I have used vinegar and water on my floors many times and it has damag
by
Dusty Allyn
+17
I've tried so many wood floor cleaners but naturally nothing brings back the shine. Do steam cleaners damage also
13 answers
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I have been using my steam cleaner for 2 years on my hardwood floors and they shine like they are new , it doesn't damage them at all.
Kim Lewis-carmichael
on May 03, 2014
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You need to be careful with any steam or moisture on wood floors. While Kim may have been lucky to date or has a very well poly coated floor. It is not suggested to use steam on wood. It will cause it to swell and cup if the top finish is in poor shape. Ideally the best thing to do is to refinish the floor. Its not as hard as you would think. If the overall finish is good, but simply dull, a buffing machine with a aggressive wax removal pad or sanding screen which removes just the very top layer of finish is in order. You simply remove the top coating, Clean the floor really well with a good vacuum and a tack cloth and refinish using a top quality floor polyurethane finish. You can get glossy or satin finish depending upon your taste. You will need to put on several coats following the directions carefully on the poly you purchase between each coat. You may be required to slightly sand the finish to remove any bubbles and defects in each coat until the number of coats required are achieved. The hardest part of the project is removing the furniture from the room and waiting at least a full week regardless of how soon the product says you can walk on it. The only other method is to wax the floors using a buffing pad and machine.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on May 04, 2014
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OMG--try this stuff I found at Menards. It's called Rejuvenate. I use the "cleaner" version, and my floors shine like mirrors!
Noi Helmick
on May 04, 2014
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For simple cleaning I bought a swiffer type rewashable mop (Libman for $20-25) that you refill with the cleaner of your choice. I love being able to rewash the pads and save money. The mop had an exra pad so I can kitchen and foyer with each. Having fur children makes for every other day mopping.
The Garden Frog with C Renee
on May 04, 2014
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I have seen these ads on TV and just shake my head! I grew up on hardwoods and wondered how long it would be before some of these younger folks learned the evils of wood floors. They are wonderful, but water will ruin them in a heartbeat!
Jeanette S
on May 04, 2014
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before we bought this house we rented a house that was all the original wood floors, but they had not had care for ages i tried this and that and finally settled on mop and glo on bottle said it could be used on wood, made them shine and not pick up so much dirt xx
Chris aka monkey
on May 04, 2014
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You should NEVER use a steam cleaner nor use vinegar and water. Both will damage the urethane layer. Use Bruce No Wax Urethane Cleaner, it is alcohol based and will not damage the finish. I have been in the flooring business for 34 years, and I know what those products will do to your floors.
Sherrie Wiltcher
on May 04, 2014
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Murphy's Oil Soap is my go to, if you do not want to use specialty floor cleaning chemicals. As a professional housekeeper for over 35 years, I strongly believe in this product as a neutral, non damaging, less toxic alternative. Vinegar is an acid...keep that in mind whenever using it as a 'natural' cleaner. Remembering basic chemistry and the PH scale of what you are using, and what you are trying to remove.
Travis D
on May 04, 2014
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I would suggest giving your floors a fresh coat of marine spar varnish. You can choose high gloss or satin finish, then decide how to care for them. If it's been a long time since they were varnished, you are probably seeing normal wear and tear on the finish.
Jessica C
on May 05, 2014
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We used Holloway House Quick Shine Hardwood Floor Luster at our previous home and friends and neighbors always asked what we used on the floor to restore shine. We weren't quite so "green" then but if our next house has wood floors, that's what we're likely to use because we know it works. The thing is, I don't know what was used to finish the floors originally. Maybe that makes a difference too. Oh--we purchased it at Kroger's supermarket but I've seen it at Ace Hardware & Walgreen's so probably not hard to find. Editing to add: it didn't last forever. We didn't apply it very often because it's hard to keep your home up to magazine photo quality with normal everyday life going on all over the place, but when we did, it made a noticeable difference.
Joffler
on May 05, 2014
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All of the suggestions are good ...So, we've learned that vinegar and steam is not floor friendly ...Joffler , gave you the best answer ...I once used Mink oil to an old floor , and it came out looking nice ...You have more than likely ruined your finish and may have discoloration in your floor too ..If that's the case , and your pocket allows ; then get it refinished and treat the new floor right ...
Terry's Flooring
on May 06, 2014
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I appreciate all of the suggestions you all had for me. I don't know yet which I will try and may have to try more than one. Hopefully one will solve my problem even if it's short term might have to reapply.
Dusty Allyn
on May 11, 2014
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If it is a true wood floor, whether it is solid or engineered, clean it really well with the Bruce No Wax Cleaner ( Duraluster), Then use a product by Bruce called Fresh Finish... It is labor intensive, but it works. You will need to use a lambs wool applicator to apply, but it will bring the shine back, and will fill in minute scratches. You can find the product at Home Depot or Lowes. I hope this helps... But please do not use anything that has water in it.. It will ruin your floor. (Just think of what water does to wood when water is left on wood)
Sherrie Wiltcher
on May 11, 2014
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