The Right Way to Clean Hardwood floors

Hardwood floors are found in many homes and offices today. These floors are

beautiful and expensive. You sure don't want to use just anything on them to clean.

No need to worry! Here is the safe and effective way to clean hardwood floors

"in any home or office".

Damp mopping of hardwood floors
Consider water an enemy to a wood floor. If it soaks in, warping and damage will ensue. Damp mopping is a method whereby the mop is barely wet, you do not want puddles of water on your wood floor. Depending on how much traffic your floor sees or in specific rooms (the kitchen), you may have to mop it as often as once a week ,other areas may need it much less.

To damp mop, wet the mop (microfibre mopheads) and wring as much water out as possible. Go over the floor twice, first to dissolve the dirt and then again, after rinsing the mop and ringing it thoroughly, again to rinse. The floor can then be buffed dry with a towel--this is done easily by attaching a towel to a clamp mop handle.

DON'T:

Don't use oil soaps, wax cleaners, or products that promise "shine." They leave build up and create problems when it's time to put a new surface coat on the floor.
Don't use vinyl or tile floor care products on wood floors. Acrylic waxes cause wood to become slippery and cloudy--which can only be fixed by sanding and refinishing.
Don't use ammonia cleaners they will dull the finish and performance of your floor.
Don't use vinegar. Low pH cleaners (acidic, like vinegar) can dissolve hard water and mineral deposits, but can't tackle dirt and grime. Many people rely on vinegar, but since it is an acid it will eventually dull the finish.
Don't use high pH cleaners (more alkaline, like harsher soaps) are good at dissolving dirt and grime. But will also eventually dull the finish.

 

DO:

The best non-toxic floor cleaning solution is ¼ of a cup of mild liquid dishwashing detergent added to a bucket of warm water (for damp mopping).
For scuff marks use a sprinkle of baking soda on a damp sponge and rub.

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Don't mix these cleaning products

For a clean bill of health avoid these toxic combos.

Rust remover and all-purpose cleaner: When paired with the oxidizing agents in the cleaner, the acid-based rust remover, which contains sodium hydrosulfite, releases sulfur dioxide, a pungent gas that irritates the eyes and the nose.

Tile cleaner with bleach and all-purpose cleaner: Ammonia-based cleaners emit noxious gases when coupled with the sodium hypoclorite ingredient in bleach. Wheezing and coung ensue.

Dishwashing liquid containing ammoniea and automatic-dishwasher detergent: Adding a squirt of dish soap when the gel runs low isn't a smart shortcut. The amonia in the soap and the bleach in the gel create toxic fumes.