October 20, 2007 | Floors, Cleaning tips
Every now and then someone balks at what we recommend for cleaning hardwoods - that is, damp mopping with diluted vinegar or lemon juice and maybe an essential oil if you choose. Some people would say that any amount of moisture is bad for your wood. So here’s the scoop.
DAMP MOPPING
Some professionals recommend that you damp mop your hardwood floor and others cringe at the suggestion. Just remember, if your floor’s finish is in good shape and mopping is done correctly, the water won’t penetrate even the oil and wax finishes. You’re cleaning the finish, not the wood, so don’t use water if the finish is in poor shape.
Damp Mopping is the fastest and best way to deep-clean solid hardwood floors. Depending on how much use your floor gets, you may have to mop it as often as once a week. Use a neutral pH wood cleaner and water, or manufacturer- recommended products. Wet the mop and wring so it’s about half-dry. Wet the floor with the mop. Dip the mop into clean water, wring it as dry as you can and mop over the floor again.
Heavy-Duty Mopping
If floors are property sealed, the little extra water and cleaner required will not injure your hardwood floor, but use common sense. Vinegar — often prescribed to clean hardwood floors — does nothing for removing grease.
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Stephanie says:
Absolutely, and the vinegar really brings out the richness of the wood.
October 23rd, 2007 at 4:11 pm