How to Clean a Polyurethane-Coated Hardwood Floor

Polyurethane-finished hardwood floors are tough and will last for years with the proper care. Fortunately, caring for these floors is a snap.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Liquid Dish Soap
• Brooms
• Clean Rags
• Dustpans
• Mops
• Towels
• Vacuums
• Clean Rags
• Towels
• Oil Soaps
• Buckets
• Towels

1. Clear the room of rugs and as much furniture as possible. This helps to ensure that the entire floor gets equal treatment.

2. Sweep and/or vacuum the floor carefully. Dirt left on the floor during mopping can act as an abrasive.

3. Mix about 1 tsp. grease-cutting dish soap or oil soap into a large bucket full of warm water. The exact mixture isn't crucial; just keep the amount of soap to a bare minimum.

4. Start mopping in a corner along the wall farthest from the door, and mop the entire floor with firm strokes. Make sure the mop is well wrung out and not drippy. Both foam and string mop heads will work.

5. Use new solution when the water begins to grow cloudy or dirty.

6. Repeat the process with fresh water (no soap) once the entire surface has been thoroughly mopped with the cleaning solution. This will pick up the soapy residue and leave your floor clean and shiny.

7. Buff dry with clean, dry towels.

Tips & Warnings

• Be very careful with water; you may need to spot-clean around any unsealed gaps between slats. Always buff the floor dry.
• Don't use cleaning oils or furniture polishes on polyurethane-coated floors, as these can leave a residue that will cause refinishing problems later. Certain chemical-based strippers can damage the finish as well.

[totalychew]

on 3/30/2009 Please HELP I purchased new Brazillian cherry floors 3 weeks ago, and was told to use orange glo on them. Now I have a hazy film, when I called the manufacturer of orange glo theytold me to use ammonia and water. I'm terrified to do any more damage to my new floors.. Please help..

[lkbarrett]

on 3/4/2009 I failed to read the back panel carefully of a can of Swiffer Dust

[GilmoreCleaning]

on 12/15/2008 I don't think the haze goes away, there's rumors of solution (vinegar, etc, etc,) but trust me, refinishing is the only way. It doesn't seem like it but its true. I've come across news of cleaning products misrepresented in the marketplace, hopefully you find something that works and stick with that. Always follow the directions for use and use the right product on the right type of floor.

[GilmoreCleaning]

on 12/15/2008 Orange Glow is bad stuff for polyurethane floors, just read the labels and buy products accordingly or use a mild multisurface that says safe for hardwood and laminate flooring.

[MJLL]

on 9/27/2008 What about using windex and a damp felt magic cloth? Is there a danger in it destroying the finish on engineered hardwood with windex? It seems to give my floors the best shine, however I am concerned it may do long term damage. Vinegar and water on my floors leaves streaks, but windex leaves a nice even shine.