cleaning hardwood floors

[disney funseeker]

How do you clean your hardwood floor?

If it's not the laminate type, do you use the manufacturer's recommended product or something else for water spots, dried mud?....

I usually wipe up messes with a damp cloth but I'm wondering if this is wrong. Now that we are seriously considering replacing our worn carpets in the remaining rooms with hardwood instead, I thought I'd better learn the proper care.

 

[RUDisney]

I do one of two things. We have a Eureka steam machine that uses plain water to steam the floors clean. That is the first way. If I'm in more of a hurry and don't want to let the steam build up, I pour some vinegar into some hot water in my kitchen sink and use a sponge mop to clean them.

Either way, they come out sparkling.

 

[rbuzzotta]

I will just use plain water on a damp mop for minor spills. White vinegar for a little more cleaning. and about every 6 weeks or so, i use Murphy's oil soap for hardwood floors. Very little though. My floors look great...........

 

[aprincessmom]

I damp mop with plain water for spills. Every month I wash them with Murphy's Oil Soap. They still look good after 6 years...even in the kitchen.

 

[minniecarousel]

I also use Murphy's Oil weekly(specifically for hardwwod floors). The manufacturer recommended a spray cleaner which I use for quick clean-ups. I try to "Swiff" my floors every few days. I also have hardwood in the kitchen and I really like it (didn't think I would!)

 

[Jeafl]

I used to use plain water, but the new Clorox mop has a solution that is safe for hardwood floor which works really well.

 

[ryanpatricksmom]

I use Bona Swedish Hardwood Floor Cleaner. You spray the cleaner directly on the floor and use a device that has a soft, absorbent cloth attached to a handle (sort of like a swifter, only sturdier). It leaves the floors clean and shiny. I've tried every appliance, cleaner, etc. and this seems to work the best.

 

[sharbear]

Could you tell me where you purchased the Bona Hardwood Cleaner. It sounds like just the thing for my hardwoods.

 

[disney funseeker]

Thank you everyone for your advice.

When we originally purchased the house a few yrs ago I remember one instruction was to not use Murphy's oil soap bec it may result in a loss of warranty and dull the floor.

This must have been just a manufacturing scare tactic because the care guide only recommended the maufacturer's cleaning products which are always pricey.

I will try out a few of your ideas to see which works out best.