How can I clean Bruve hardwood floors installed in the 80's?

Question

I'm afraid to use the cleaners on the market that say they are for hardwood laminates. Should I clean the hardwood floors naturally and if so, how?

3po3 · Answer

There are some good suggestions here: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/clean/house/q-cleaning-hardwood-floors-naturally-156418 http://www.hometalk.com/diy/-550624 You can also search this site for 'cleaning hardwood' for several threads with other good suggestions and time-tested solutions.

Donna C · Answer

mY FIANCE IS A FLOOR FINISHER HE HAD ALWAYS LIKED  bONO, AND i HAVE FOR YEARS CLEANED MY HARDWOODS WITH  SOME VINEGAR AND WATER BUT   ALWAYS DID ON MY HANDS AND KNEES AND WRUNG THE RAG OUT JUST TILL DAMP.

KMS Woodworks · Answer

Keep in mind you are not 'cleaning wood' but are cleaning the 'finish' that has been applied to the wood.  Most floors are either site finished with a polyurethane or pre-finished with a combo lacquer / ceramic type finish...based on the age I would guess site applied poly.  some warn water and a towel (wrung out to very dry) works great...95% or more of the dirt is just soil type dirt and water is the best to clean this as it does not leave any residue... just keep rinsing the towel well so you 'mop' water does not get too dirty...if so change that too.  If you have an oily residue a drop or two is dish soap on the spot does wonders...remember less is more...less water and less soap.

If the finish is worn to a spot where the bare wood is exposed you need to do a refinish.

Sherrie · Answer

Again KMS is absoulty right!  You are cleaning the finish.  It protects the wood.  And the finish is what you need to know.  If it has been sealed with wax you can take you fingernail and scrape it and some will come up.  Poly won't.  A drop of dish soap, a micro fiber mop that has had most of the water rung out and mop.  And dry.  I again use the micro fiber mop a new one to dry.  I am a Commerical cleaner.  I go by manufactors spec's.  I do not make up cleaning solutions.  People's homes, businesses expect me or people like KMS to know how to care for your homes.  Vinegar is acid.  It will etch and dull the finish on your floors.  Remember your cleaning the finish.  I know vinegar is suppose to be a cure all for every cleaning solution but it isn't .  Besides what's cheaper than a drop of dish soap.

Sherrie · Answer

And I didn't give directions to the waxed floors.  KMS told you exactly how to do it. It is a breath of relief that he knows his business....

KMS Woodworks · Answer

Sherrie...thanks for the support. I re-finished my first hardwood floor back in 1983...and have be caring for them ever since. You can read about some other floor finishes in this article I wrote. http://www.networx.com/article/exotic-wood-floor-finishes-you-havent-s

Sherrie · Answer

Love to! Be sure to send all your tips on cleaning my way!  :  )

How can I clean Bruve hardwood floors installed in the 80's?

How to clean hardwood floors naturally?

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How can I clean Bruve hardwood floors installed in the 80's?

How to clean hardwood floors naturally?

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