Hardwood floors add an elegant touch to the living space, but their maintenance requires proper care. Hence, it is crucial to choose the right cleaning approach and cleaning solution that suits your floor. Unlike other flooring types, hardwood is prone to moisture and harsh chemicals, which can damage the floor’s finish.
There are multiple DIY as well as branded cleaning solution options available, so it is crucial to select an option that is effective and safe. This blog highlights the branded as well as DIY cleaning solutions for hardwood floors to help you choose the best cleaner.
How to Choose the Right Hardwood Floor Cleaner?
Check the Safety and Ingredients of Cleaner
It is essential to choose a cleaning solution for the hardwood floor that ensures the cleanliness as well as the safety of the floors. Make sure to check the list of ingredients used in the cleaner while purchasing the product. Many cleaners contain strong chemicals to increase their effectiveness. However, cleaners containing bleach or ammonia can damage hardwood surfaces, affecting the shine of the floor over time.
Check pH Balance for Family Safety
Make sure to check the pH level of the product for safety purposes. Since some cleaners contain toxic ingredients that can be harmful to infants or pets, it is suggested to choose the cleaner carefully. Look for products that are certified under EPA Safer Choice. Such products reduce the exposure to harsh chemicals and act as a family-friendly option.
Fragrance of Cleaner
Another aspect to consider when choosing the cleaner is the fragrance. If you are prone to strong scents, make sure to choose a scent-free cleaner. Search for cleaners that contain natural fragrances like essential oils for a safe choice.
6 Best Floor Cleaners for Hardwood
Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner
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Highly Effective: Bona hardwood floor cleaner is one of the most effective and famous solutions for several reasons. It is specially customized for hardwood surface cleaning without causing damage or leaving behind residue.
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Removes Dirt and Tough Stains: When tested, Bona cleaner managed to clean regular dirt and spills and tough food stains like tomato paste. To remove any light marks left behind, it is advised to quickly remove them using more product.
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Safer to Use: Bona’s formula contains no dyes, ammonia, or formaldehyde, making it safer for homes with children or pets.
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Convenient Bottle Design of 32 fl. Oz: This brand offers cleaner in two spray levels - a mist and a direct spray for better cleaning.
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Environmentally Friendly: Since it is an EPA-certified choice, Bona is safe for people as well as the environment.
Murphy Oil Soap
Murphy Oil Soap is known for its natural cleaning features and light, pleasant fragrance. It is made with 98% naturally derived ingredients to offer effective cleaning, such as water and coconut-based cleaning agents. It is known for its powerful formula used for removing accumulated dirt or grime while maintaining the finish and warmth of wood floors. During testing, it cleaned the wooden floor efficiently without leaving any residue to maintain the durability of the floor. Murphy Oil Soap is available in a 32 fl. Oz. liquid bottle, reliable for those who prefer natural cleaners.
Enzymatic Cleaners
Enzymatic cleaners, such as Nature’s Miracle Hard Floor Cleaner, provide effective and reliable results and are ideal for pet-friendly homes. The formula of the enzymatic cleaner breaks down urine molecules, which helps in cleaning stubborn stains and eliminating unpleasant odors. Enzymatic cleaners work safely on hardwood floors while retaining the shine of the floor. Hence, it is safe to use enzymatic cleaners for regular cleaning. During testing, enzymatic cleaners showed desirable results. It is a liquid formula that comes in a 32 fl. Oz. bottle with a light fragrance.
Pallmann Hardwood Floor Cleaner Concentrate
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Available in Large Bottles: The Pallmann hardwood floor cleaner concentrate comes in a large one-gallon bottle that can be mixed to make eight gallons of cleaning solution. It is one of the most long-lasting and cost-effective options.
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pH-Neutral Formula & Easy Mixing: The pH-neutral formula of this cleaner offers a smooth, streak-free finish. The solution can be easily mixed without any mess.
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Positive Test Results: During testing, when the cleaner was diluted and used in a spray bottle, it successfully removed all the stains, such as tomato paste and other stubborn dirt.
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Fragrance: Pallmann hardwood cleaner is an excellent choice as it easily tackles floor stains and consists of a citrus fragrance, which is subtle and pleasant in nature and not overwhelming.
Nonetheless, if you are looking for a convenient and time-saving option, then a ready-to-use cleaner will be an ideal choice.
Pine-Sol Multi-Purpose Cleaner
Pine-Sol is a trusted, well-recognized brand known for its powerful disinfectant properties. It is capable of killing 99.9% of viruses, including the COVID-19 virus. To test the solution, mix one-quarter cup of the cleaner with one gallon of water to check the final results. The cleaner removes the majority of stains with minimal effort and leaves no residue or stickiness.
It effectively removes dark spills and dirt in one pass while maintaining the floor’s clean finish. In case of crayon marks, you may need to scrub more to quickly remove without leaving any marks behind. Pine-Sol cleaner is not ideal for unfinished, unsealed, waxed, oiled, or worn floors; hence, make sure to do a test check if you are unsure of your floor’s condition.
Rejuvenate All Floors Cleaner
Rejuvenating all floors with a cleaner is known for retaining the floor’s shine while maintaining cleanliness with excellent results. It is designed with advanced booster technology to ensure the formula helps the dull floors appear brighter and more refreshed. While using the rejuvenate cleaner, you can easily clean everyday stains along with tough stains, but with extra effort.
Rejuvenate cleaner is ideal for those who do weekly or occasional cleaning sessions to make the floor appear at its best. Allowing the cleaner to sit for a few minutes helps achieve a deeper, shinier finish.
3 Popular DIY Hardwood Floor Cleaning Solutions
Vinegar and Water Solution
You can easily make this solution by mixing vinegar with water. It is one of the most budget-friendly hardwood floor cleaner options. Vinegar contains natural acidic properties that help in loosening dirt, grease, and normal grime without damaging the wood from any harsh chemicals.
Preparation: Make this solution by mixing half a cup of white vinegar with one gallon of warm water. Dilute the formula properly to ensure it cleans the surface effectively and remains gentle on the wood.
How to Use: Use a damp mop to clean the floor gently. Ensure the mop is not overly wet, as excess water can damage hardwood. You can use a microfiber cloth to dry the floor once the cleaning is done. This solution can be used for regular as well as light cleaning.
Castile Soap and Water Solution
Since castile soap is made from plant-based oils, it is considered one of the most eco-friendly and biodegradable solutions. Since this solution cleans the surface effectively without the need for harsh chemicals, it is safe and ideal for the home as well as the environment.
Preparation and Its Use: To prepare the solution, simply add a few drops of castile soap to a gallon of warm water. Once fully prepared, lightly damp the mop and clean the surface carefully. Lastly, clean the floor with a dry cloth to avoid damage from moisture. Apart from floor cleaning, castile soap solution can also be used for other regular household cleaning needs.
Baking Soda for Spot Cleaning
Baking soda is one of the most helpful options for removing stains and sticky spots on hardwood floors. It consists of scrubbing properties that help in lifting dirt without scratching the surface.
Preparation and Use: To prepare the solution, mix baking soda with a small amount of water to make paste out of it. Once done, start applying the paste directly to the stained area and gently wipe it using a damp cloth and dry it with a soft, dry cloth. Since baking soda works best for small spills and stains, it is crucial to be extra careful during full-floor cleaning.
The Right Way of Maintaining Hardwood Floor
Proper Maintenance
To stop the dirt from settling into the wood, it is important to clean the hardwood floor regularly, as it helps in protecting the floor's finish. Start every day cleaning using a soft-bristle broom or a microfiber dust mop to remove regular dust, hair, or other small debris. This helps prevent surface scratches.
Frequent Deep Cleaning
In case of deep cleaning, choose a pH-neutral floor cleaner for the hardwood floors and use it with a slightly damp mop. Make sure to choose a cleaner that is specifically customized for hardwood or a multi-surface product that claims hardwood as a safe option. It is mandatory to squeeze and remove excess water from the mop to avoid any damage caused by moisture.
Avoid Using Harmful Products
While understanding the right way of cleaning hardwood, it is also important to know what not to use. For example, a cleaner that contains bleach, ammonia, or wax can affect the protective layer of the floor and leave behind residue that can be difficult to remove. Using steam cleaners or excessive water can lead to permanent floor damage and void the floor’s warranty.
Spot Testing
Before using any new cleaner, test it on a small hidden area to check for adverse effects.
Maintenance Tips
Consistent care is important to maintain the neatness of the hardwood floors. The following are expert-recommended tips that one can follow to ensure the durability and shine of the floor:
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Use doormats at entryways and remove shoes before stepping inside.
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Use rubber or felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches.
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Clean up spills right away to prevent damage from moisture.
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Regularly sweep or vacuum to remove dust and dirt from the surface.
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Make sure to vacuum with a soft-bristle attachment.
While selecting your option, make sure to check the pH level, fragrance, and effectiveness of the cleaning solution for better and long-lasting results.