Hardwood Floors & Vinegar

by Cathy Lanski

Overview

Hardwood Floor

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Hardwood floors add warmth and beauty to any home. It takes special care to maintain a hardwood floor's luster. There are many products available to clean hardwood floors, but the simplest and most environmentally friendly option is a mixture of vinegar and water. You can use vinegar on a variety of finishes without causing harm.
Keeping Hardwood Floors Clean

Keeping hardwood floors clean is the best way to ensure their longevity. Sweep or vacuum regularly to minimize wear and tear on the wood, caused by dirt on the floor . A well-swept floor requires minimal cleaning. Regular sweeping and a vinegar solution can keep hardwood floors like new for years. Area rugs at entrances leading from the outdoors and in heavy traffic areas will help to prevent dirt accumulation.

Determining Hardwood Floor Finish

Before cleaning or treating a hardwood floor, inspect the floor's finish. If the floor appears unsealed, be sure to test the vinegar solution in an inconspicuous area. If the wood darkens when applying the solution, you might have untreated wood, and you should avoid any kind of water-based solution. Consider having the hardwood floor sealed so it is not susceptible to stains and warping.
Vinegar Cleaning Method

Pour one gallon of warm water and half a cup of white vinegar into a clean bucket. Use only white vinegar as other varieties may stain the floor. Dampen a clean mop with the vinegar solution and wring it out thoroughly. The mop used on wood floors should be just barely damp. Mop in the direction of the grain. Rinse the mop frequently and change the vinegar solution if it gets dirty. If the floor is wet after mopping, dry with a soft towel.
Minimizing Vinegar Smell

To reduce the strong vinegar odor, add a few drops of an essential oil such as lavender, orange or lemon oil. This will not damage the floor or reduce the efficacy of the vinegar solution, but it will leave a pleasant aroma lingering in the room.
Heavy Duty Cleaning

If the vinegar solution does not adequately clean, try increasing the proportion of the vinegar solution to one cup to a gallon of warm water. Alternatively, try a mild oil soap cleanser, again testing it in an inconspicuous area.

Overview