Asked on Mar 01, 2015

How to clean cracks in hardwood

Lisa
by Lisa
Can someone recommend an effective but safe way to clean the ground in dirt within the cracks of my hardwood floor? I've tried the spray Bona brand with a soft cloth but it won't clean it. Thanks in advance!!
  16 answers
  • I do not speak good English but I hope you can understand. Passes with a brush of fine salt absorbs moisture and helps eradicate mildew. Brush well. Then, Marseille SOAP dissolve in hot water and always passes with the toothbrush. The soda contained in the SOAP of Marseilles, should eliminate the residual stain.
  • Arthur English Arthur English on Mar 02, 2015
    YouTube has several videos that can help. "How to clean and finish hardwood" or something like that will provide good info. Good Luck
  • Angela Angela on Mar 05, 2015
    I would use a soft tooth brush dipped in warm soapy water and tapped to get rid of the excess. Gently scrub for a few seconds, then wipe away the water with a soft cloth. Do this until the grime is gone. I know this is only practical if you only have a few cracks and not the whole floor, but good luck!
  • Chris Knutson Chris Knutson on Mar 05, 2015
    It is obvious from your picture that there is no finish left to your floor. The reason it is getting in the cracks is that it needs to be properly finished, sealed and polyurethaned to avoid this problem. Water is NO good for wood floors. Bona's products are wonderful when used on a properly cared for floor. Please consult a good floor professional in your area. If youre still not happy with the answers you are getting consult with the NWFA (national wood flooring association) or the AHFA (American Hardwood Flooring Assoc) both will give you honest objective answers to you're problem! Good Luck...youre floors can be beautiful once again!
  • Ba coe Ba coe on Mar 05, 2015
    I use a Shark steamer, it is amazing.
  • Patti Cagle Patti Cagle on Mar 05, 2015
    If you have to finish your floors because the finish is worn off, they can sand the edges even and that will solve the problem of dirt getting into the cracks. You do not have to clean before the sanding. I had that same floor sanded and redone in November and I love it! Otherwise, I think the toothbrush with Murphy's Oil Soap, which is specifically for wood floors, will clean your cracks as well as the floor. Best of luck! (be careful if you steam, as if you do not dry it immediately, it can ruin your floors)
  • Patti Cagle Patti Cagle on Mar 05, 2015
    especially if there is not a finish on it, or the finish is worn.
  • JC Sipes JC Sipes on Mar 06, 2015
    Spray OxiClean, use a soft toothbrush to get into cracks, leave for 5 minutes, then wipe and repeat as needed. You really will have to seal the floor after you get it cleaned and completely dry.
  • Debbe Debbe on Mar 08, 2015
    I have an older house with hardwood floors that need refinishing too but who has room to empty a room to do this ? I use Quick Shine. It looks great even after 6 months.It wears hard and easy to mop and keep clean. Next owner will have to refinish if they want to.We'll be retiring in 3 years till then I will keep using my Quick Shine.I get it a my grocery store.
  • Lisa Lisa on Mar 08, 2015
    My house is only 10 years old, and honestly i thought my floors were nicely finished, except for those high traffic areas where cracks have popped up. A friend told me about this wax pencil that you can buy at Home Depot that can fill in the cracks..i'm intrigued. Thanks for all the help!
  • Chris Knutson Chris Knutson on Mar 08, 2015
    High traffic should not cause those cracks. There is an underlying issue. All the traffic does is wear out the poly coatings along with improper cleaning agents. Normally anything you would use including a wood filler will pop back out do to your floor expanding and contracting. I would consult a good floor man first....
    • Lisa Lisa on Mar 09, 2015
      @Chris Knutson Do you think the fact that i keep my house on the cold side is causing the cracks? i usually never have my house above 62 in winter and colder when i'm not at home. Thanks!
  • Chris Knutson Chris Knutson on Mar 09, 2015
    It is possible that youre house is too dry in the winter and may need a humidifier. Is that the only board that is cracked or are there others? Also if you can see the floors from your lower level are they properly supported. Not unusual for contractors when they build to run the floors the wrong direction over the floor supports..
    • Lisa Lisa on Nov 28, 2015
      @Chris Knutson I know this is an old thread, but i wanted to say thanks for giving me some considerations. I don't know the ins and outs of wood flooring and never considered that it could be from anything else than wear. The planks in the picture are the only ones cracked that i notice. for now i've got a nice runner over the area..lol
  • Arthur English Arthur English on Mar 10, 2015
    You might try a steam cleaning method.
  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Nov 30, 2022

    Nail Brush!

  • Mogie Mogie on Dec 08, 2022

    Old toothbrush.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Aug 01, 2023

    An old toothbrush will get down into the cracks with Murphy's Oil Soap. Follow package directions.