Hardwood Floor Cleaning Products

Think before you reach for a product to clean your hardwood floor. Not all hardwood floors have the same finish and may require special cleaners. Some floor surfaces are better off if you don't use any cleanser at all. Know your floor before you select a cleaning product for it and be sure to read the labels on any product before using it.

Types

Always choose a type of hardwood floor cleaning product that is recommend for your type of floor. Floors that have a polyurethane clear coat require different care than stained and waxed wood. A sealed floor can be cleaned with Murphy Oil Soap, whereas stained wood should only be vacuum and waxed. Laminate floors, which look like hardwood, require cleaners specially made for laminate. Orange Glo makes a laminate floor cleaner that is safe to use. Be careful to read the label of any product before using to make sure it is safe for your floor's finish.

Warning

Never wax a hardwood floor with a polyurethane clear coat sealer. Never use water on a stained hardwood floor, as it will warp the wood. Never use ammonia-based cleaners on hardwood floors, as they will dull the finish.

Prevention/Solution

Daily dusting and vacuuming of your hardwood floor will prevent grit and dirt from becoming embedded in the floor. Use area rugs and doormats to trap dirt before it is tracked on the floor. If your hardwood floor becomes dull, use a floor buffer to polish the surface.

Green Clean

Think green when you clean your floor. If your floor has a polyurethane seal, use a damp mop with a bucket of warm water mixed with 1/4 cup of mild liquid dish soap. Be sure to wring the mop nearly dry before using. You can clean scuff marks with baking soda. Just sprinkle a little on the scuff mark and wipe with a damp sponge. For stained hardwood floors, use a natural citrus solvent for spot cleaning.

Brand Names

Brand names count when searching for products to clean your hardwood floor. The manufacturers of hardwood flooring sell cleaning products compatible with the floors they produce. Anderson, Bruce and Armstrong all make special cleaners designed to clean their specific finish. You can find these cleaners at hardware, home improvement and flooring stores.

Resources

• Clean a Polyurethane Coated Hardwood Floor.
• Deep Clean a Hardwood Floor.