Hardwood flooring homemade cleaners

[cheles2kids]

I know there have been a couple threads about homemade cleaner recipes, but I couldn't find them.

I am really looking for a hardwood floor cleaner, I have a good window, and multi-purpose cleaner but I'm really needing something to use on my hardwood floors.

I know vinegar would work, but I would like something that is a bit less salad smelling, if you kwwim?

Any recipes, advice, suggestions would be really appreciated!!

[suki]

My grandfather laid wood floors for 50 years. The only two things he recommended cleaning them with was vinegar and hot water and wring the mop out well so that it's just damp.

[cheles2kids]

My grandfather laid wood floors for 50 years. The only two things he recommended cleaning them with was vinegar and hot water and wring the mop out well so that it's just damp.

Suki, is there a dilution ratio? Or did he use vinegar straight and then rinse in hot water?

We've only been in this house for 3 months and I've never had "real" hardwood floors, only the laminate.
While they are beautiful, I've found it's been a bear to keep them clean and shiny.

I finally relented this past shopping trip and bought some of the Orange Glo and I love that it makes the floors shiny, I would just love something a bit more budget friendly, as well as something with alot less chemicals.

Thanks so much for your help!

[PB&J]

I use plain water. Unless the floor is super dirty, you don't really need much else. I wet the mop in the sink, wring it out really well, mop a bit, rinse the mop, wring it out, etc.

Once or twice a month I will use a bit of vinegar in the water. To cut down on the smell, I put a few drops of patchouli or tea tree oil into the water. Really, the vinegar smell disappears within a few minutes of mopping.

[suki]

No, not pure vinegar. You probably have a build-up on the floor. He said never to use anything with oils or wax because it would actually dull the finish.

I use about a cup of vinegar to a gallon of water... or even weaker.

I don't use this every time I mop. I usually just mop with hot water.

I can't stress enough the importance of having a well-wrung out mop so that it is just damp. Otherwise, you can ruin the finish.

And, don't expect them to stay shiny all the time.

[cheles2kids]

No, not pure vinegar. You probably have a build-up on the floor. He said never to use anything with oils or wax because it would actually dull the finish.

Ah, good to know.
I've only mopped with the Organe Glo twice, so I'll stick it back under the cabinet and use it only monthly, just so I don't have to throw it out.

Thanks for sharing your ratios.
I'll also try just the hot water thing.
Since I have the washable, microfiber type mop head that came with the Orange Glo, I'm wondering If I could just continue to use that with maybe some hot water in a spray bottle?
That way I could just spray it as I clean?

I do like that the mop pads can be washed and reused, and since I don't own an actual mop, I can just use what I already have.

[cheles2kids]

Thank-you, PB&J for your help!

Since you mentioned just using the hot water, I think that's what I'll do and then maybe rotate with the vinegar that Suki mentioned.

I've often wondered if one of those steam type cleaners would work, but then I would be so afraid of leaving too much water on the floors?
I don't want to have to buy anything special right now, so I'll use the advice that you & Suki suggested and just use the hot water and/or vinegar.

Thanks bunches!

[suki]

Thanks for sharing your ratios.
I'll also try just the hot water thing.
Since I have the washable, microfiber type mop head that came with the Orange Glo, I'm wondering If I could just continue to use that with maybe some hot water in a spray bottle?
That way I could just spray it as I clean?

That would work really well.

[KKCondrey]

Good tips, I need to mop our hallway, living room and kitchen this weekend and this will come in handy.

[suki]

I've often wondered if one of those steam type cleaners would work, but then I would be so afraid of leaving too much water on the floors?

DON'T do it!!!!!

[geckoace]

I have the orange glo and I only use it every so often but do use the microfiber head and I cut down thick microfiber cloths that I got at walgreens to fit the head and I also use them to clean the floor I find u need very little water with the microfiber

[The Muse]

DON'T do it!!!!!

I know that some steam cleaners aren't safe for hardwoods but is there a reason that the "safe for hardwood floors" steamers aren't safe?

My doctor recommended steam cleaning to help with my allergies and asthma. So I bought a steam cleaner that's safe for use on sealed hardwood floors. Am I ruining my floors?

[suki]

It's probably okay. However, if you've got real solid hardwood, there are tons of cracks that could potentially exist in the sealed finish and the water can go between the cracks and damage the finish. This is the reason for using an almost dry mop. My concern with steam cleaners is they may force the water between the cracks and a lot of home versions do not have enough vacuum power to pull it all out. Damage wouldn't result immediately but would cause the finish to wear more quickly over time. But, with a real hardwood floor, you can sand and refinish it several times over its life-span.

[cheles2kids]

I have the orange glo and I only use it every so often but do use the microfiber head and I cut down thick microfiber cloths that I got at walgreens to fit the head and I also use them to clean the floor I find u need very little water with the microfiber

Oh, good idea! I actually have a stack of microfibers that I use around the house to clean with.
I think it was a packet of like 25 or so, I found mine in the automotive section at Costco.

So, I think I will experiment with one and see about making a couple extra mop heads for my Orange Glo mop base.

Thanks for the tip!!