Once you decide to replace wall-to-wall-carpet or laminate flooring with beautiful wood floors, you have to learn how to clean hardwood floors to keep them in tip-top shape. Sure, a simple run with a microfiber mop and cleaning solution is the main ingredient for the longevity of these glossy surfaces. But that doesn’t always work for all types of messes and grime.
Plus, there’s a surprising catch when it comes to the best wood floor cleaning routines: You “don’t want to use anything that says it’s going to polish, or shine, or rejuvenate, or revitalize the wood floor,” says Brett Miller, vice president of technical standards, training, and certification at the National Wood Flooring Association. Sounds like counterintuitive advice, but these cleaning solutions are actually designed to gussy up wood floors for the short term only. “It’s putting something on that surface that’ll make it pretty for a short period of time, but it’s not designed to wear,” Miller explains.
To get the full rundown on how to clean hardwood floors—it doesn’t matter if your home is sporting solid, engineered, or reclaimed wood—AD also consulted Mark Whatley, production manager at Bay Area retail showroom and contracting company Amber Flooring; and Tommy Sancic, owner of Olde Wood, a custom antique reclaimed and wide plank flooring manufacturer in Magnolia, Ohio.
Here, expert cleaning tips on what it takes to maintain the wood floor luster without damaging the finish.
What is the best thing to use when cleaning hardwood floors?
When it comes to choosing a cleaning product for a deeper wash, there isn’t a hard-and-fast rule. Different finishes require different treatments, so experts relying on product recommendations for the wood finish.
When in doubt, go back to the basics. For a DIY hardwood floor cleaner, combine four cups of warm water with a few drops of Murphy Oil Soap. You can also give your cleaning routine a dose of aromatherapy with a mandarin and peppermint essential oil-based Koala Eco Floor Cleaner.
Some suggest a homemade cleaning solution of water and white vinegar, but others debate whether applying acid to floors is actually savvy, since it can potentially dull the surface over time.
What should you not put on a hardwood floor?
While old-fashioned, inexpensive cleaning solutions are tried-and-true go-tos, it is also safe to say there are cleaning products to always avoid. Avoid chlorine bleach, even if it is diluted, because it can weaken the structure of the wood. “I don’t recommend any kind of harsh chemical to clean any hardwood floor,” Sancic says. “Chemicals applied to the finish will create hazing.” Floors with a polyurethane finish can actually look more cloudy because of wax buildup. To treat hazing, a clean cloth dipped in warm water is a simple way to remove that cloudy film. If you can, use a damp microfiber cloth.
How do you clean hardwood floors yourself?
Step 1: Sweep hardwood floors daily
The first and foremost hardwood floor cleaning tip is to sweep. Dirt and grime buildup prevent wood floors from shining. “Keeping debris off the floor is key,” Miller says. Not only will the messes look filthy, but sweeping can help minimize damage. Think about it as the death of a thousand cuts, except for your floor space. Even pet hair has the potential to damage wood floors, so it’s best to be proactive. “If there’s a piece of debris on a wood floor, and you walk across, it’s like sandpaper on the bottom of your shoe. It can ruin or scratch that surface,” Miller adds.