Hardwood Floor Cleaning Products to Avoid
Understanding Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors are a popular flooring choice for many homeowners due to their durability and aesthetic appeal. They tend to be easy to maintain, too. However, they do require special care to keep them looking and feeling their best.
Hardwood floors are made from natural wood and can be damaged by harsh chemicals, excessive moisture, and abrasive cleaning methods. It's essential to understand the type of hardwood floor you have, including the finish and wood species, so you choose the right cleaning products and methods.
By taking the time to understand your hardwood flooring, you can ensure it remains a stunning feature in your home for years to come.
Prolonging the Life of Your Hardwood
Your home lovingly protects you and your family, so why would you not do the same for your home?
Many people with hardwood floors try to find obscure ways to clean their hardwood floors and end up doing more harm than good when they use certain store-bought cleaners on such sensitive surfaces.
Common Hardwood Cleaning Mistakes
When it comes to cleaning hardwood floors, there are several common mistakes to avoid.
Using too much water. One of the most significant mistakes is using too much water, which can damage the wood and cause warping or buckling.
Using harsh cleaning supplies. Another mistake is using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, which can strip the finish and damage the wood.
Using a steam mop. Additionally, using a steam mop or excessive heat can damage the finish and wood.
Using too much cleaner. It's also important to avoid using too much cleaner or leaving a sticky residue on the floor, as these can cause your floors to become slippery. Over time, these mistakes can lead to costly repairs or even the need for a complete floor replacement.
Cleaning Hardwood Floors: The Do's and Dont's with Hardwood Floor Cleaners
Your hardwood floors are easily susceptible to dents, scratches, warping, peeling, stripping, and even water damage that many cleaning products can cause. Harsh chemicals and even fragrances have the power to wear down the finish of your wood floor's natural shine and value.
When choosing a cleaning method for your hardwood floors, be sure to avoid the following:
Ammonia: Cleaning products that have a base of vinegar or ammonia eat away at the dirt on your floor - and also the floor's finish itself. Over time, the acid will wear down your hardwood, leaving you with splotchy patches that are difficult to revive. You really want to look for a cleaner with a pH-neutral formula like our Zr™ Water! This formula gently cleans without leaving residues or causing damage, ultimately enhancing the floor's natural shine.
Oil Soap: Cleaners with an oil component are great at making your floor appear shiny, but they often just trap dust and dirt on top of the varnish, fading your hardwood flooring over time. This residue can actually re-attract soil and cause dulling and permanent damage over time.
Excess Water: It may seem like a good idea to grab a mop and go to town on your hardwood floors with a bucket of water, but if you use too much water, the liquid can start to absorb into the wood, causing it to swell, and potentially crack at the seams. This creates a devastating mess that can be very difficult to repair and may even need to be replaced. Just a few spritzes of liquid and a dry mop should be enough.
How to Clean Hardwood Floors
However, just because some products and methods harm hardwood does not mean that you should skip cleaning your floors altogether!
Instead of using those store-bought cleaning products that can damage your flooring, have a professional like Zerorez® tend to your hardwood floors yearly.
Between professional hardwood cleaning services, simply vacuum or sweep your hardwood floors. This will keep your floors clear of most debris and help to prolong the clean.
But be sure to wring out your mop well to avoid soaking the floor with water.
Ingredients to Avoid in Wood Floor Cleaners
When choosing a wood floor cleaner, it's essential to read the label and avoid ingredients that can damage your hardwood floors. Some ingredients to avoid include:
Ammonia: Can damage the finish and wood
Bleach: Can discolor or damage the wood
Abrasive particles: Can scratch the finish and wood
Harsh chemicals: Can strip the finish and damage the wood
Excessive fragrances: Can leave a sticky residue and damage the finish
Instead, look for cleaners with pH-neutral formulas and plant-derived ingredients that are gentle on hardwood floors. These types of cleaners are designed to clean effectively without causing harm, ensuring your floors remain beautiful and durable.
By avoiding harmful ingredients, you can protect your investment and enjoy the natural beauty of your hardwood floors for years to come.
DIY Cleaning Solutions to Avoid on Wood Floors
While DIY cleaning solutions may seem like a cost-effective option, they can often do more harm than good on hardwood floors. Some DIY cleaning solutions to avoid include:
Baking soda and water
Lemon juice and water
Olive oil and water
Each of these can damage the finish and wood and leave a residue behind that can ultimately attract more dirt, scratching your wood floors.
Instead, partner with the experts at Zerorez. Your home is your comfort zone, and it's our mission to keep it that way.
By avoiding DIY solutions and opting for professional cleaning services, you can protect your hardwood floors and keep them looking their best for years to come.
What Not to Use on Hardwood Floors
Frequently Asked Questions About Hardwood Floor Cleaners
Can you use degreaser on hardwood floors?
When you see something slick or sticky on your floors, many people's first instinct leads them to reach for a degreaser. Unfortunately, this can do more harm than good. Degreaser is known to strip more than just the residue on your floors, ultimately damaging your finish and allowing dirt and grime to damage your hardwood floors.
Can you use Mr. Clean on hardwood floors?
Another common household cleaner, Mr. Clean, can also take your floors from dreamy to drab. The harsh chemicals in these hardwood floor cleaners often result in a stripped finish, dulling the appearance of your floor.
Does Pin-Sol damage hardwood floors?
Of all the hardwood floor cleaners, Pin-Sol may be the most popular choice. People love the scent and the gleam that it can give their floors.
However, Pin-Sol is still full of chemicals that can leave a sticky residue on your floors that attracts dirt and grime, leaving your floors dull and damaged in a very short time. It's better to try sticking to professional cleanings that leave your floors refreshed and protected.
Can you use Dawn dish soap on hardwood floors?
Dawn dish soap may appear to be a gentle and universal cleaning solution, but where your floors are involved, this may not be the case. This solution still contains chemicals that leave a residue behind and can still be powerful enough to strip the finish on your floors, resulting in dull or discolored patches.
Can you use bleach on hardwood floors?
Similar to many other cleaning products, bleach is a harsh chemical. Its nature is to break things down and brighten them, which can mean stripping the finish and completely discoloring your hardwood floors. It's best to avoid bleach and any products that contain bleach in order to keep your floors in the best condition possible.
How to Clean Hardwood Floors and Remove Sticky Residue According to Zerorez
So what is the best way to clean hardwood floors? Start with scheduling your hardwood floor cleaning with your local Zerorez, but for maintenance, we recommend a few tried and true options that can help keep your floors cleaner longer:
Vacuum or sweep regularly to pick up large, visible debris
Purchase a microfiber mop and use warm water sparingly to lift some of the grime
Opt for a sealant with each hardwood floor cleaning service to protect your floors
And just like that, you will notice your hardwood floors looking cleaner and stronger over time. For additional information or questions on the services Zerorez has to offer, get in touch with the experts at the nearest Zerorez to you!
