Wet mopping can cause your wood floors to swell Wood flooring can react like a sponge when around water– and get too much liquid it will swell. For wood floors to be stable they need to be maintained in as consistent an environment as possible when it comes to humidity and temperature.
Yes, wet mopping a hardwood floor daily can cause damage over time. Excess water can seep into the wood, leading to warping, swelling, or weakening of the finish. Instead, use a damp mop or a microfiber mop with a cleaner specifically designed for hardwood floors to maintain them without causing harm.
You can definitely clean hardwood with a mop! (And tile for sure). It's a good idea to supply your own mop and request it used every time. I recommend a spin mop so they can get the mop head decently wrung out before mopping. If it's too wet, that's when it leaves streaks.
To clean hardwood floors without getting them wet, use a dry microfiber mop or a vacuum with a hard-floor setting. Regular sweeping or vacuuming will suffice to remove dirt and dust, and occasional dry mopping will help maintain their shine. Avoid excessive moisture as it can damage the wood.
Here's a general guideline: High-Traffic Areas (eg, kitchens, entryways): Mop once a week or more often if needed. Moderate-Traffic Areas (eg, living rooms, dining rooms): Mop every 1-2 weeks. Low-Traffic Areas (eg, bedrooms, guest rooms): Mop once a month or as needed.
Your wood floors may still look dirty after mopping due to a few common issues. One key factor could be a dirty mop that isn't properly cleaned between rounds, as it won't pick up new dirt effectively.
Swiffer Wet cloths and the Swiffer WetJet are generally safe for hardwood floors that are finished and sealed. But if your floors are unfinished, waxed, or oiled, you'll want to steer clear.
For a cleaning solution, you can mix a few drops of dish soap or castile soap with warm water in a bucket. Avoid using harsh detergents that will damage the floor's wood and dull its finish. You should also not use products like vinyl floor cleaner or tile cleaner.
The ideal mixture typically involves a mild solution of diluted vinegar with just a few drops of Dawn. This blend ensures that the cleaning power is strong enough to clean the floors without leaving any harmful residues or damaging the wood.
You can use Pine-Sol® on wood floors, though it is not recommended for use on unfinished, unsealed, unpainted, waxed, oiled or worn wood.
Is Fabuloso® Professional safe on wood? Yes, Fabuloso® Professional's formula works on all non porous hard surfaces.
Hot water cannot bond with any insoluble dirt, making it a better medium to clean than cold water. Therefore, hot water is more effective for cleaning purposes than cold water as it has higher kinetic energy, extra space between its molecules, and is more compatible with detergents.
Microfiber Mops
This is by far the most superior type of mop for any surface, particularly hardwood floors.
Wet mopping can cause your wood floors to swell
A guiding principle to remember is that water and wood do not mix. Wood flooring can react like a sponge when around water– and get too much liquid it will swell.
As time passes, the moisture trapped within the wood creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew growth. Within 24 to 48 hours, mold spores can begin to colonize, posing health risks to residents and further compromising the structural integrity of the flooring.
And a quick Google search reveals that a lot of people still recommend using it. But vinegar should not be used as a hardwood floor cleaner because its acidity can lead to etching in the wood's surface. Avoid ammonia – Ammonia will discolor, deteriorate, and dull the finish.
Spray and mop once per week, or more often as needed. Stains and grime will get harder to clean the longer you wait. Always use a wood floor-safe cleaner.
Avoid using water to clean your hardwoods, and never wet-mop, as the moisture can damage the material. To avoid staining and cracking, blot up spills immediately with a dry, clean cloth. In the event of a leak or major spill, use a towel to absorb the liquid and thoroughly dry your floor.
With the vast array of cleaners available today, consumers need to be aware of how to properly use their products to avoid health hazards and damaging surfaces. Murphy® Oil Soap is one natural cleaner that's effective on hardwood floors and more when used as instructed.
Combine a gallon of water with 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar. Then, add a few drops of dish detergent for a fresh scent and extra cleaning power. Dip a microfiber mop or a sponge into the cleaner and use it wipe down your floors.
Do not use Swiffer wet cloths on unfinished, oiled or waxed wooden floors, non-sealed tiles or carpets. If you have any questions about cleaning your particular floor, contact the manufacturer of the floor or test the cleaner in a hidden area of the floor.
Bona Polish is NOT a hardwood floor cleaner. It is a cheap thin finish that you apply to your floors. Over time and repeated use the film gets thicker and it scuffs and scratches easily making the floors look unsightly. The only remedy to restore your floors is to strip the Bona Polish off.
Frequent and regular sweeping with a microfiber sweeping pad is essential to keep dirt and debris off your floor, protecting the finish from scratches. Unlike some vacuum cleaners, which can sometimes cause damage, microfiber dusting pads effectively lift and remove particles without harming the surface.
Suitable for Hardwood Floors: Bona is often recommended for hardwood floors, as it's gentle on the finish while still providing effective cleaning.