What Chemicals Clean Hardwood Floors?

by Christine Lehman

Overview

Hardwood floors add beauty and value to a home. Keeping hardwood floors looking good without damaging the surface is important and finding cleaners that are gentle yet do not leave a film can be challenging. Begin cleaning your hardwood floors by sweeping or dry mopping, then you can wash them.
Commercial Cleaners

Commercially available hardwood floor cleaners can safely be used to clean your floors, but use these infrequently because any chemical will break down your floor's finish over time.

Special formulations

The Bona company makes a floor cleaner made specifically for hardwood floors. Most hardwood floor manufacturers recommend this cleaner. Orange Glo, Windex, and Murphy's Oil are other brands of hardwood floor cleaning chemicals.
Natural Cleaners

The best chemicals to use on hardwood floor are white vinegar (about a cup in a gallon of hot water) and dishwashing liquid (a teaspoon or two in the gallon of water).
Waxes

Chemical cleaners that contain waxes will not only clean, but will coat and protect them. While some waxes are harsh initially, they eliminate the need for regular cleaning with other types of potentially harmful chemicals.
Non-Abrasive

Abrasive cleaners will clean your hardwood floors, but should be avoided because they can scratch the surface.