You're surely aware that glass cleaning products are often used on glass, not hardwood flooring. But did you know that glass cleaning products can actually do damage to your floors? The formula in products like Windex contains abrasive chemicals that glass can handle with ease. Hardwood flooring cannot.
To clean hardwood floors, it's best to use a gentle, pH-balanced cleaner specifically formulated for wood. Microfiber mops or soft cloths work well for dusting and light cleaning, while a damp mop can be used for deeper cleans. Avoid using harsh chemicals or excessive water, as these can damage the finish.
Yes, Windex can damage the finish because it is a chemical to clean glass. To clean furniture, wood polish will work. Depending on the finish, a damp or dry cloth will clean it. For those that love woodworking and you're trying hard to discover detailed plans to build your dream project, you should check this tutorial.
While you probably can use Mr. Clean for floors, Robin Murphy, the founder of the cleaning company ChirpChirp, doesn't recommend doing so specifically because the product is not formulated for hardwood floors in particular. She advises seeking out a floor-specific cleaning solution to use instead.
DON'T: Do not use anything with ammonia in it to clean your wood floors. Stay away from wax based products, acrylic finishes, detergents, bleaches, polishes, oil soaps, and vinegar. Instead, get a hardwood cleaning solution (you can pick them up at any big hardware store), spray it on a dust mop and go to town.
You can use Pine-Sol® on wood floors, though it is not recommended for use on unfinished, unsealed, unpainted, waxed, oiled or worn wood.
If you're wondering how to clean wood furniture, you can start with liquid dish soap. Put a few drops on a cotton ball dipped in a small amount of warm water then wipe it on the inside of the leg of your cabinet or chair to see if there are any changes to the wood stain.
Place a small amount of isopropyl alcohol onto a rag. Gently rub the stain to remove it. Wipe off with a damp rag afterwards to rinse.
Homemade cleaners like the hardwood floor cleaner vinegar dawn mixture are surprisingly effective. Vinegar's natural acidity helps to break down dirt and grime, while Dawn dish soap effectively cuts through grease. This combination ensures a thorough clean without leaving harmful residues behind.
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.
White vinegar is considered by many to be the best homemade cleaner for wood floors. After diluting it with water, you can use it to clean almost every room of the house. To clean your wood floors with water and vinegar, do the following: Mix one part vinegar with three parts water.
Windex® Multi-Surface Ammonia-Free, Streak-Free Cleaner.
Deep Cleaning for Hard-Surface Floors
The antibacterial formula cleans and disinfects with the power of hydrogen peroxide.
Is Fabuloso® Professional safe on wood? Yes, Fabuloso® Professional's formula works on all non porous hard surfaces.
In a bucket, mix warm water with a few drops of natural dish soap. (Note: If you want to add a natural shine to your hardwood floors, you can include a small amount of olive oil in the cleaning solution.) Dip your microfiber mop in the bucket. Wring out excess liquid to make sure the mop is damp but not overly wet.
Cleaning Your Wood Floors
Use a general household cleaner like 409, Simple Green or Mr. Clean. Do not use Murphy's Oil Soap, wax, polish, Pine Sol or “Mop & Glow” cleaners. These leave a dull acrylic buildup and your hardwood floors will need sanding again later.
The formula in products like Windex contains abrasive chemicals that glass can handle with ease. Hardwood flooring cannot. Even if you've run out of your regular cleaning products and really need some backup, reconsider using that Windex.
There are many different formulations of Windex. The ingredients vary between products, but they typically contain surfactants, solvents, and dyes. These chemicals are irritating when swallowed and can cause unwanted signs and symptoms including vomiting and abdominal pain.
And while ammonia based cleaners like Windex are known for their cleaning power, the smell isn't so great. Plus, ammonia can leave streaks and film on some types of windows. But not to worry, Consumer Reports found that the ammonia-free options cleaned just as well. The winner: The Sprayway foaming glass cleaner.
Steam cleaning is intended for tile, linoleum, and vinyl floors, and if done on a wooden floor, it may leave the floor looking dull. Avoid it. f) Never use ammonia, alkaline products, or any other abrasive cleaners on your wooden floors. g) Do not drag furniture or heavy objects across your finished wooden surface.
If you must use pine sol, I'd definitely follow with a clean water washing to remove residue especially for safety of animals and children.
Quick Shine Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner
Out of all of our tests, the floor cleaner that came out on top was Quick Shine Multi Surface Floor Cleaner. Simply spraying the product as is, we loved the ease of use from this handy mist bottle that allows for even application without overusing the product.