8 Natural Ways to Clean Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood floors can be expensive and difficult to maintain. The buildup and grime that you often find on the floor can make it even more expensive. Yet, there are many natural ways to clean hardwood floors that are easy on your budget and on your body! Take a look at the list below for some of the ways to clean hardwood flooring.
Introduction to Natural Ways to Clean Hardwood Flooring
Assuming your hardwood floors are sealed, there are a few natural ways to clean them that won’t damage the finish. You can use items like vinegar, olive oil, and lemon juice to clean your hardwood floors naturally.
Vinegar is probably the most well-known natural cleaner. Its acidic nature helps to break down dirt and grime. You can use vinegar at full strength or dilute it with water. If you choose to dilute it, use a 1:1 ratio of vinegar to the water. Put the mixture into a spray bottle and lightly mist the floor. Wipe up with a damp mop or cloth.
Olive oil is another option for cleaning your hardwood floors. It will leave behind a nice shine in addition to cleaning the floor. Simply put some olive oil on a soft cloth and rub it on the floor in a circular motion. You don’t need to use it very much – just enough to make the cloth slightly damp. Once you’ve gone over the entire floor, buff it with a dry cloth to remove any excess oil and achieve a nice shine.
Lemon juice is also effective for cleaning hardwood floors naturally. Like vinegar, it has acidic properties that help break down dirt and grime. Mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle and mist the floor lightly. Wipe up with a damp mop or cloth. You can also add a few drops of lemon essential oil to the mixture for a fresh, clean scent.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural, acidic substance that can be used to clean hardwood floors. When diluted with water, vinegar can be used to safely clean hardwood floors without damaging the finish. Vinegar is also effective at removing dirt, grime, and stains from hardwood floors. To clean your hardwood floors with vinegar, simply mix one part vinegar with two parts water in a bucket. Then, use a mop or cloth to apply the solution to your floor and scrub until the dirt and grime are gone.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is one of the most popular natural cleaners for hardwood floors. The acidity in lemon juice will help to break down any dirt, grime, or build-up on your floors. It is also a great way to freshen up your floor and make it smell nice and clean. To use lemon juice to clean your hardwood floors, simply mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a bucket. Then, mop your floor with the mixture using a soft cloth or mop head. Be sure to rinse your floor well with clean water after mopping with the lemon juice mixture.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a great way to clean hardwood floors. It’s gentle and effective, and it won’t leave any streaks or residue. Just make sure you vacuum up the baking soda afterward so it doesn’t get ground into the floor.
To clean with baking soda, simply sprinkle it on the floor and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a damp mop or cloth to wipe up the powder. You may need to do this a few times to get all the dirt and grime off your floors, but it’s worth it!
White Wine Vinegar
White wine vinegar is a safe and effective way to clean hardwood floors. It is important to use white vinegar that has a 5% acidity level or less. You can find this type of vinegar at most grocery stores.
To clean your hardwood floors with white wine vinegar, you will need:
- 1 cup of white wine vinegar
- 1 gallon of warm water
- A sponge or mop
Instructions:
- Combine the white wine vinegar and warm water in a bucket.
- Dip your sponge or mop into the mixture and wring it out so that it is damp, not wet.
- Start cleaning your hardwood floors, working in small sections.
- Once you have finished cleaning, rinse the floor with clean water to remove any residue.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidizer that can remove stubborn dirt and stains from hardwood floors. When used properly, it is safe for both humans and animals. Hydrogen peroxide can be found in most hardware stores and home improvement centers.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Combo
Baking soda and vinegar are two of the most versatile household cleaning products. When used together, they can effectively clean hardwood floors.
The first step is to sweep or vacuum the floor to remove any surface dirt or debris. Then, mix equal parts of baking soda and vinegar in a bowl.
Next, dampen a sponge or mop in the mixture and wring it out so that it’s not too wet. Gently scrub the floor with a sponge or mop, taking care not to damage the wood.
Once you’ve scrubbed the entire floor, rinse it with clean water to remove any residue. Finally, dry the floor with a towel or mop to prevent water damage.
White Distilled Vinegar and Salt Solution
White distilled vinegar is a great natural way to clean hardwood floors. The acidity of the vinegar will help to break down any dirt, grime, and residue that may be on the floor. Vinegar is also a natural disinfectant, so it will kill any bacteria or germs that may be present. To make this cleaning solution, simply mix equal parts white distilled vinegar and water in a bucket. Add a tablespoon of salt for every cup of vinegar used. This will help to increase the cleaning power of the solution. Simply mop your floors with this mixture and then rinse with clean water.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda Solution
Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda are two of the most effective natural cleaners available. When used together, they can create a powerful cleaning solution that is perfect for hardwood floors.
To make this solution, simply mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and baking soda in a bowl. Then, use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to your hardwood floors. Be sure to work in small sections so that the solution does not dry out before you have a chance to wipe it away.
Once you have applied the solution to your floor, allow it to sit for several minutes. This will give the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda time to work their magic. After a few minutes have passed, use a damp cloth to wipe away the solution. You may need to use a bit of elbow grease to remove stubborn dirt and grime.
If you are looking for an extra-strength clean, you can add a few drops of essential oils to your hydrogen peroxide and baking soda solution. This will help to cut through any tough residue and leave your floors looking and smelling fresh and clean!
Interested in New Hardwood Flooring? Call Floors Touch!
If you’re interested in new hardwood flooring, give Floors Touch a call! We offer a variety of hardwood flooring options to choose from, and our experienced team can help you find the perfect option for your home. We also offer professional installation services, so you can rest assured that your new floors will be installed correctly. Call Floors Touch today at (214) 326-0100. You can also visit our social media for more details about clean hardwood floor.
Do you want to know more about our home flooring solutions? Call Floors Touch of McKinney at (214) 326-0100 for more information.