There’s nothing quite like a solid, brushed hardwood floor. It gives your home a timeless look and, especially now, comes in different tone varieties to match your aesthetic.
They’re all home decor magazine-chic and all until — you have to clean them.
What house cleaning products work the best on hardwood floors? How do I even go about cleaning hardwood floors properly?
Luckily, we turned to the pros to provide streamlined (or should we say clean-lined) answers to everything there is to know about cleaning hardwood floors, along with the New York Post Shopping team’s hand-picked 10 best products on the market for you to buy online.
With this guide, it hasn’t been easier.
“There are so many types of flooring material, including wood, vinyl, stone and ceramic tile,” Brian Sansoni, senior vice president at the American Cleaning Institute, told the New York Post. “The best way to determine how to clean your floors is to start by checking the information that comes from the flooring manufacturer.” Often, they will recommend a specific product. If not, read cleaning product labels carefully to match their recommendations with your type of flooring.
Click to jump to the best hardwood floor cleaners:
- Best Hardwood Floor Cleaners
Tips for cleaning hardwood floors, according to an expert
Ahead, Sansoni lists general guidelines to keep in mind as you embark on cleaning hardwood floors:
- Clean floors regularly: Soil left over time is harder to remove.
- Make a clean sweep: Vacuum or sweep floors first to remove dirt, dust and crumbs. This helps prevent scratches. Loosen soils. When washing floors, the cleaning solution should remain on the floor just long enough to loosen the soil.
- Don’t use abrasive pads or cleansers that can scratch the floor: Always read and follow product label instructions.
- Buff it up: If you’re applying wax or polish, be sure the floor is clean and thoroughly dry first.
What types of mops can I use to clean hardwood floors?
Aside from liquid solutions, there are considerations to keep in mind when looking for a trusty mop to do the job with, according to Sansoni:
- String Mop (cotton or microfiber): This conventional mop works on most surfaces and is good at absorbing liquid. The top can often be laundered and reused.
- Flat Mop: These mops usually last longer than a string mop but can be more difficult to clean after use.
- Disposable Pad Mop:This is a lightweight mop that does not require cleaning, but each mop pad is single use. It can be dry or wet.
“As a general rule, the hardwood flooring industry does not recommend using steam mops on wood floors of any type,” Sansoni adds. “The manufacturers have recommended cleaning practices and solutions, and using other products and machines will void your warranty.” As always, contact the manufacturer of your flooring to get their cleaning recommendations.
Sure, your best robot vacuum or tried-and-true cordless (read: our full Dyson review) can do the job just fine, but there are a few key elements to keep in mind when getting around to cleaning your hardwood floors.
Best Hardwood Floor Cleaners
1. Bissell CrossWave Floor Cleaner, $227, original price: $257
For a top hardwood floor cleaning machine, look no further than the Bissell CrossWave Floor Cleaner. With more than 23,000 rave reviews on Amazon, it’ll vacuum and wash simultaneously, thanks to its dual-action multi-surface brush roll.
Not only that, but it’s versatile to use on sealed wood floors, tile, laminate, linoleum, rubber floor mats, pressed wood floors and even area rugs. This product also boasts two-tank technology to ensure dirty water and dry debris is separate from clean water and formula.
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2. Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner, $16 to $18
Clad with more than 24,000 positive reviews, the Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner is one of the most affordable hardwood cleaner that doesn’t compromise on quality. Specifically, it features a water-based cleaning formula that dries quickly, is residue-free and meets the U.S. EPA product standards for people, pets and the planet.
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3. , prices vary
The Black Diamond Stoneworks Wood & Laminate Floor Cleaner helps render your hardwood floor to be streak-free with its no-rinse hypoallergenic formula. What’s more, it works on all types of engineered flooring (like wood and laminate) and comes in a variety of size options, from one-quart ($15) to four-gallons ($110).
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4. Aunt Fannie’s Hardwood Floor Cleaner, $10 to $14
If you’re desiring that fresh lemon-scent to make your home smell like a newly minted oasis, then you’re in luck with Aunt Fannie’s Hardwood Floor Cleaner. Namely, this vinegar-free concentrate is plant-based, doesn’t have that chemical-y nature about it and is USA-made. Hello, sustainable cleaning product.
Aside from hardwood, it’s also safe to use on solid, engineered, bamboo, manufactured and laminated flooring.
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5. Murphy Concentrated Wood Cleaner, $17
Dubbed one of the largest names for at-home cleaning, Murphy knows what’s up with its Concentrated Wood Cleaner. It’s an economical, natural cleaner that’s apt for mopping wooden floors, paneling and other large wood surfaces, too.
With over 80 years in the home-cleaning business, Murphy has crafted a multi-use, ammonia- and bleach-free cleaning agent that’s formulated with water, coconut-derived ingredients and natural fragrance.
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6. Method Hardwood Floor Cleaner, $6 to $15
With a name like Method, you know you’re in for a treat. The brand’s Hardwood Floor Cleaner is available on Amazon or Target online, is refillable (to keep sustainability in check) and boasts a “one-step clean plus gleam, no rinsing required,” per the product’s description.
It’s also cruelty-free, not animal-tested and made of 100% recycled plastic. Not to mention, the subtle almond scent is a delightfully rich, nutty touch that surely makes cleaning feel like a piece of (almond) cake.
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7. , $10
Got pets? The Hoover Paws & Claws — we love the name, BTW — Hard Surface Floor Cleaner is what we recommend, much ado to its enzymatic cleaning ingredients that help break down pet messes and odors to leave your home as fresh as can be.
This product is safe for use on hardwood floors, as well as vinyl, ceramic tile, laminate floors and area rugs. Using globally sourced ingredients, it’s also USA-made and safe to use around children and pets. In short, it’s a household staple.
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8. , $23 to $28
The Rejuvenate Professional Wood Floor Restorer & Polish has nearly 8,000 positive reviews on Amazon and is ideal for filling in scratches, restoring your hardwood to a glossy shine and protecting your coveted flooring. With a pour-on and mop design, you’ll have a years-lasting finish that is well-worth the less-than-$30 price tag, too.
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9. Weiman Hardwood Floor Cleaner, $6 to $15
With a streak-free formula focus, Weiman’s Hardwood Floor Cleaner is budget-friendly and effective. Specifically, it’ll help restore your flooring’s natural shine without an unwanted residue. Plus, it’s formulated with plant-based ingredients that’s safe for pets and children to walk on (or crawl on) once dried.
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10. Hoover FloorMate Deluxe Hard Floor Cleaner Machine, $160
To keep on deck with you at all times, the Hoover FloorMate Deluxe Hard Floor Cleaner Machine receives our stamp of approval. Apt for hardwood, laminate, vinyl and tile flooring, its SpinScrub brushes will gently and safely scrub with its 120-volt power.
Like the Bissell model, it also features two-tank technology and even a wash-dry mode, where its Selection Wash mode uses brushes to clean while suctioning up excess water, while its Dry Mode stops brushes to suction off the excess water and improve drying time.
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Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.
FAQs
What do professionals use to clean hardwood floors? ›
You can use a commercial wood-cleaning product, like Bona or Murphy Oil Soap. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. You can also make your own cleaner by mixing one part vinegar to 10 parts warm water. Add a few drops of liquid Castile soap.
What cleans hardwood floors best and shine? ›- method Daily Wood Cleaner.
- Grove Co. Floor Cleaner Concentrate.
- method Squirt + Mop Wood Floor Cleaner.
- Aunt Fannie's Hardwood Floor Cleaner.
- Seventh Generation Wood Cleaner.
- Aunt Fannie's Vinegar Wash Floor Cleaner.
Don't use straight ammonia, alkaline products or abrasive cleaners. They'll dull or scratch the finish. Don't rely on lemon juice or a vinegar-and-water solution to clean hardwood floors. "I don't recommend using vinegar or lemon juice, at least not in large quantities, as these can damage the floor's seal," said Wise.
How do you clean hardwood floors and make them shine again? ›Daily: Dry mop floors with a microfiber dusting pad and mop. Clean spills immediately. Weekly: Clean deeper with a vacuum designed for wood floors or use a microfiber spray mop and cleaner formulated for hardwood floors. Monthly: Polish wood floors every 2-4 months for extra shine and protection.
What is the best way to deep clean hardwood floors? ›- Wet the Mop. Saturate a sponge or rag mop in the water, then wring it almost dry so it feels only slightly damp to the touch.
- Damp Mop and Rinse. Damp-mop the floor, being careful to prevent standing water on the floor. ...
- Wipe Up Excess Liquid. ...
- Dry Floors.
We recommend using Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner, Woodwise, or DuraSeal cleaning products applied with a terry cloth mop. Always vacuum the floors prior to using cleaning solutions. Do not allow excess cleaner to remain on the floor's surface as this may permanently damage the wood fiber.
What do hospitals use to clean floors? ›Currently, there are five main EPA-registered chemicals that hospitals use for disinfectants: Quaternary Ammonium, Hypochlorite, Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide, Phenolics, and Peracetic Acid.
Is Murphy's oil soap good for hardwood floor? ›Do not clean the floor with furniture polish, vinegar, ammonia, pine cleaners, or Murphy's Oil Soap. Those cleaners may dull or even damage the finish and will create problems when your floor needs recoating.
What home remedy will make hardwood floors shine? ›Combine 1/4 cup olive oil with 1/3 cup white vinegar and five cups of hot water. Add a few teaspoons of lemon juice (or lemon essential oil) to add a fresh citrus scent. Dip a mop or rag in the solution and use it to polish your floors just like you would if you were using a store-bought solution.
Is vinegar good for hardwood floors? ›Don't use vinegar or baking soda.
Many DIY home cleaning solutions involve the use of vinegar or baking soda, but these are, in fact, the worst things you can apply to your wood floors. They actually damage and dull the polyurethane, which can irreparably ruin them.
Which is better Bona or Murphy's oil soap? ›
Overall, the best hardwood floor cleaner is the Murphy Original Formula Oil Soap, as it's affordable, effective, and compatible with multiple surfaces. If you're looking for a spray option, the Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner is safe and easy to use.
What will ruin hardwood floors? ›- Using the Wrong Cleaner & Supplies. ...
- Using a Steam Mop. ...
- High Heels & Things That Squeal. ...
- Using a Vacuum Without a Wood Floor Attachment. ...
- Area Rugs with Rubber Backing. ...
- Too Much Sunshine (Yes, It's a Thing) ...
- Applying Wax to a Urethane Finish. ...
- Waiting Too Long to Refinish.
Use a broom or hardwood floor mop for cleaning wood floors daily. A microfiber dust mop pre-treated with a dusting agent will pick up dust and dirt and prevent scratches. Vacuum your hardwood floor once a week. Use your vacuum's “hard floor” setting.
Does Bona damage hardwood floors? ›Bona products are specially designed to protect floors and the environment. Bona cleaners won't dull your floors or leave behind any residue.
Is matte or satin better for hardwood floors? ›The gloss of a satin finish disperses light and more easily conceals dirt, dust, and pet hair. Gleaming satin floors will also maintain their new appearance longer than other types of finishes. A matte finish, on the other hand, works well to hide imperfections such as scuffs, dents, or scratches.
What is the most sanitary way to mop floors? ›Microfiber flat mops paired with dual compartment buckets are an effective way to clean for health and sanitation. Together, they prevent surface and mop head re-soiling. The dense microfiber blend promotes deeper penetration for cleaner surfaces.
What is the cleanest way to mop a floor? ›Mop around the edges first, then move to the middle of the floor, using overlapping, figure-eight strokes. When one side of the mop gets dirty, turn the mop over to the clean side. When both sides are dirty, wash the mop in the bucket; otherwise, you'll be spreading dirt around instead of removing it.
Is professional hardwood floor cleaning worth it? ›The most effective way to keep your hardwood floors in top condition and protect your investment in them is to have them professionally cleaned. This will not only deep clean them to make them and your home healthier, but it will restore the natural beauty and add a shine that will help prevent future build up.
Why are my hardwood floors still dirty after mopping? ›Your Cleaner/Water Ratio Is Off
Too much water means that the cleaner won't penetrate and cleanse the dirty floors like it's meant to. On the other hand, if you use too little water and a higher concentration of cleaner, the cleansing materials will stay on top of your wood floors after they've dried.
Hardwood Floor Cleaning and Maintenance Steps
In most households, wood floors should be cleaned at least four to six times a year.
How often should hardwood floors be cleaned? ›
As a general rule of thumb, hardwood floors should be vacuumed at least weekly and wet cleaned every one to two months (more or less frequently, depending on traffic). When it comes time to clean, follow the steps below: For surface-treated floors, wet-clean with Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner Spray.
Is Dawn dish soap safe for wood floors? ›Dish soap is a gentle cleaner that won't damage the natural wood, and it's perfect for light jobs and daily upkeep alike. In a large bucket, mix two to three tablespoons of dish soap with one gallon of warm water.
Does Murphy's oil soap need to be rinsed off? ›Murphy Oil Soap, formulated as a safe cleaner for finished wood, cleans kitchen cabinets as well, even if the cabinets are a laminate rather than wood. Oil soap does not leave behind a residue, so it does not require rinsing.
How do you moisturize hardwood floors? ›- First, give your floor a good cleaning. ...
- Next, apply the revitalizer according to the package instructions. ...
- Use your mop to spread the revitalizer on the floor. ...
- Once the revitalizer is spread evenly, let it dry fully before you move furniture back in place or allow foot traffic on the floors.
Combine 2 cups warm water and 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar. Dip a soft-bristled toothbrush in the solution and shake until just damp. Gently scrub the cracks and then wipe away the debris with a soft cloth or vacuum it up with a handheld vac or a vacuum with a crevice tool. Dust mop and clean the floor as usual.
Can I mop with Dawn and vinegar? ›After trying different commercial cleaners, we decided to mix one part Dawn dish soap and to two parts white vinegar, which I had on hand, in a bucket and mopped the floor with the soapy mixture. How it actually worked: The combo was a winner and brought the floor (almost) back to its original glory.
Does Pine Sol damage hardwood floors? ›It's safe for wood and hard, nonporous surfaces. You can apply it to the floor directly from the bottle. For more information about the Pine-Sol® lineup of products, visit our FAQs page.
Should you professionally clean hardwood floors? ›The most effective way to keep your hardwood floors in top condition and protect your investment in them is to have them professionally cleaned. This will not only deep clean them to make them and your home healthier, but it will restore the natural beauty and add a shine that will help prevent future build up.
How do you deep clean dirty hardwood floors? ›- Sweep the floor thoroughly with a vacuum cleaner. ...
- Pour 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar in a clean mop bucket. ...
- Dip a cotton cleaning cloth in the vinegar solution. ...
- Wipe the cloth over a 3-by-3-foot section of the wood floor to remove dirt and grime buildup.
Combine 2 cups warm water and 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar. Dip a soft-bristled toothbrush in the solution and shake until just damp. Gently scrub the cracks and then wipe away the debris with a soft cloth or vacuum it up with a handheld vac or a vacuum with a crevice tool. Dust mop and clean the floor as usual.
Is it better to vacuum or mop hardwood floors? ›
In fact, vacuums are superior to mopping practices when it comes to your hardwood, because they suck up the debris and dirt straight away, rather than just spreading those scratch-causing particles around.
Is it better to sweep or vacuum hardwood floors? ›Certain types of hardwood floors scratch easily. There are floors that are made from more “hard” wood and those might be able to handle a vacuum, but we don't think it's worth the risk. For that reason, we usually recommend that you sweep hardwood floors.
Is it better to vacuum or dust hardwood floors? ›Vacuum regularly.
Nothing removes dirt and fine debris from the cracks and crevices of a wood floor like a good vacuum cleaner. The best choice is a canister vacuum because it has a long, oval floor brush attached to reach tiny spaces.
Do NOT clean your floors with Murphy's Oil Soap, Mop and Glo, Orange Glo, Swiffer Wet Mop, furniture polish such as Pledge, vinegar, ammonia, or any pine cleaners! All of these cleaners, over time, will dull and damage the finish.
Can you use Dawn dish soap on hardwood floors? ›Dish soap is a gentle cleaner that won't damage the natural wood, and it's perfect for light jobs and daily upkeep alike. In a large bucket, mix two to three tablespoons of dish soap with one gallon of warm water.
How do you mop floors like a professional? ›Mop around the edges first, then move to the middle of the floor, using overlapping, figure-eight strokes. When one side of the mop gets dirty, turn the mop over to the clean side. When both sides are dirty, wash the mop in the bucket; otherwise, you'll be spreading dirt around instead of removing it.
Does vinegar damage wood floors? ›The finish is the protective layer of your wood floors. Since vinegar is an acid, it will actually break down the finish on the surface of your floor, and over time it will reduce the shine, and leave a dull appearance.