What do you use to clean your hardwoods?

egpitt22

I have one of those polishing systems (like a bona, though I can't remember what it is called)...and I vacuum it every time the floors get done.  But I don't feel like it's actually clean, if that makes sense.  Like, I don't think the polishing system does much more than just take away the smears and smudges, but not the actual dirt and grossness that may be on the floor.  I mop the rest of my floors with water & vinegar, but google seems to have mixed opinions on whether that's a good option for hardwoods.

Any suggestions?

waltsgirl102503

I use water and vinegar.  When Walt redid the floors in our house, the expert that he consulted (I can't even remember now where this guy was from) recommended that.  If I want it to actually be clean clean, I get a bucket with two clothes.   One is wet and I clean the floor with it (on my hands and knees), then use the 2nd to dry it so the water doesn't sit there.   This process does not get done often, I usually just swiffer, vacuum and use my spray mop with water/vinegar.

kris356

Murphy's Oil Soap. Whatever you do, do not use the Pledge hardwood cleaner. My dad almost broke his neck coming out of their bedroom into the hall one morning when my mom used it. Although it does make them shiny! 

Water and vinegar does nothing for the dog grime in our house. A dog with a permanent tongue hanging out makes a lot drool marks.

sarahandtim

We have a bissel steam cleaner for my kitchen and dining room, but I think that's bc they're laminate. It works very well though.

kris356

My sister uses a steam mop and I used hers when we first moved in. As long as your floors are sealed then it is okay (hers were factory finished). Ours are old and the seal is questionable in areas. Plus, I also mop my walls when I do the floors ) #knottypine

smynings_bride

 We use heavily diluted white vinegar in a spray bottle and one of those mops that has a washable towel at the end.  The guy who installed our floors recommended this method.  I think it does get the dirt off because you see it on the towel thing, which we wash after each use.

denalea

I also use a steam mop, and then a bona system for touch ups/sweeping....but the solution bottle had to be removed because toddler.