Cleaning hardwood floors?

Question

We are buying a house that has mostly hardwood floors. Having pets I know I will have to use the swifer quite a bit. However, for quick buffing and shining what is the best way to achieve a nice shine.? Also, when dirty, what can I use to throughlly clean it?

Answer 1

The correct way to clean urethane-stained floors is to mop them with a damp mop. Using vacuum and bristle brooms daily will help keep the floor clean. But when it comes time to really clean the floor, use a damp mop. Allowing dirt and grime to collect on the floor, and walking on this grime over as period of time can damage the finish. Using a small amount of water shouldn’t hurt the finished wood, but don’t pour out water and mop it like you would with kitchen tile. A damp mop or dust rag is all that should be needed, and it should be light enough in water that it will dry in minutes. Be sure to understand what type of finish your floor has, and what the suggested cleaning methods are. Using soaps and oils can void manufacturer warranties on many floors.

There are two primary finishes on hardwood floors: urethane finishes and wax. You should never wax a urethane finished floor. If your urethane floor is extremely worn, you may need to refinish it which will involve sanding and applying sealer.

Answer 2

I use white vinegar and water to clean them, this use to be a good old get down on your hands and knees job, but I purchased one of the micro fiber dust mops, I took the microfiber part off and put saran wrap around the head on the mop then dip the micro fiber mop head in the vinegar water and wring it out good and put back on the mop head and run it across the floor rinsing as needed, the saran wrap protects the mop head and I'm still able to take the micro fiber off and rinse as needed, I also use the same process to apply Orange glo for hardwood floors, this leaves a excellent shine on the floor, I have hardwood floors in the kitchen and dinning area of my house...
A simple touch up with plain water and the micro fiber will keep floors looking nice between regular cleaning and the mop and glo....hope this works for you, I have had very good results....I think the Murphys Oil Soap leaves a film on the floor so I have not used it for quite sometime on any wood in my house, I also use the Orange glo for wood on my kitchen cabinets..

Answer 3

Most wood floors can be kept clean by first sweeping or vacuuming with a floor nozzle to remove most of the surface dust and dirt, then damp mopping with clear water (dip a sponge in clear water, squeezing it out so that the mop is barely damp, almost dry). Use very little water and rinse your mop thoroughly after each use since excess water can dissolve protective coatings, alter the color of the wood and raise the grain to roughen the surface.

If your floors are not dirty enough to need mopping every week, then you should not do it, as it will wear the floors faster, not to mention waste your time. Simply sweeping is often all they need.

If need to restore the shine to your wood floor after you get it clean, try damp mopping it with 1/2 cup vinegar and 2 tablespoons furniture polish in a gallon of warm water. Vinegar is also useful for removing any soap residue or build-up, but should not be necessary every week.=)

Answer 4

Murphy Oil Soap for thorough cleaning. Forget the swiffer. Buy a cotton dust mop. Spray some Liquid Gold on it for a shine.

Answer 5

Just to add... DO NOT use the swiffer wet-jet.. The cleaning fluid is not good for pets to digest.. It causes kidney failure over time.. I have a reuseable microfiber dustmop.. It has a plastic/velcro pad that sticks to it.. I'll vacuum/dust with the microfiber mop it picks up a lot of dirt using just water.. Just be sure to when you wash it to not use fabric softner.. I also use it to dry the kitchen/bathroom floors when I mop.... good luck

Answer 6

Vacuum and wash them with a damp mop. Revarnish before moving in. Do it before moving your furniture into the house. Trust me that extra layer of varnish or two will seal that floor from "accidents" and make it shinier and very easy to clean.

Answer 7

I have purchased a Hoover mate and it works great...it has a special cleaner for hardwood floors. The Hoover mate vacuums up dirt, scrubs it and squeegee it dry.....It is the best cleaning item I had bought!