Cleaning Hardwood Floors. Good and Bad

Likely to be the most important part of cleaning any hardwood floor, new or old, is what the hardwood or finish manufacturer recommends. When Hardwoodinstaller.com was brought online in 2002 the wet swiffer was the rage. TV advertisements claimed it was an easy solution for cleaning new hardwood floors. That miscue in itself became a boon for guys that do hardwood floor inspections for a living. The principle is okay, but far too many don't read directions which inevitably creates problems.

Now it's Orange Glo cleaner. Once again the basic principle behind the idea is good, but the infomercials make it sound too simple for anyone to handle. Next time you're enticed with these easy solutions ask yourself; are your hardwood floors worth experimenting on? A failed application or too much moisture can cause thousands of dollars in repair costs.

Murphy's Oil Soap

A few years ago while sitting down to lunch at a National Wood Flooring Association convention, a rep from Murphy's moved from table to table in a large conference area. Murphy's can be used effectively on some floors, but once again advertising makes it sound too simple and more of a no brainer, which often lands people in trouble. The negative sentiment from pros was echoed throughout the luncheon with waves of grumbles as the rep passed out literature  from one table to the next.

Vinegar and Water

This system has been used for years and some still stand by it's use. However vinegar can be acidic for floor finishes. Initially, you may not notice the effects, but used consistently over the years it will affect the shine of your floors. Additionally, using too much water in the actual application always results in problems or ruined floors.

Many of the products above are often ridiculed with negative consumer experiences. What is often missing in the overall picture is the preparation before the actual application. Residues from cleaners used before can have a drastic effect on any type of finish, be it a hardwood floor or a fine piece of furniture. More times than often the complaints are dull or cloudy appearances, sticky messy buildup, and streaks. More important than being aware lies in many common cleaners and those mentioned above can possibly void any warranty you may have with any new hardwood floor or finish.

Wood Floor Polishes

Should be seriously avoided when it comes to the more common finishes used with hardwood floors today.

BonaKemi Floor System Care Kit 

Now you're in the right spot on this page. Bona Kemi has been the leading provider of hardwood floor care systems for years. Designed for factory pre-finished and site finished floors, Bona offers peace of mind for many that become mislead with other too simple to use cleaners.