Cleaning hardwood floors is one of the simplest chores in the world. Go over them whenever needed with a soft broom, and every couple of weeks, vacuum them with the soft brush attachment. Should you spill something on the floor, clean it up immediately with a damp mop. Aside from a rotary tiller running at full speed, the most dangerous enemy of a hardwood floor is water or any other kind of liquid that’s allowed to soak into the wood.
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Natural wood can be protected against this kind of damage by giving it a coat of polyurethane clear finish, but it’s still best to keep liquids off the floor. Only when a floor is properly sealed in this way should you consider following up vacuuming with damp mopping the entire floor. If you don’t like the shiny finish of polyurethane, use a penetrating seal, which consists of wax or oil finishes that penetrate the wood and protect from within. Applying a floor wax is one more possibility to protect the surface.
Shoes Off!
A high percentage of grime found on floors is carried in from outside on shoes. So a good way to limit the amount of cleaning you need to do is limit the amount of grunge that finds its way to the floor. Use area rugs, throw rugs, and runners over high traffic areas. You might also consider adopting the Asian habit of having people remove their shoes before stepping inside. Of course, the considerate host provides slippers and an area by the door where shoes are stashed.
Hardwood Floor Cleaning and Care
No matter what preventive measures you take, however, or how often you vacuum, there are times when a damp mop just won’t do the job; cutting through grease, removing odors, mildew, or wax buildup. On those occasions, add some white vinegar to the mop water.
The most common and difficult to solve problem regarding hard wood floors is accidental staining with substances like coffee, wine, juice, or ink. Here again, if the floor has been sealed, cleaning up the stain may entail nothing more than picking it up with a dampened rag or paper towel. But you may have to rub the area with a nylon rubbing pad to remove scuff marks and use mineral spirits to remove crayon smears. Commercial products will help in removing paint spills and chewing gum.
Stains
Stains that go deep into the finish must be attacked more aggressively. Cleaning suggestions for various types of deep stains:
- Blood: Sponge it with cold water, if it’s extra tough then sponge it with a solution of ammonia and cold water.
- Dye: Rub with a cloth dampened with a 1:3 solution of bleach and water. Do not soak the area.
- Liquor: Rub with a cloth dampened with warm water and detergent; alternate rubbing with a cloth dampened with denatured alcohol.
- Grease: After causing the grease to congeal by applying a bag of frozen peas, scrape it off with a knife. Remove any residue by putting a rag on it and carefully ironing the rag.
- Crayon marks: If mineral spirits doesn’t do the trick, try applying tooth paste and rubbing with a dry cloth.
- Fruit: Warm water and detergent should work; if not, rub it with a solution of water and oxalic acid.
- Nail polish: Detergent solution, scouring powder, water, and a plastic mesh pad.
- Ink: If warm water and detergent doesn’t work, try a commercial ink remover.
- Lipstick: Detergent and warm water; use light pressure with a plastic scouring pad if it’s a tough stain.
- Scuffs: Use a pencil eraser on them. If stubborn, rub gently with 000 fine steel wool and the type of liquid wax usually used on the floor. Mr. Clean magic erasers work wonders on these.
Spills
- Oil: Soak up as much as you can with newspaper or paper towels. Cover for five minutes with a cloth saturated with a dry cleaning fluid. Then wipe dry and clean with a detergent.
- Shoe Polish: Rub gently with ultra-fine steel wool.
- Tar: Place bags of frozen peas on it to freeze it and make it brittle. Then scrape it off with a plastic spatula. A light stain may remain, which can be removed with dry cleaning solvent.
- Pet Urine: Immediately rub with a hot, damp cloth and scouring powder. A 1:10 solution of bleach and water can be used on old stubborn stains, but always rinse well with rags dampened with clean water. Take care not to get the solution below the finish; this will discolor the wood.
After removing any stain, rinse the area thoroughly with a damp cloth, dry completely, and, if the floor finish has been removed in that area, recoat with appropriate finish or wax.
It’s recommended a professional floor finisher be called to handle rust stains, dark spots, or stains that cover an extensive area. Sometimes the best response to a stain is to refinish the entire floor.
{ 41 comments… read them below or add one }
I clean houses professionally. I was told that Windex diluted in a bucket of water and damp mop works well and keeps the shine. I have been trying this and so far it seems to be working. I just need to know if long term will harm the floor (shine).
I use a swiffer wet jet. They actually make the bottle of cleaning liquid for hardwood floors only. It works wonderfully. I do it about once a month.
I have owned my home for 18 months and my floor is starting to get a buildup. I have always used the Swifter Wet Jet wood floor solution. Once you mop it, let dry, then walk across the floor, it will leave prints and smudges across the surface. Any idea how to fix my smudgy, filmy buildup?
i use the swifer wet jet to pre- clean and then i finish it off with a mix of baking soda and cold water on a soft sponge to give it a nice clean shine i have been doing this with the same trick on the same floors for 12 years and they still look beautiful :]
To get rid of scuff marks try using a tennis ball and a broom handle. Make a cut in the tennis ball just big enough to screw the tennis ball in to it.Then go back and forth over the scuff.All the black scuff comes off on the ball.
I need a tip how can I keep the footprints off the floor ? I’ve used everything the minute we walk on them it’s there!
Sandy, I have the same problem. I have never found a solution. I have brazillian cherry which is dark, and I wish I had gone lighter.
I have inside dogs and sometimes they have accidents inside- I have used muphy oil- orange glo – swifter for hardwoods and I have used Bruce cleaner but I’m not surewhich bruce cleaner is the best also which mop is the best to use- can you use any kind of scrub brush
I have really pretty wood floors that are original and I only use Holloway House floor cleaner and quick shine and I never have any trouble with smudges they are just sparkling clean!
I have brand new floors and have been doing a lot of research on cleaning them. All of the professional floor people if you will have told me to stay away from wet jets and murphys oil, as there is to many chemicals, oils, something or other. Anyways over time they build up on the floors and damage them. Most places recommended BONA products, or the dry swifters.
I really like the Bona hardwood floor cleaner. I was told by 2 different hardwood companies and installers that Swiffer and Murphy’s Oil soap actually damage your hardwood floor finish over time so I would not recommend using those particular cleaners. The Bona cleaner is really nice and quick to use.
i have black dots on the floor in the wood how do i get rid of them
I have used pledge hardwood floor cleaner on my floor and now have a dull gray haze on my floor. I have remopped using vinegar and water to remove the residue with no luck. Please give me some tips to fix my floor.
one correction on the pet urine from above. it’s 10 parts water to 1 part bleach, not the other way around (yikes!). most people would know this, but probably best to correct it.
Unfortunately, I have used the pledge cleaner and the bruce cleaner on the floors and now they have the grayish residue that Ti speaks about in her inquiry. I see that Ti tried the vinegar recipe and it didn’t work. does anyone have any suggestions on how to remove that gray look and make the wood shine again?
First of all, you need to know how your hardwood floor was finished. Not all hardwood floors are finished with polyurathane. Mine was finished with a waterborne finish. If you have a waterborne or the epoxy finish you can not and must not use anything that has oil in it. It will dull the finish and your floors will have to be sanded and refinished to recover. The hardwood floor cleaner by Magnus Anderson is pH neutral, cleans all finished wood floor, is waterbased, non-toxic and leaves no dulling residue. It is also very easy to use — spray a little on and wipe if off with the Magnus Anderson floor pad (which is washable). Please note that you can not use this product if you have waxed the floors. You can get the product online or look up Magnus Anderson in your phone book. Also note that you may think this product is expensive, but it’s not. It lasts a very long time and is really easy to use. One spray bottle (32 oz.) lasts me over a year. You’ll know if you’re putting down too much because the floor pad will drag, rather than pull smoothly. I have all hardwood floors in my house except the kithcen and bathrooms and would recommend this product highly to anyone who has hardwood floors.
A friend has been using a mix of vinegar and water, no soap, since installing hers floor last year. I can attest no footprints as I have and no deterioration or discoloration to the shine. I will be trying the same and will let you know personally.
Foot prints on floors
I have been havign problems with footprints on the hardwood floors. Even when wearing socks prints will appear. I have tried the viniger and water and that seems to help some. Any othe suggestions on what to use to keep footprints from showing up on hardwood floors?
worn floors
My hardwood floor is not in very good shape. What is the best way to clean it an possibly restore shine?
Cleaning hardwood floors
I clean my hardwood floors regularly but they always seem dirty. I have tried swifters, murphy soap and when we walked on them with white socks they are still filthy. I don’t know what I can use to deep clean the floor so that they do not feel and look dull and dirty.
Dark hardwood floors
I am so glad that someone else has problems with footprints on dark hardwood! It’s a constant battle keeping it mark-free. I have used swiffer wet but it does leave a film. I use a hot [so it evaporates quick] damp cloth weekly, but it doesn’t really remove the foot film. I am going to try a bit of vinegar with the hot water.
Hardwood floors and Mr Clean magic eraser.
I have maple hardwood floors and one day it got black marks from shoes. I tried the magic eraser, it cleaned the marks but it left some marks that you can see them from far when the sunlight goes direct to the floor. What do I can do? Do i have to refinished the entire floor?
detergent stain on hardwood
Sadly, a bottle of dark concentrated detergent leaked on my hardwood floors. I’ve tried blotting with light cloth but it’s starting to strip away the finish. Any suggestions?
Film on Hardwood Floors
I mistakenly used a couple different cleaners on my hardwood floors. Now it appears dull and smudgy in parts. I can’t remove this film.
Cleaning Harwood Floors cont.
Adrienne,
I’m new to this website and have the same problem as you with the white sock issue. Any chance you could share what feedback you received? I’m dieing to reach a conclusion to this ongoing issue. Thanks!
Hardwood floors
I have purchased the BONA products and they work good. But my socks are still dirty. SO I still have not found the perfect solutions
Cleaning Harwood Floors
O.k. Thanks for letting me know. I guess we’ll just have to trudge on with wearing indoor slippers and save our socks for the next house that has carpet :0) I appreciate the feedback Adrienne. Good luck to you.
Clean Floors Still Leave Dirty Socks
The dirt that is ground into the flooring can be difficult to remove. Even though the surface appears to be clean, the floors need to be deep cleaned to really get all of the dirt out. One cleaner that has worked well is Method floor cleaner. Apply following the guidelines on the package. A second option is to utilize a steam mop. These mops use steam to loosen and remove the ground in dirt. The steam also dries quickly so there is no concern about water setting on the surface. Beware of cleaners that leave a residue on the floor. This residue attracts dirt and collects it much faster – leading to more dirty socks. Hope this helps and good luck!
Question for Susan about Method Floor Cleaner
Susan,
I am considering to by the Methos Floor Cleaner after reading some of the reviews and your comment about the product. I have two question you may be able to answer or anyone else that may have used this product. First is how often should this product be used on hardwood floors before reapplying again? second does this product help keep foot prints from reappearing on the floors after one has just cleaned the floor rather wearing socks or no socks.
Method Floor Cleaner is designed to be used regularly on the floor. Whether you clean your floors weekly or a couple of times a week, this cleaner is safe to use. This product does not leave a residue (if used in appropriate amounts), which is when footprints become most visible. it has helped keep footprints away, but it’s important not to use too much or the residue will lead to footprints developing. Hope this helps! Good Luck
Oops! Simple Green was accidentally used on my hardwood floors
My housekeeper picked up a green bottle (same color as my Mohawk hardwood floor cleaner), and cleaned all my hardwood flooring. I noticed a horrible film and footprints galore. I asked what she used and she pulled out the bottle of Simple Green which my husband uses to remove mildew on the outside of the house. Now I’m trying to find something to remove this awful film. Every footprint shows. You can even tell what brand of tennis shoe someone wears by the print left on the floor! I’ve used ammonia & water, but to no avail. Any suggestions? I’m heartbroken, as I had worked hard to get my floors gorgeous. Help!!!
gummy reidue from chair protectors on hardwood floor
there always seems to be a gummy residue on the floor from the chairs no matter what kind of protectors I use on the bottom of the chairs. Also, what to do about small scrtaches on floor from the chairs where the protector failed to make contact w/the chairs.
Betty
Dirty socks & cleaning wood floor safely for baby to crawl on.
Adrienne & Melissa: I am so glad you mentioned about your socks being dirty after cleaning. My 9 months baby gets dirt spots on top of her tiny feet–even after I’ve damp mopped my finished wood floors.I feel so bad, but even cleaning my floors daily doesn’t seem to help. Does anyone know of a baby safe cleaner that will finally get my floors clean so our feet don’t get dirty?
always has a black film
I clean my floors all the time I have scrubbed them w/ orange cleaner and it has taken some black dirt off, but soon after it gets black, I sweep everyday when we walk around the house in socks they turn black, I used a wipe that had hand sanitizer on it to wipe a little spill & it took off so much black film & my floor looked brighter after I did a small area, is it safe to use something w/ alcohol in it cuz it sure worked better than anything else I’ve used.
Dull residue on hardwood floor
Terry,
I have the same problem with the gray dull residue from different products.
Anyone know how to get back to the original shine?
mixture of baking soda and water for jake the snake
what should the ratio of baking soda to water be?
I have unsealed dark walnut (walnut colored) hardwood floors that a cleaning person used products that dulled the floor. The floors are 70 years old. I also have 3 large dogs that carry in a good bit of dirt. My floors never seem clean. My new maid has been using this high performance sealer-finish that is some sort of pure thermoplastic copolymer. At first, my floors looked wonderful but now after 6 cleaning visits later, my floors have horrible scratches from the dogs that I never noticed before. I think that there is a great deal of build up on the floors now. What can I do to remove the build up without remaving the dark walnut finish. I am most grateful for any suggestions. I really want to be able to give them a good deep cleaning and restore their lustre. I don’t need high shine, just a nice deep color. Thanks so much, Tracy
Hi Monica,
The baking soda mixture does not need to be strong. Typically about one cup of baking soda with one gallon of water is sufficient for most cleaning purposes.
Zep works wonders
I read through all 38 comments today trying to find the solution to the build-up on my hardwood floors.Tried Windex; did not work. We live in a house that’s approximately 15-20 years old so I had my doubts. I had been using Murphy’s soap and now know why they looked dull. I found and highly recommend ZEP a professional strength hardwood and laminate floor cleaner I found at Home Depot. The clerk recommended it. It costs less than $5.00 and is worth $50.00. Yes, I got down on my hands and knees to clean my kitchen, but it was extrememly dull and dirty. The rest of the house I used a flat mop with the removable cover to apply it. The whole house looks wonderful and the floors look richer and clearner than they have in a long time. It cannot be used on oil finished wood floors and floors that require waxing. It CAN be used on varnish, acrylic and polyurethane-finished wood and laminate floors, baseboards, cabainet doors and crown molding. I sound like I’m a rep. of the company, but I’m not. Just someone who highly recommends it.
residue on floor
i have a awful residue on my floor nothing will work and everytime you walk you can see footprints HELP
steam cleaning wood floors
Is the Haan Steam Cleaning System good for wood floors?