Cleaning wood floors?

Question

I use Murphys oil soap and clean them on my hands and knees, immediately drying with a soft dry towel after washing every part. I use very nice knee pads, so my knees don't hurt at all. Thing is, this is a TOUGH job, as my back and neck gets sore. Any suggestions, or perhaps ways to kneel so that it puts less pressure on my back? Let me in on some secrets you may know of. THANKS!!!

Answer 1

Wood Floor Maintenance
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 2

Washing hardwood floors is probably NOT the best idea... In time the water will warp the floor boards.. No matter if you dry them right away.. It just seems totally uneccessary... I would vacuum them everyday and with a light microfiber mop using vinegar/water give the floors a good going over every other week or so.. Or use a dustmop with a microfiber head that's slightly damp.. To clean your wood floors.. Good luck

Answer 3

I used to clean my hardwood floors exactly the same way. But I found a micro-fiber mop on a stick that I use now so no more hands and knees. I use it wet to apply the Murphy's oil soap and then change the head to a clean micro-fiber "bootie" to do the drying.

Answer 4

Murphy's Oil is great once a year to add moisture to wood.
Now apply beeswax.

Normal 'cleaning' can use a microfiber mop or at a janitorial supply store get dust mop (of course, shorter than ones used on gym floors). They also have a spray you put onto the mop which acts like a dust magnet - - shake mop outside & continue. Or use something like Endust spray that does not give wax buildup.

Answer 5

Water is not tobe used on wood floors with or without Murphys oil soap. Use a wood floor cleaner with a brand name such as Bruce floor cleaner and a soft rag either on your knees or I use an old t-shirt tied to the end of a wax applicator handle. Water is a detriment to wood.

Answer 6

I used to do the same thing. I had 3,000 sq feet of hardwood and after a few trips to the chiropractor I got a Hoover Floormate. It was the best investment I have ever made!

Answer 7

I would think that a damp mop would accomplish the same thing unless your floors are really dirty with spilled foods and stuck on stuff, etc. Why do all the extra work?