For Those Who Have Wood Floors, What Is the Best Way to Wash the Floor??

I have a Hoover Floor Mate. It uses a cleaning solution that it squirts on the floor, brushes to clean, and sucks up the dirt. I really like the squeaky-clean feeling on the floors - but our floors take a beating, with a dog, cat, and two active boys who like to play in the dirt and sandbox. A Scooba also sounds good! (the roomba that does the same thing.)

Get a dust mop and use it frequently - the biggest enemy of your floors is grit. If you have a sandbox, make sure you have a good entry mat. There are products you can buy for cleaning wood floors - I've seen a good selection in our hardware store, for some reason, but Target probably has some of the same stuff. I've heard people say that they avoid water, but I've never had a problem with using water as long as you don't leave the floors soaked. You don't want water laying on the floors. But in the dry winter, even using a moist mop, I've never found that to be an issue.

Oh - Murphy's Oil Soap is ok on polyurethane finishes as far as I know, but for people living in old apartments, it's a wax remover. I doubt that you have waxed floors, but just thought I'd mention that.

The thing that is going to degrade your hardwood floors the fastest is sitting water. So, make sure that if there is water on the floor you get it up right away. Or, you will be refinishing your floors in a few years. Our entire first floor is hardwood, and I use the Swiffer Duster Mop with the Wet clothes to clean it in between deep cleanings. This method works well for the day to day cleaning and doesn't leave water on the floor. Then, once a month, I use Murphy's Oil soap and a mop to clean it. That stuff works great, but I also make sure I go around and dry it off quickly with big bath towels when I am done so not too much water is sitting on the floor. I used to use vinegar and water and I always notice water spots when I do it. I may be doing it wrong because everyone says that is what they do. But, it doesn't work for me. I also make sure I sweep everyday. They are beautiful and advantageous is ways, and somewhat of a pain.

I've been using Murphy's Oil for over 2 years and I love it. My floors take a beating with 2 dogs & a toddler. It smells great and conditions your floor. Also, vinegar and water work well.

We have wood floors that are close to 100 years old. I always use hot water with vinegar to clean them. I've tried different mops, but in my opinion the best way is on your hands and knees. Yes, it's a pain but it is the most thorough method.

We have all wood floors as well. I use vinegar and water once a month and murphy's oil once a month. I agree with another poster that said to use your hands and knees. it works so much better. good luck!

Hi Karen,
We too have a house with all hardwood floors. We use Shaklee's Basic H2 on our floors. It is non-toxic and cleans VERY well. Since you have children and watch children in your home, its important that you use safe cleaners. Shaklee offers a wonderful line.

We use a duster mop by scotch brite where you can take the pad part off (its blue and washable) and I use that to wash the floors
http://www.3m.com/us/home_leisure/scotchbrite/products/fl...

With hardwood floors you have to sweep constantly. I sweep or vacuum (Its more like an electric broom) almost daily and wash them once a week.
B.

Hi Karen!

We've been in a house with wood floors for over 7 years and what we do is vacuum them regularly and when they need to be washed we use Murphy's Oil. You just pour a lttle in a bucket of hot water and mop.The mop we use is the one that has the long rags that you ring out by twisting with the device on the handle. It allows you to get up on the baseboards quickly while you mop the floors without having to wash them individually. They really don't need to be mopped all that often unless you have had heavy traffic or spills. Just when they start looking dingy. Hope this helps make cleaning your floors a little easier!

Vinegar and water cleans well, and will be the gentlest for your floors. It is also great because you don't have to worry about baby eating off the floors or anything because it is totally non toxic.
On occasion I will use Method floor cleaner and that works well too.