cause of the warping (when we had linoleum floors, they cracked in the same place as these separations.) These spaces may also be a result of poor installation because I have noticed spacing problems in other areas of the floor as well. Some we http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 38/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors found early on and filled with wood filler before they filled with dirt. These spaces were wider and more obvious at the beginning. Any suggestions on how to clean these spaces and keep them clean would be greatly appreciated (they are too narrow to get the edge of a credit card into.)
Like Yesterday at 9:53AM
Patricia Marìn Muy hermosa las decoraciones
Like Yesterday at 9:59AM
lisabaney N you please comment on old pine floor?
Like Yesterday at 10:02AM
prairiefire sallypchrystal - don't listen to your realtor, unless your floors are truly, truly an eyesore. I have hardwood floors now, but definitely will not have them in my next house if I can help it. IMHO, Texasblonde has the right idea: let the buyer decide what type and color flooring they want. PS: my 15 yr old beach house has tile floors and they look great!
3 Likes Yesterday at 10:06AM
Sharon Ullman Warping is caused usually by a damp basement or dampness under the crawlspace. I have read most of the comments regarding what to use on my oak hardwood floors and I am just as confused as to what to use as prior to reading these suggestions. I was told to use vinegar and water solution with a very lightly dampened mop, I guess that's what I will continue to do. They are worn after only a few years in my kitchen even with pads on each chair leg and table, I asked for a high gloss sheen, but after it dried and paid for was a matte finish, very disappointed the first day but simply loving no carpet in my home, so easy to broom sweep with three long coated dogs. I don't worry what is in the padding of that carpet, and no separation between the wood, professionally installed beautifully. I do love my hardwood floors. OH! And I have 6 different cleaners in bottles just sitting on the shelf in the garage, because they didn't work for me. Will try the 7th one today! :-) I only tried them on small areas so that I could see and compare results before I continued. So, no, I don't have layers of products on my floors throughout.
1 Like Yesterday at 10:12AM
darshanamaya My downstairs is mostly original 1940 oak, with some new square footage from 1986 and an entry added in 1995, all sealed or refinished with polyurethane. The upstairs is new as off 1995. We don't wear shoes in the house, and it stays SO much cleaner! You can see how scratched the entry is, where people do walk with shoes before removing them. I only wash with warm water, and old white cotton diapers, dampening the cloths and then skating around the room until the cloths are still white when done (needs only one pass when done every week or so - vacuum first of course.) Lovely to walk on with bare feet! I finally hired a young woman to http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 39/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors help clean, and she prefers to sit and wipe by hand. For my knees that would be too hard! Love my clean, natural wood floors, and they always look great!
Like Yesterday at 10:18AM
jmpjmp Swifers work very well on floors.
1 Like Yesterday at 10:26AM
gsfg I can't find anything that works well to get the dog drool spots up. The only thing that ever worked was Murphy Oil soap but friends said not to use this and I confirmed with the guy who installed our wormy oak floor this was the worst thing i could use. He said windex and water combined was best to clean the floor. But this doesn't help with the drool spots. Anyone have any suggestions for my polyurthane coated hardwood? thanks
Like Yesterday at 10:41AM
grizzly Put a bit of carpet under a microscope and become a solid surface convert.
Like Yesterday at 10:41AM
Laurie I have the original 1966 oak floors in my house. Sadly they have not seen the best car over the years. Someone put in carpet at some point and covered them up and then someone took out the carpet and whitewashed them. The people I bought from stripped off the paint and stained them but they did a HORRIBLE job. I wish I had had the time to refinish them before I moved in. The floors are rough in spots and don't have enough sealer on them in others and in some spots it looks like the car spilled. I've thought about refinishing the house one room at a time, but I don't know how I would do the hallway. I have pets and the hallway is too much a necessity to not use it for how ever long it takes for the floors to be walkable again. I still love having the real hardwood though (no carpet at all) and I use Bona to clean it. Every now and again I use Orange Glo 4 in 1 cleaner on it.
Like Yesterday at 10:46AM
btgandntg Vacuuming - Roomba, love it! Wood floor cleaning - Bona!
Like Yesterday at 10:46AM
tracyw69 I bought the 1955 home that my father built. In the 60's Mom had him put carpet in the foyer, living room, dining room, and back hall. The rest of the floors were left with exposed hardwood. Every 4 or 5 years, she and the maid and us kids would get down on our hands and knees and use "Indian Sand" colored floor wax and then buff it out.
When I bought the house in 2002, the same 60's carpet was still here. Uggh! It had a foam rubber backing that was glued to the floor. :( At least there were not tack strips nailed to the perimeter! What a mess. I had the http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 40/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors whole house sanded - the floor was in excellent shape under the carpet after the foam was scraped off - and it was finished with a poly of some kind, and I neglected to get the brand or save a bit for touchups.
My installer recommended that I clean it with Basic Squeaky cleaner, which he said was designed for gymnasium floors. It comes in a large container, and you dilute it and spray it on. I use the terry covers on the flat floor mops, and change sides and covers when they look dirty. I have four covers and it usually takes me all of them to finish the house. I should vacuum more often, and after reading about Roomba here, I may have to get one. My kids asked me where all these fur bunnies lived at our other house, and were really grossed out when I told them IN the carpet!
I did try my Hoover Floormate, which was my salvation for the laminate in the kitchen, on the hardwoods once. I did half of the foyer, and it looked dirtier than before I started, plus it was dumping way too much water. Bad idea. And their cleaner left it streaky. I will keep it in the kitchen and the bathroom, where it does the most amazing job of getting all the crud scrubbed up and I never have to bend over :)
1 Like Yesterday at 10:49AM
Charletta Smith Love it!
Like Yesterday at 10:49AM
babygirljeter These tips are great. I recently had acacia hardwood flooring put down and I really love my flooring. I am going to follow the tip about how to check the floor finish. My flooring has a light satiny sheen to it.
1 Like Yesterday at 10:53AM http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 41/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors
Marlene Craw What a it laminate wood floor cleaning?
Like Yesterday at 11:00AM
jkorey This article is so incredibly helpful. Thank you!
Like Yesterday at 11:10AM
cherisz Has anyone ever used a wet swiffer on their hardwood. I generally use the murphy's oil but wonder about wet swiffering. Thanks.
Like Yesterday at 11:21AM
teresarandall We have engineered hardwood with a matte oil based finish. What do you recommend for cleaning?
2 Likes Yesterday at 11:21AM
pollyalida So many tips! We just bought a house with beautiful floors, lovely patterns and inlay. Built in 2002, but no poly finish. The woman who built the house was in her 80s when she built it and I suspect did things as she would have in in the 50s/60s, so the floors might be waxed? But I can't imagine the the patterned inlays aren't engineered panels? How do you tell the difference btw real solid hardwood and engineered?
And HUGE thanks to those who recommended good shoes, I love the hardwood, but my feet and legs are killing me. Have been wearing my running shoes in the house to help with the pain
2 Likes Yesterday at 11:44AM
odle53 Informative article and comments. We recently installed white oak floors on our entire main level and stairs. They're finished with a neutral color so are very light - and yes, I know this isn't trendy but it's what we love and what our dark town home needs for brightness :) We dry mop with a basic cotton loop-style washable mop head. I started using Bona on a friend's recommendation after much research left my head spinning - love Bona/hate Bona!, vinegar is the best/worst! etc. etc. Bona works fine for us and is easy to use, seems to clean well judging by the dirt on the mop cloth, dries quickly and the floors glow afterward. My question is this: we have some black marks of the type left by marking shoe soles, and the Bona doesn't remove them no matter how much pressure I apply with the mop head. Obviously I don't want to use an abrasive but kind of at a loss http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 42/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors as to what product to use to clean these up without damaging the finish. If anyone out there has experienced this and found a good solution would love your suggestions.
1 Like Yesterday at 11:49AM
pollyalida p.s. Color in that photo is totally washed out. The floors are a beautiful golden hue.
Like Yesterday at 11:56AM
hsspradley UK
Like Yesterday at 12:00PM
babygirljeter Marlene craw, u can go to Walmart to see a few that u may like for laminate floors. I believe Bona is a good one. Hope this helps
Like Yesterday at 12:01PM
babygirljeter Pollyalida, your flooring is gorgeous. I love the design in it
1 Like Yesterday at 12:02PM
annieyogini We just bought pre-oiled wood flooring to be installed entire downstairs: not findind any comments on cleaning those?
1 Like Yesterday at 12:03PM
nandrews01 I am confused by the pro and cons of using water on my oil finish walnut floor. I was told by the installer to only use bona and NO water but it is impossible to get the floor really clean with just spraying the microfiber mophead. My routine has been to vacuum the whole floor then spray bona on the mophead. It doesn't soak it but it has evaporated after about three swipes of the floor. I did try dampening the mophead then using bona and that worked better but I am so afraid of damaging my beautiful floor. Any real users have any suggestions? LMK
Like Yesterday at 12:04PM
lindathompsonmills
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 43/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors There is so much great (and sometimes confusing) information about caring for hardwood floors here today! We had 3/4 inch light natural oak hardwood installed in our foyer and kitchen eight years ago. We had a beautiful rose medallion (five different woods) placed in the center of the entry, which required a sand-in-place install. Thick carpet went everywhere else, except bathrooms, of course. BIG EXPENSIVE MISTAKE! While the off-white carpet looked beautiful against our dark antiques and stained glass, it was too difficult to keep clean with a pug, cat, grandkids and busy husband (even though we have a "no shoes inside" rule). Three weeks ago we bit the bullet and had all the carpeting ripped out and continued with hardwood throughout the house. FANTASTIC! Clean, gorgeous, lovely. We were advised to clean often with a dry mop and use the Bona system as needed. So far, so good. After reading all your posts I am tempted to cut the Bona liquid with water by half. Any suggestions? Linda from Northern California.
1 Like Yesterday at 12:04PM
babygirljeter Pollyalida, from what I learned the hardwood is real wood. The entire plank is actual wood from a particular tree, such as oak, etc. My picture above is real acacia hardwood from an acacia tree. The variation in the wood is natural. So when they treated and processed the planks, that's how it came out. Engineered wood only has a small top layer of real hardwood but the rest of the plank is made of other materials that isn't real wood. Hope this helps. :-)
Like Yesterday at 12:07PM
partell We have factory finished (matt polyurethane I think) solid Jatoba wood floors and i have found that most cleaning products leave a slight film on them. I now use a Shark steam mop, which only uses water, and that seems to do the trick. It dries witin moments and is easy to use as well. Thanks for the useful article.
Like Yesterday at 12:09PM
degga Hardwood-floor commenters are lucky if they didn’t live before polyurethane came on the market. In the 1960s and 1970s, I raised three Tonka-truck-loving boys in an 1886 Victorian that had oak floors throughout. The best protection available back then was a “gym-finish” varnish that didn’t hold up very long.
Today I live in a 1941 house with 1½-inch-wide quarter-turned-oak floors having an oil-based polyurethane finish. When a hardwood-floor installer advised my niece to damp mop using liquid dishwasher detergent as her cleaning agent, I gave it a try. Like he promised, there’s no streaking or filming—and certainly no damage to the floors. Admittedly, my current house has nothing close to the traffic the Victorian had, but eight years later I’m still taking his advice. (I don’t recommend Dawn though. It’s a good degreaser but far too sudsy for ease of use in cleaning floors.)
Like Yesterday at 12:11PM
Let's keep it tees Huitzil Ake u need help clean u home http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 44/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors
Like Yesterday at 12:16PM
lindapetrakis I recently had my maple engineered wood floors screened and resurfaced. My dog (boxer) had scratched the entire area, with the exception of the dining room arepa, which has a large rug under the table and chairs. This process greatly improved the look of my floors without having to go through the much more expensive and messy process of re-sanding. The person that did the work recommended that I use Squeaky, a Basic Coatings product. I had been using the Bona floor cleaner for 10 years, since I had bought the house new. The floors had a very shiny appearance which exasperated all of the scratches. However, the area under the area rug in the dining room still looked like new without the shiny appearance. I attribute that unwanted sheen to Bona. My floors are back to a nice satin sheen and I want to keep them that way.
1 Like Yesterday at 12:43PM
aqeelel uo nice
Like Yesterday at 12:46PM
BeautifulRemodel.com
PRO We spec and install a large amount of hardwood floor each year, and fwiw here are a few other points regarding engineered wood flooring vs solid wood flooring: 1. If you choose an engineered wood with a thick wear layer you'll get exactly the same refinishing capability as solid wood. I've attached a sketch showing a comparison. (Neither one can be sanded to the tongue btw) 2. The substrate for engineered wood flooring IS wood - it is plywood which is what gives it better stability over solid wood. 3. Many people confuse "engineered wood floor" with "laminate floor". Aside from being visually better, high-quality engineered wood is far more durable, repairable etc than laminate, even though the costs (on some brands) can be similar. 4. Engineered wood flooring is available *unfinished* for when finish-in- place is desired. 5. While I personally prefer the look of finish-in-place wood, no finish-in- place company can offer a lifetime warranty like those you get from the factory finish of a high-quality engineered wood.
5 Likes Yesterday at 12:46PM
wyzgal50
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 45/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors I had hardwood floors installed in my home before there was engineered, laminate, etc. The contractors hand finished the floors and when I sold it about 5 years ago, the floors still looked new for the most part (I live in No. Nevada). The agents and buyers couldn't believe how nice and new they looked. Next house - I used engineered, which was of good thickness and quality, but after a while needed some cleaning. I didn't like Bona at all and found Rejuvenate (Home Depot only place to find or online) was awesome. I have since used in my next home as well. Initially, when we bought this last house, I had a professional floor cleaning guy come out and he charged something like $1500 to do the floors. I later re-did them myself with Rejuvenate and they looked much better and lasts longer!
Like Yesterday at 12:54PM
chezmo13 Holloway House Multi- Surface Floor Cleaner is what I use as a squirt & mop to clean up when my floors get a little grimy. Every 6 months I use their Floor Finish & my floors are super clean and shiny. It's super easy & not very expensive & I've used them on my hardwood floors for 10 years. No one knows about this product but it's my secret weapon!
2 Likes Yesterday at 1:00PM
bellamorganhill The best thing I ever bought to clean my wood floors was the swifter with the little vacuum attached. Cordless and rechargeable. It vacuums up dog hair and dust beautifully. My first floor is about 1100@ sq ft and it takes me about 10 minutes to do the who,e downstairs. Love this thing!
4 Likes Yesterday at 1:05PM
critrnurse I love my engineered wood floors-they are beautiful! My last home was a 1937 cottage with gorgeous, solid, original oak floors, but I love the engineered ones I have just as much. I had to laugh at the snobbery about them. I clean them with a broom, then Bona and a microfiber mop.
Like Yesterday at 1:19PM
cljakl http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 46/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors I guess I am an oddball. To me, houses are to be lived in; I don't mean not kept up, but not be worried constantly about things like my floors getting scratched by brooms/micro cloth, or whatever. That is one of the reasons I wanted wood instead of carpet downstairs. We installed beautiful white oak with lots of variation with a "natural" finish (no sheen). We have grandkids and a dog. I don't want people dragging heavy furniture across the floor, but I don't worry about the boys playing with their cars, trains, or chasing the dog. If you get down, shine a light across the floor you will see small scratches...so?? It is a home! I usually vacuum twice a week, then clean withMr Clean in my hard floor cleaner. I can't image not washing the floor, the dirt that comes up is gross!! After three years, I am very happy with my floors and really wish I could have talked my husband into wood on the stairs and upstairs hall, I hate!!! the carpet.
11 Likes 23 hours ago
jennifer_pugs_farber The problem begins with the floor manufacture, climate and the finish, which, most all hardwood's today are pre-finished with what looks like a fake plastic coating on wood [because it is, only impregnated with one of the hardest industrial abrasives in existence, Corundum, which is the main component of Aluminium Oxide finish, AO mixed with polyurethane (plastic) to form an extremely hard, water resistant finish]. On the flip side, under the right conditions, AO flooring finish could last forever; the stuff is basically indestructible. I can think of so many uses for it, better uses, other than on top of hardwood ... But someone else already thought of them. The manufacture of: cut off tools, sand paper [AO is the grit], polishers and products, in toothpaste, sunscreens, some cosmetics, as a hardener in plastics [just like the one on top of many hardwood floors], in oil & gas production to remove water from natural gas, to render H2S [a deadly gas] inert, in preventing aluminium siding from weathering by coating it with a very thin coating [less than 4 nm typically], as an insulator for wiring, as a smoke suppressant/fire retardant, in medical grade artificial parts [things like knee replacements] the list goes on and on ... Corundum is impervious to water, is an amphoteric substance [mixes with both acid and base], is used predominantly in the manufacture of aluminium, and we all know how strong aluminium is! OH AND IT'S EXTREMELY CHEAP ... It is truly, great stuff, very versatile. But, I belong to the camp that likes wood to look and feel like wood. AO finish feels like plastic, because that's what it is. It is found on the high end floorings, not the cheap ones FYI.
'Fracturing' is a term used in the flooring world to describe a phenomena where the finish on flooring cracks in long parallel strips on the flooring boards that is not due to warping or cupping, rather, it is due to the differences in moisture content of the wood at origin of manufacture and at destination and/or the changes in the relative humidity at place of origin and destination. Imagine, you have wood, which is relatively soft, and AO, which is basically indestructible. Now slather one on top of the other.
The before picture shows quite clearly what 'fracturing' looks like. Imagine, a solid layer of reinforced plastic with little bits of AO mixed in [think of these bits in the plastic as the rock that becomes rubies and sapphires under the right conditions; that's what AO is made of, Corundum, the 'rock' that didn't get to become a ruby or sapphire]. Refinishing is a VERY INVOLVED AND MESSY PROCESS requiring special tools to remove effectively and efficiently and you will dispose of many kilograms of the powdered, heavy finish, which is electro-statically charged and sticks to EVERYTHING.
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3 Likes 23 hours ago
magilojoh I just have mid-range laminate floors. The installer just recommended a damp mop with a vinegar solution & said to never use a steam mop on them or any wood product for that matter. He said it can cause the wood to swell and the grain to split (made sense to me as this is what can happen when someone is building a wooden boat if they aren't careful).
Like 23 hours ago
degga Brava, cljakl! You have your priorities arranged in sensible order.
Like 23 hours ago
Patti Simon For anyone that is wondering if hardwood floors would be right for them, this article should help with that decision.
Like 23 hours ago
iammommyof3 Vinegar and water only and we never allow outside shoes on the floor.
1 Like 23 hours ago
Cindy Bay Help, I was sold the checked non slip foam to put under my rugs to prevent them from sliding by Capel rugs. They assured me the type I was purchasing would not leave any residue or checker board stain on my wood floor. Well they did!!!! I am at a loss of what to do. They have sent the complaint on to the manufacturer. Has any one else had this happen or know what to do??? I think the floors must be refinished. Eeeeek! What frustrates me the most was I expressed concern and told it would not happen.
3 Likes 23 hours ago
pauli12 cheriz, You asked about wet Swiffer on hardwood. I have used it quite a bit and it worked well and left a nice glow. I don't think it hurt my floors but I don't do it any more. I am going to try to make this finish last and I am not convinced that all of this commercial cleaner won't strip the poly finish.
Like 23 hours ago
pauli12 http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 48/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors Cindy, Have you tried to get it off? I am guessing you have. What a bummer! I hope you can get this resolved soon!
1 Like 23 hours ago
Laurie Cindy, have you tried rubbing it with a bit of olive oil on a clean rag?
1 Like 23 hours ago
mamorse Cindy Bay Me too! Perfectly finished floors, and the checkerboard anti slip left permanent stains in the floor. I don't have good advice, just solidarity in woe about how something so innocuous could do so much damage.
2 Likes 23 hours ago
faychorney Come on ladies, (guys and kids too) - the vacuum cleaner is the best piece of exercise equipment in your house. Canister, in-house vac - any vac will work for you. Close to 70 and no flab under my arms with beautiful muscle tone, flat stomach and no weight on hips. Vacuuming the semi-shag carpet gives me a real work out. No more excuses - off the couch - all of you! lol Think of it as 'good for me' and you will feel great!
Like 23 hours ago
uconnskip This article falls short in that it doesn't address the steam cleaner question. Very disappointed in Houzz.
Like 23 hours ago
paulapod44 Do not use steam cleaners on hardwood or laminate! Water and wood do not mix well. You need to use an alcohol based cleaner like Bona. It evaporates quickly and doesn't leave streaking.
2 Likes 22 hours ago
pauli12 I wonder how rubbing alcohol would work if it were diluted? I actually tried it once and it did well but I didn't know if it would damage finish. Does anyone know?
Like 22 hours ago
svast Oops ooooiôoo
Like 22 hours ago
nottingham421 Kudos to Bona! Murphy's will ruin and dull the finish. I found out the hard way!
1 Like 22 hours ago
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 49/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors
darkzealot my floors are pre 1949 and not urethaned, they have a penetrating finish:oil, stain or wax finish. I never did anything but vaccum or dry mop, since uncovering them from wall to wall carpet 7 yrs ago. they are in pretty great condition. can I clean with Varsol then wax with a paste wax? don't want any water near them.
Like 22 hours ago
mndenis I had hardwood installed about 5-6 years ago. The installer said he put a "Swedish" finish on it that would wear like iron and stand up to any cleaning product. I bought the Pledge hardwood 4-way floor cleaner and stopped using it after it became very apparent that the finish on the floor was being removed. Unbelievable. In heavy traffic areas such as right at the edge of the tile foyer where I mop more often, I think the wood is actually bare; it looks like it has some mildew in the grain. There are lots of places on the floor where it looks streaky like the stain is actually partially removed, and many of the planks look like that on their ends, as if there were water damage, but I have never washed the floors with water. Really sad. So I bought Bona and started using that and it seems ok, but it does feel like there is some kind of residue on it and the barefoot and dog foot marks don't seem to ever be removed. The damage is done and I am considering having these almost-new floors refinished and starting over. I would do either Varathane, which I know I could touch up at any time, or a super-hard shellac like they use on boat decks.
Like 22 hours ago
betsymary We have hardwood in the kitchen, living room, hall and bedroom. Some was original oak from the 60's and the rest installed new but matched as well as possible. It was finished on-site. I use dry Swiffer for dust and cat hair; sweep or vacuum the kitchen and use wet Swiffer for cleaning. The biggest enemy is grit tracked in, especially in the winter!
Like 22 hours ago
judyd9 Wow, this is a great thread! Ever heard of a Norwex mop? It is microfiber dry and wet pads that interchange and attach with velcro to a metal base. Machine washable and dryable. So super easy, and does an excellent job. The wet microfiber pad leaves practically no moisture behind, and most importantly, no chemical residue. And no streaks. Every cleaning issue for hardwood floors someone was having on this thread - there is a really good chance this mop will take care of it. I have had so much success with this mop - and it can be used on laminate and vinyl as well. There is also a tile wet pad available. It truly is an amazing product. Check it out here: www.mikejudydanaher.norwex.biz http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 50/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors
2 Likes 21 hours ago
seely great information. My guestion is how do you clean between the planks? I've got down on my hands and knee with a cloth but there must be an easier way
Like 21 hours ago
Demi Martinez sallypchrystal-- STOP! Do not follow the moronic advice of your realtor. Sell as is to someone who will fancy what your current house has to offer. As someone with multiple pets, I would KILL for a place with tiled flooring throughout.
2 Likes 21 hours ago
kahenson We recently had engineered hardwood installed in our home. I was recently turned on to a product called Folex for hardwood. It's a great product and leaves no streaks as well as leaves a wonderful light almond scent.
Like 21 hours ago
Jackie P I love hardwood floors. In my present house, I did a major remodel of 2 stories & the contractor was pressuring me to just rip out the old hardwoods & install engineered hardwood. I stuck to my guns and am so glad I did. In the upstairs, which had only laminate tile - engineered hardwoods were installed due to budget. The floors look nice & are holding up well, but are extremely noisy. The dogs sound like they are tap dancing when they walk on them, their nails click loudly. On the downstairs hardwoods, (which came out beautiful, just with refinishing) the floors are so quiet. The difference in noise was never mentioned to me.
I use Bona on both natural hardwoods & engineered - it works great. On my previous home, the beautiful red oak floors were refinished ( I pulled up nasty shag carpeting - the owner had never even used the hardwoods after putting them in) but after years of damp mopping with vinegar & water some of the boards started to warp a bit. Bona is a better choice, water is not good on wood floors.
In my new house we don't wear outdoor shoes inside at all, we have supportive slippers or other footwear exclusively for inside the house. I can't go barefoot, too many foot & spine problems.
I use a roomba much of the time, more often than vacuuming. It does a great job. Better than me or my house keeper, I just have to touch up corners or areas too crowded with furniture for the roomba to get into well.
To the person who may put in hardwoods to sell the house, I agree with others who say just offer an amount of $ in the sale to cover the cost of replacing that floor. You may put in a light colored floor and they are fans of dark dark wood, or vice versa. I did not remodel my kitchen, it was dated & I figured I may choose finishes that were not to the liking of potential buyers. My house still sold in 2 days, and with multiple offers. The winner of the bid was a former contractor who did the remodeling on his own. If I had redone things & then tacked on the cost, my house may not have suited the needs of people who want to do things & make things exactly to their taste. http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 51/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors
3 Likes 21 hours ago
magilojoh @sallypchrystal-Ditto what Demi Martinez says- it would cost too much to redo your whole floor in hardwood -recouping that cost with the sale would be really hard. Demi Martinez is right-sell to someone that likes your house like it is.It's tile-not like you have 4 inch early 70s Harvest gold shag carpeting throughout-tile floors are awesome!
1 Like 21 hours ago
marytbates We've had engineered, solid hardwood, and reclaimed wood floors over the last 30 years. We find a Very Slightly damp cloth mop ( towel or rag - use on a swiffer mop) cleans floors well. Vacuum at least weekly with a soft bristle brush. Sometimes we add a drop of Proforce NoRinse Floor Cleaner from WalMart to the water for the damp mop. But don't forget it is very slightly damp! Our floors have remained beautiful. By the way, this no rinse cleaner works well in our marble bathrooms - no pitting. Neutral PH. We are in a beach house so sand, dirt, and grime gets through the door, despite encouraging shoes to stay out on the porch.
We also have done "European dusting" for years. While we occasionally use a furniture cleaning or oil care product, we regularly dust using Only a water damp cloth. The allergy sufferers in our home benefit from the lack of chemicals.
Like 20 hours ago
jmtjdowns @Juudean and others concerned about PF, my husband and I bought sneakers to wear in the house. We never wear them outside so the soles stay clean and our feet feel great.
Like 19 hours ago
Vanya Brooks good to know
Like 19 hours ago
janiceruiz Did not see anything about bamboo flooring. Ours is light color, in kitchen, has many dings that have darken color. Can bamboo be refinished.
Like 19 hours ago
joycedurkin NO Vinegar! It is a type of acid. Everyone is now cleaning with vinegar, which works well with certain cleaning jobs, but not on wood, it will eat away the finish little by little. And no vinegar on granite either. It will dull the highly polished stone. I called a tile/granite store to find out what to clean the counter tops and they suggested the old fashioned way, dish liquid and water. It is best to ask the professionals what to clean your home with instead of guessing and buying all the products in the store.
3 Likes 19 hours ago
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joycedurkin Bamboo flooring is a very soft floor to put in. Suggestion is to have furniture sliders under ALL furniture if you intend to slide furniture away and vacuum. If not the floors will be dented and damaged.
1 Like 19 hours ago
J K We do not wear shoes in the house. I have wool indoor/outdoor slippers with cork soles and wear them only indoors. They provide great arch support and cushion while on my feet, they are warm, and the insoles are washable. We walk barefoot in the house only if our feet are clean. Keeping the dust up and dirt and grit off of the wood will save wood floors.
1 Like 18 hours ago
russcath Engineered floors work in specific situations where hardwood floors would not.
1 Like 18 hours ago
Jami Jenkins We installed commercial grade engineered hardwoods 5 years ago, have two large Goldens and three cats, and people still ask if they're new and what type they are. We plan to put them in the house we're about to built too; they've been awesome!
1 Like 17 hours ago
Let's keep it tees Huitzil Ake my working Oregon cyty
Like 17 hours ago
Jami Jenkins I agree Paulie12!
Like 17 hours ago
lisadkay I have a Dyson canister vacuum I use on my solid hardwood floors. I vacuum once a week & follow with Bona cleaner. They look beautiful & sooo easy to care for.
Like 17 hours ago
AnAhitA Nazeri
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 53/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors Since my Laminated Vintners Reserve removal ,,it is SOLID RECLAIMED LUMBER FROM ELMWOOD RECLAIMED,,,if worn ..it can be refinished ahhhhh I am going back to the old way ....
2 Likes 17 hours ago
erocampbell Does anyone have any advice on how to clean cork floors? We love our cork in the kitchen - it is warm, beautiful and easy on the feet. We have just installed two more cork floors in the bedrooms and will be doing another in the fall. Presently for cleaning we use a Swiffer which comes with a cleaning solution (Wet Jet) but I worry that over the long run, the cork might lose its finish. We have had the cork flooring in the kitchen for about two years.
Like 16 hours ago
magilojoh A friend of mine got cork floor in her kitchen and loves it. She just swiffers it and once in a while a little dish soap solution damp mop seems to work.
Like 16 hours ago
tracyw69 I may try Bona - I never heard of it. It wouldn't matter if we went barefoot - the Dawg goes barefoot in the house so the outside comes inside and he won't wear slippers :)
My white rug pad has left an outline on the floor. I'm just going to buy the same sized rug again and ignore it. At least it's pale. I probably should have waited another month after we refinished the floors to put it down :(
My neighbors put their 60s rancher on the market with the burnt orange shag carpet in the kitchen. SMH That was the grossest most disgusting mess I've ever seen in my life, but I live in an area where these homes sell like hotcakes, especially if they are unrestored.
2 Likes 15 hours ago
Judy Davies Oh dear! After reading all the comments, I think we'll install concrete floors with a drain and just hose them down!! Love hardwoods but now my head is spinning lol ;)
3 Likes 15 hours ago
tracyw69 LOL We have friends who did tile their kitchen and put in a drain :)
2 Likes 15 hours ago
swismiself Mostly, we just vacuum regularly - with a 7yr old and four cats, that means almost daily when I'm keeping up, and weekly when I'm not :). As needed. I spot scrub with a sponge (and dish soap if necessary), then go around and spray my wood floors with plain water from a squirt bottle, and then use a microfiber mop to scrub and dry. I developed this method before I realized other people did, too. We have oak floors and I find them beautiful and super easy to keep clean, but we don't really wear shoes in the house http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 54/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors (though, my husband and son like to go barefoot outside, then walk in with dirty feet, which is almost the same thing). This was the cheapest, 3/4" oak hardwood floor in a natural color we could find (Menards). We chose it over Hickory because the finish looked like it would wear better. We gave my son samples of each, then had him have at it with a hammer, scratch it with a nail, draw on it - you name it. It was a fun experiment :).
Like 10 hours ago
tuulikkimarie I use a steamer with just water to clean my hardwood after vacuuming perhaps once a week and Swiffer every other day or more.
1 Like 9 hours ago
pauli12 Fay, after 25 years of vacuuming I never saw any noticeable improvement in my arm tone! :-) However, my back often hurt and the frustration level from the cord either not reaching that last spot or tangling up went sky high.
Sweeping is much more relaxing for me. I am glad it works for you, though!
Like 9 hours ago
joyfulpate Tuulikkimarie, steamers will dull the finish over time!
Like 8 hours ago
exbavarian We have a pre-finished tiger wood floor in our house. I vacuum regularly but have used my steam mop briefly on soiled areas, after guests, grand kids, etc. The key is to use steam in short spurts. The floor looks great and people always compliment it.
1 Like 7 hours ago
Beth Brown DO NOT use steam cleaners on your wood floors. Bona, Mirage and Bruce make wood floor cleaners.
Like 7 hours ago
atlfitzpatrick I think that another feature in all of these photos that makes the floors look great is the large amount of natural light in each of the spaces.
Like 6 hours ago http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 55/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors
dlieou Hi! I have on-site finish hardwood floor. I have had this floor almost 2 years now. I used Bona to clean the floor. Lately I noticed a bit of residue after I sprayed and mopped it. What can I do use to eliminate the residue? I do have a dog, so I am constantly mopping the floor. I don't like seeing his paws prints. Thank you in advance for any advices.
Like 6 hours ago
Joan Melino I use Zep hardwood floor cleaner, have dark wood engineered hardwood. these are 5 years old and they look great. Very inexpensive product and doesn't leave a dull shine or hurt floors.
Like 6 hours ago
Debra McPherson I have had oak engineered flooring for about 10 years now. I got a decent quality & I really like it. I have always cleaned it with a "Shark" steam mop & have had absolutely no problems. (I doubt the brand will make any difference, but Shark is cheap is works well.) You have to remember that it is steam (i.e. hot water) so you keep the mop moving & don't dwell on one spot. Don't use it the same way you would a wet mop. I've had no water damage, no warping & no dulling of the finish. The steam dries almost instantly & is really easy to use.
Like 6 hours ago
shank dlieou, this is what happened to my solid wood floors after using Bona for years. I called Bona customer service and they told me to clean the floor with a barely damp microfiber mop of half water/half vinegar. It took several cleanings of this concentrate to get the Bona and residue off the floor. I have since been cleaning the floor periodically with 1 part vinegar/10 parts water with great results. No more Bona. Some say that vinegar will dull the floor but this is a very weak solution and modern finishes should stand up well. I mix the vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray lightly on the floor as I go, then run a dry microfiber pad mop over it. Always vacuum prior.
Like 6 hours ago
The Delaware Corporation of Florida
PRO I agree with replacing any carpet or title with hard wood floors, mainly I recommend Cali Bamboo Flooring , they have an immense variety of colors, fishiness and other materials, if you have a small space this is a great way to make your space look bigger and cleaner. http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 56/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors
Like 5 hours ago
dazz Thank you for all this information.
Like 5 hours ago
Sari Sirico NEVER refinish or re-coat a wood floor in the spring. In early spring I had my kitchen floor buffed and recoated. Initially it looked great, but within a few days globs of poly began seeping up through the seams of the wood. Over the winter the boards had contracted, spring and humidity caused the boards to swell at exactly the time I had the floor done. The globs were tacky for weeks and each time we stepped on one it made a smudge. There were thousand of globs! New regulations regarding VOC's does not allow polyurethane to flash off as quickly as it once did. We had to wait weeks for the poly to cure. I finally had the floor redone in July. Left the air on, shades drawn and stayed away for a week. My kitchen looks great now, but what an ordeal!!!
2 Likes 4 hours ago
Plantation Hardwood Floors
PRO One of the commentators has used the term "engineered" as-if it is a lower grade than a solid wood floor. Not so, although some of the imports may not be of the same quality as most made here in the US. An engineered floor has a veneer of hardwood laminated to a multi-ply base. This base provides stability to a floor which is important in damp or humid, or widely fluctuating damp to dry seasonal conditions. It is the thickness of the veneer that mostly determines the quality. A thin veneer is considered a "disposable" floor as it may not allow for sanding and refinishing. When it's worn, it is simply taken up and discarded. It's absolutely possible to find engineered floors with the same wear-layer thickness as a solid floor. The difference is the engineered floor is more stable.
So, when shopping for a wood floor, know if an engineered floor or a solid floor is the best choice for your environment. If budget is a concern, and you're looking at engineered products made overseas, be an educated shopper and always check the thickness of the veneer and ask about the adhesives used to insure low or no harmful VOCs.
2 Likes 4 hours ago
annekelee From The Lady in White perspective: hardwood floors and engineered hardwood are easy to work with. Always vacuum first then wash with Murphy's oil or just plain water. Mop should only be damp. If too wet dry with a towel. I swiffer my hardwood everyday, vacuum weekly and wash every other week.
Most laminates: vacuum, wash, but you must dry after mopping since footprints, spills etc. don't all come out. Shiny marks are left behind. They are more work then hardwood.
Like 3 hours ago
nuthatch7680
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 57/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors Our flooring professional strongly recommended against Murphy's because it contains ingredients that prevent adhesion of the nest application of finish.
1 Like 3 hours ago
dazz I need some advice...... since I cannot use my vacuum on my hardwood flooring because it doesn't have rubber wheels. I need to know if any one has any good recommendations on a vacuum stick I can purchase. Some say the Hoover corded cyclone stick vacuum. Any recommendations?
Like 2 hours ago
Kyle Jensen Architect
PRO I would never recommend a pre-finished wood floor of any type. The face is finished but the back and sides are not. Dog, cats or human urin or rain or a plumbing leak seeps into the cracks and the wood warps, cups and splits as the finish cracks off. Only install a site finished floor and only where it is not likely to flood....ever! Kyle Jensen Architect
1 Like 2 hours ago
MBZ Interiors, Inc.
PRO ONLY vinegar and water on hardwood floors. Dusting and vacuuming often, you don't have to wash with vinegar and water that often and do it lightly, don't soak the floor. Don't waste your money on any brands that claim made for hardwood floors when it costs pennies for vinegar and water. Shines it too!
1 Like 2 hours ago
elizabetharras How do you clean combination wood and tile flooring best?
Like 2 hours ago
LHaitienne We just had the Tobacco Road Acacia installed. Does anyone have it? How do you clean it specifically. I love it and don't want to mess it up. It's been a week and all I have been doing daily is using a soft mop to keep it clean so far.
Like 1 hour ago
vgunter Lizzie 91001 I refinished my oak hardwood floors in my home to look like that shiny, wet look years ago and I used high gloss polyurethane oil based. They were beautiful but after several years of looking at them like http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 58/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors that I wanted to change them to a more subtle look so I sanded them down and redid them with semi gloss polyurethane. Wish I would have kept the high gloss look now.
Like 1 hour ago
Sue Wisor at Quality Floors & Interiors
PRO I also will never recommend vinegar and water and never Murphy's Oil etc. Just use the Bona system.
Like 1 hour ago
Covering Broadway
PRO As a flooring retailer, we always discuss the pros & cons of any flooring selected - to be sure you are installing the RIGHT floor for your specific location (traffic, moisture, radiant floor heat, etc.) Solid hardwood & engineered hardwood are both wood - there are excellent features and benefits to both. Laminate is a completely different product - to be discussed separately!
1. KNOW your floor - take time to educate yourself on the species & type of hardwood floor & finish you are installing AND the proper cleaning & maintenance.
2. Cleaning & maintenance vary - depending on the manufacturer/finish. Follow the recommended instructions! ASK questions to your flooring retailer & use the cleaners suggested. (Also, be sure your cleaning person is advised of proper cleaning products and techniques specific to YOUR floor)
3. We never suggest using water or a steamer. Wood & water are not a good combination - excessive water will cause damage. If you must use water/cleaner, be sure to dry immediately. Old towels or micro fiber work great for this.
4. Sweep or use a vac (without beater bar) frequently. Grit damages the finish.
5. Door mats at entries! Inside & out, if possible - and shake them out frequently.
6. Furniture protectors - on chairs & tables. Avoid dragging things across your floor. 7. Rolling chairs (wheels) require floor protection. The constant pressure and rolling will grind away the finish & damage wood. Use a pad specifically designed for this or there are also vinyl protectors to "heat shrink" over the wheels. Wipe the wheels on rolling chairs frequently too. 8. Avoid high heels on your wood floor. The extreme pressure of the heel can cause dents. Damaged heels can destroy a floor. 9. Moisture & humidity can affect your floor. If you live in a dry climate you may need a humidifier. (A good topic to discuss with your flooring retailer/installer AND HVAC person) Be sure any wood is properly acclimated to YOUR home before it is even installed. Most wood suppliers suggest you maintain the humidity at 35-55%. 10. Discuss installation with your retailer/contractor/installer - float? glue? nail/staple? Know what technique will be best for your situation. Your sub- floor is an important factor - this can affect product selection & installation technique. If you choose to DIY - READ THE INSTRUCTIONS provided. They are there for a reason...and contact the manufacturer if you have questions. Most have a customer contact number/website. http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 59/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors 11. Extreme heat fluctuations can also cause problems - especially in radiant floor heating. Be sure the floor you select is approved by the supplier for installation over YOUR radiant floor. Many are NOT, and this could result in a failure. 12. Don't be afraid of a wood floor! They will scratch or dent - no matter how careful you are. Over time, this will add character to your home. Ask your retailer about repair kits or finish touch up pens - many suppliers have a kit available that is specific to your floor. If you consider refinishing, a flooring professional can assist with options on repair or refinishing. If possible, keep an extra carton of your wood for mishaps that may occur. Store flat - not in your basement or attic! Never assume your flooring will be available forever - styles/color and manufacturers specifications can change.
Many of today's floors have a hand-scraped or pillowed edge - remember that if you choose to refinish a pre-finished (factory floor) you will loose the original finish AND any characteristics in the wood.
Enjoy your wood floor. It should bring a lifetime of beauty to your home.
Like 1 hour ago
vickypitt Great info CB. Maybe you can help with my delima: 90 yr old mom in law moving in. Have brand new pricey engineered acacia wood floors. She is 250 woman who uses a walker; leans very heavily on the walker, scoots it, not pick it up. How can I protect the floors? Tennis balls on legs (the walker's !) or felt? She Has a motorized wheelchair, but not sure is right to confine her to it. Any experience and/ or suggestions from anyone? VGB
Like 22 minutes ago
J K @Dazz, I love my Swiffer Sweep n Vac....it is a rechargeable stick vac available in the cleaning isle of the grocery store. You attach a Swiffer cloth to the bottom. It vacuums and dusts at the same time. I use it mostly for my bathrooms and quick cleaning in the kitchen. It does have a limited battery life so better on small areas than a larger home. Otherwise, I use my canister vacuum with my hard floor attachment.
Like 19 minutes ago
cathienall I have just moved into an old farmhouse with wood floors in an add-on room. These floors are probably 30+ years old but haven't been lived on in over 20. They are beautiful natural hardwood but very dull and dingy looking. Since I'm renting I don't want to invest a lot of $$, but would like them bring them back to life as best I can. Any suggestions? Thanx!
Like 14 minutes ago
J K @vickypitt, If your mother in law is putting much of her weight on the walker, she could slip with tennis balls. You may want to check with the walker manufacturer to see if the rubber feet are safe for wood flooring. They probably offer the best traction for her and the best protection for your floor. You may consider investing in new walker feet when she moves in and maybe a second walker for outdoor and public use. You'll want to keep your floor free of dirt and grit (which it sounds like you already do) so it doesn't scratch when the walker slides across the floor. http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50614542?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u1496&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0 60/61 7/13/2015 How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors
Like 10 minutes ago
dpelegri I was thinking of buying this Hoover® FloorMate® Edge Hard Floor Cleaner http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/hoover-reg-floormate- reg-edge-hard-floor-cleaner/3270711? Keyword=hoover+floormate+deluxe+multi+floor+cleaner for my Bruce hardwoods. I'd like to get feedback if this investment is worth making. I've been using Bona's cleaning product to clean my floors. As suggested in the article above, I first vacuum the floors, followed by a lint cloth mop and ending with spraying the Bona cleaner product and wiping the floors with the Bona hardwood mop. Any thoughts on using this Hoover machine is appreciated.
Like 6 minutes ago
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Ideabook updated on July 10, 2015.
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