Will a Mild Solution of Vinegar & Water Damage Hardwood Floors?

Create your own hardwood floor wash with vinegar and water.

Hardwood floors add value to a home, but they require extra care to maintain their appearance. You can care for your floors using a combination of vinegar and water, a mixture that will not harm them.

Cleaning

For general hardwood floor cleaning, fill a bucket with a solution of 1/4 cup white vinegar per quart of cool water. Dip your mop in the bucket and wring it out well before using it on the floor. After mopping, run a soft cloth over the floor to dry it.

Stain Removal

If you need to remove a stain from your hardwood floor, dip a soft cloth in a mixture of one part vinegar to one part water, and gently rub the cloth over the problem area. For pet stains, wash the affected part of the floor with pure vinegar, and then rinse it with water.

Considerations

The key to proper cleaning when washing a hardwood floor with a solution of vinegar and water is to avoid using too much liquid. Too much of any cleaning liquid puts you at risk for moisture damage to the floor. Running a fan while you wash the floor will help evaporate any excess moisture.

References

• "DIY for Dummies"; Jeff Howell; 2010
• "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Green Cleaning"; Mary Findley, Linda Formichelli; 2009