Home / Housekeeping / DIY / Hardwood Floor Cleaners & TipsHardwood Floor Cleaners & Tips  62 Comments    Print     EmailHere are several different recipes for mixing up your own cleaners for hardwood flooring, just a few simple ingredients are all that’s needed. Keep in mind that a little goes a long way, you just need enough liquid to dampen the mop (or cloth) and scrub away.If you’re happy to damp mop with straight water, try adding about 10 drops of essential oil per gallon of water for extra cleaning muscle. Some suggestions: lavender, tea tree oil, pine or eucalyptus oil will add antiseptic qualities.You’ll also find tips on this page for removing scuff marks, how to test for wax (and remove it), a few DIY polish recipes and a scratch repair method that may surprise you.Getting Started: Sweep or vacuum surface to remove as much dirt and dust as possible.Directions:When using one of the recipes below, damp mop only. Saturating the floor with liquid may cause spotting or warping of the surface.

You can either lightly spray one section at a time or lightly spray the mop head.Wholesale House Of MarleyScrub in the direction of the grain of the wood to grab and remove as much of the dirt as possible.Miniature Yorkie Puppies For Sale NcWipe dry with a soft cloth after washing.Lighted Makeup Mirror PhilippinesMix 1 gallon warm water with your choice of the ingredients below…Solution #11/4 cup vinegar1 TBS castille soapSolution #21 cup white household vinegar (*Is it safe to use? See notes below)Solution #31/4 cup borax1/2 teaspoon mild dish detergent (liquid)Solution #41 cup vinegar10 drops peppermint essential oilSolution #51/8 cup mild liquid dish soap1/2 cup vinegarSolution #61 TBS Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap1/8 cup vinegar1/4 cup brewed black teaTea Mixture:Steep 1 bag of tea in 2 cups of boiling water and leave until it comes to room temperature.

Remove tea bag and soak cloth in liquid, wring out then wipe floor clean. Dry with a soft cloth. The tannic acid in the tea will help bring wood to a shine.For Oil-Finish: Damp mop with straight water after first cleaning with the recipe below.1 TBS rubbing alcohol2/3 cup hot water*Is vinegar safe to use? Isn’t it too acidic for hardwood?If you poured a bottle of vinegar directly on the floor and allowed it to sit, it would most likely damage the surface. However, in the mixtures above it is well diluted and only used as a damp mop (meaning excess liquid is squeezed out). Vinegar is an excellent household cleaner and brings a lot of muscle to the job. If you’re concerned about the effects it may have on the finish over the long-term, consider doing a clear water rinse after wiping floor with a mixture that has vinegar as an ingredient (then wipe dry as usual).Removing Scuff MarksKeep a spray bottle with a mixture of 50/50 vinegar, water and about 15 drops of essential oil of your choosing.

Sprinkle scuffs with baking soda then spray solution, let fizz for a few seconds.Scrub marks until they are removed then dry with a soft towel.Wax Testing & RemovalWet your fingers with water then flick into a corner of the floor where there’s not much traffic. If there’s wax on the surface, the floor will turn white under the water beads (may take a half hour or so to turn white).To Remove Wax:Scrub the surface with mineral spirits using a household sponge with a nylon scrubby side. Wipe dry with a soft cloth as wax is dissolved. Repeat process a second time if needed.DIY PolishWash surface as usual and dry thoroughly. Using one of the mixes below, apply polish to surface then wipe dry with a soft cotton towel.Recipe #1Mix equal parts olive oil and white household vinegar.Recipe #21/4 cup vegetable oil (or olive oil)2 TBS cider vinegar3 TBS vodkaRecipe #31 TBS olive oil mixed with 1 tsp lemon juice. Apply to a clean, dry mop and treat floors after cleaning.Quick Tip: You can also spray commercial furniture polish onto the mop head and then wipe over surface.

Scratch RepairRub a crayon that is the same color as the flooring into the scratch, filling the space as full of the wax as you can.To seal in place, heat with a hair dryer to soften the wax, allow to cool for a few seconds then buff with a soft cloth. Print     Email Published: November 16, 2011Updated: June 9, 2012 32 oz. Hardwood Floor Cleaner Orange GLO Everyday Cleaner is specially formulated for outstanding streak-free cleaning. Unlike oils or soaps, it cleans away dirt and tough stains without dulling your wood’s finish. Just spray and mop, dries fast with no streaks or residue. Orange GLO everyday cleaner is also great for cleaning wood furniture, cabinets and paneling Contains a refreshing fresh orange scent Use daily to deep clean dirt and grime Cleans and protects wood floors in one easy step with convenient trigger spray Note: product may vary by store 0 Is it good for Unsealed oak floors? Get in a Routine The best way to clean hardwood floors is to follow a schedule:

Dust: This is one of the most underestimated and easy steps in the process. Dust daily to keep dust and dirt off the floor. This will prevent scratching and essentially extend the beauty and life of your floor. Daily dust-mopping will also significantly reduce allergens in the home. More effective than traditional methods, a microfiber material uses a static charge to attract more dust and allergens. These smaller fibers reach into floor pores to lift dirt more effectively. Clean: There's a right way to clean floors, and there's a wrong way. Too much liquid can damage floors, while the wrong formula may not work. Look for pH-neutral, nontoxic and biodegradable formulas to clean effectively and keep your home and environment safe. Vinegar, for example, can eat away at finish, even when diluted with water. Use a washable microfiber pad, which will remove bacteria and keep waste out of landfills. Polish: Use water-based polishes to restore luster and shine every two to three months.

These polishes won’t leave a residue or emit harmful toxins, plus they'll prevent over-cleaning and stripping of your floor. Durable, urethane-based polishes have fast dry times, no waxy buildup and a protective wear layer to fill in microscratches and even out the appearance of the floor. Avoid using water and vinegar, soap-based cleaners, wax or steam cleaners on your hardwood floor. Vinegar and water will dull the floor’s finish over time, while soap or wax will leave a residue. Steam cleaners put heat and excessive water on your floor, which can lead to cupping and long-term damage. Use a natural, rubber rug underlayment with a waffle pattern in the entry ways or high-traffic areas; use felt floor protectors on furniture and avoid high heels. Regularly dust and clean your hardwood floor to keep it looking like new. Use the proper tools to clean your floor: a mop paired with a machine-washable, microfiber pad for dusting and cleaning. Avoid string mops that put excessive amounts of water on the floor, which can be damaging, and push dirt around, instead of picking up and removing dirt.