What is the best thing to clean hardwood floors with?

Author: Elaina Fay  |  Last update: Monday, February 9, 2026

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.

What is the best cleaning solution for hardwood floors?

The best cheap cleaner for hardwood floors is a mixture of vinegar and water. This natural solution effectively cleans and disinfects without damaging the wood finish. Use a damp mop rather than soaking the floor, and always rinse the mop frequently.

What is the best method for cleaning hardwood floors?

The best method for cleaning hardwood flooring is to regularly sweep or vacuum to remove dust and debris, followed by damp mopping with a hardwood floor cleaner or a mixture of water and mild detergent. Avoid using excess water and harsh chemicals, and promptly wipe up any spills to prevent damage to the wood.

Is Dawn dish soap safe for wood floors?

Dish soap is generally safe for use on hard, non-porous surfaces like tile, linoleum, and sealed hardwood. However, it may not be suitable for more delicate or porous surfaces, such as unsealed wood, bamboo, or natural stone. These surfaces may require specific cleaners to maintain their appearance and integrity.

What is the best thing to clean old hardwood floors with?

Microfiber Cloths: These work great to clean spots and dry surfaces. Protective Gear: Put on gloves and goggles to stay safe when you use chemicals. Wood Floor Cleaner/Restorer: This helps with stubborn stains and brings back the shine. Putty Knife/Scraper: Gets rid of stuck-on gunk.

REVEALED: How To Clean Wood Floors Like A Hardwood Pro

Is Murphy's soap good for hardwood floors?

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.

How to clean extremely dirty hardwood floors?

Use high-quality brooms and brush sets for efficient cleaning. Treat dirt spots or loose debris using a dry mop and a concentrated cleaner. Avoid bleach or excessive finishing products as they may discolor or damage your floors. For stubborn stains, use a damp cloth, ensuring it's wrung out properly.

Is vinegar good for hardwood floors?

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.

What is the best soap to use on wood floors?

Our Top Hardwood Floor Cleaner Picks
  • Best Spray: Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner.
  • Best Concentrate: Murphy Oil Soap Concentrated Wood Cleaner.
  • Best Natural: Aunt Fannie's Hardwood Floor Cleaner.
  • Best for Large Areas: Method Squirt + Mop Hardwood Floor Cleaner.
  • Best Multipurpose: Rejuvenate All-Floors Multipurpose Cleaner.

Is pine sol good for hardwood floors?

You can use Pine-Sol® on wood floors, though it is not recommended for use on unfinished, unsealed, unpainted, waxed, oiled or worn wood.

What is best to wash hardwood floors with?

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.

Is fabuloso good for wood floors?

Is Fabuloso® Professional safe on wood? Yes, Fabuloso® Professional's formula works on all non porous hard surfaces.

How not to clean hardwood floors?

Let's go over a few cleaning mistakes to avoid, so you can keep your hardwood floors clean for years.
  1. Using Too Much Water. ...
  2. Choosing Harsh Cleaners. ...
  3. Skipping Regular Dusting. ...
  4. Using the Wrong Vacuum Attachment. ...
  5. Ignoring Spills. ...
  6. Applying Wax or Oil on Polyurethane Finishes. ...
  7. Forgetting Protective Pads for Furniture.

How do I keep my hardwood floors clean and shiny?

Daily: Dry mop floors with a microfiber dusting pad and mop. Clean spills immediately. Weekly: Clean deeper with a vacuum designed for wood floors or use a microfiber spray mop and cleaner formulated for hardwood floors. Monthly: Polish wood floors every 2-6 months for extra shine and protection.

What is the best homemade floor cleaning solution?

Best Homemade All-Purpose Floor Cleaner
  • 2 cups warm water.
  • 1/2 cup white vinegar.
  • 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol.
  • 1/8 tsp dish soap (without bleach, oils or moisturizers)
  • (optional) 5-10 drops of essential oil or lemon juice.

Does Bona leave a film on wood floors?

Bona products are specially designed to protect floors and the environment. Bona cleaners won't dull your floors or leave behind any residue, chemical or otherwise.

Is Dawn good for cleaning wood floors?

If you're exploring options like cleaning wood floors with vinegar and Dawn, you're on the right track to maintaining the natural beauty of your hardwood floors using household items. This simple yet effective combination can help keep your floors looking their best, enhancing both elegance and warmth.

What is the best wood cleaner?

7 Best Hardwood Floor Cleaners, Tested by Cleaning Experts
  • Best Overall. Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner Spray. Read more.
  • Best Value. Murphy Concentrated Wood Cleaner. Read more.
  • Best Microfiber Spray Mop. Bona Hardwood Floor Premium Spray Mop. Read more.

Can I clean my wood floors with Murphy's oil soap?

Whether you're cleaning one area or all of your flooring, Murphy® Oil Soap is safe to use on hardwood floors. This article was brought to you by Colgate-Palmolive Company, the makers of Murphy® Oil Soap.

Is Bona or vinegar better for hardwood floors?

Where to buy Bona. Buy Bona products now from your favorite retailers: When looking for the best way to clean wood floors, skip the white vinegar and water. Using a specially-formulated wood floor care cleaner is the smart way to maintain the beauty and look of your floors.

How do you deep clean hardwood floors?

You can use a putty knife to gently scrape out grime, then gently spot clean anywhere that needs extra attention. It's optional, but if you want to go the extra mile, use an antibacterial wood floor cleaner to disinfect the floor with a mop. Focus on small areas at a time, rather than racing to be done.

What is the best natural cleaner for hardwood floors?

Whether you have traditional wood floors or a more rustic look in your home, you can get a lot done on the cleaning front with some simple dish detergent. 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.

Why are my hardwood floors still dirty after mopping?

Ensure that your mop is free from debris and thoroughly rinsed before each use. After mopping with your chosen cleaning product, you need to go over the floor again with a well-rinsed mop, to remove any residue left behind. By adhering to this method, you'll achieve a consistent, streak-free finish.

How do you clean hardwood floors that haven't been cleaned in years?

You can use a hardwood floor cleaner, such as Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner or Bruce Hardwood and Laminate Floor Cleaner. Home Depot carries both products in 32-ounce spray bottles — $7.97 for Bona's product and $4.48 for Bruce's. The spray products deliver a mist that you can wipe away with a mop while you are standing.

What is the fastest and easiest way to clean hardwood floors?

How to Clean Hardwood Floors
  1. Vacuum your floors.
  2. In a bucket, mix warm water with a few drops of natural dish soap. ...
  3. Dip your microfiber mop in the bucket. ...
  4. Mop your floors, working in small sections at a time.
  5. Go over the floors with a dry mop to prevent water damage and ensure a streak-free finish.

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