How to Clean Wood Floors Safely (DIY Wood Floor Cleaner)

If you grew up in the 70s, you’ve probably noticed that the recent comeback of mid-century decor didn’t include a return to wall-to-wall rugs. Thank God, too! It is much easier to clean wooden floors than carpet. No need to rush out and buy expensive commercial chemicals.

Today, I’m going to share my simple, real life routine and a super effective homemade hardwood floor cleaner recipe that removes dirt without leaving a dull residue.

How to clean wooden floors

Step 1: Remove loose grit daily.

Dirt is abrasive, so it’s important to remove large pieces of debris daily. Do this with a quick vacuum of high traffic areas or use an electrostatic dust mop. (I make it part of me daily cleaning routine.)

Step 2: Clean the corners.

It sounds like a lot, but dust tends to settle in the corners where the floor meets the wall. So before you start mopping, grab your vacuum cleaner’s crevice tool and clean around the base of the walls and in the corners. If your wood floor is very dirty there, you may need to use a slightly damp old toothbrush to loosen the dirt first.

Step 3: Treat the stains.

Even with precautions, spills and stains happen. To keep your wood floors looking their best, it’s important to treat stains right away. Here’s how:

• Scratches: Rub them with a tennis ball or felt cloth.
• Black marks: Use a pink eraser or the fuzzy part of a clean tennis ball.
• Adhesive or tape residue: Apply some oil, wait a few minutes, then wipe with a damp microfiber cloth. Finish with hardwood floor cleaner.
• Grease: Use a small amount of warm, soapy water and wipe the area with a fresh, damp cloth. Dry with a soft towel.
• domestic animals: Clean the solids, clean the liquids, then clean with the DIY wood floor cleaner recipe above.

Step 4: Mist and mop in small sections.

Wood and water don’t mix well, so you don’t want to dump gallons of water all over the floor. Mix mine instead homemade wood floor cleaner in a spray bottle. This DIY cleaning solution is one of the best wood floor cleaners and easy to make at home.

• Lightly mist a small area of ​​the floor (about 3 by 3 feet).
• Go over it immediately using a flat microfiber mop. Microfibers are excellent at picking up dirty residue without streaking.
• Always push and pull your mop in the direction of the natural grain of the wood. This ensures streak-free shine.
• Rinse or change the microfiber mop head as it gets dirty so you’re not just spreading grease around.

My Go-To Homemade Wood Floor Cleaner Recipe

If your wood floor is new, you should follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions or risk voiding the warranty. If such things don’t interest you or your warranty has expired, a DIY cleaning product is a great way to save money while leaving your floors just as clean and streak-free as their commercial counterparts.

What will you need?

• 2 cups of warm water
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup simple rubbing alcohol (isopropyl no more than 70%)
• Mild liquid dish soap (See Note below)
• Essential oils (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine the water, white vinegar, and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle.
2. Add three just 2-3 drops of liquid dish soap. (Don’t use more or you’ll leave streaks.)
3. Add 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oil if desired.
4. Shake gently to combine.

NOTE: Mild liquid dish soaps do not contain antibacterial or “oxygenating” ingredients. I use Dawn (Fairy in the UK).

Deep Cleaning of Wooden Floors

Twice a year, pull your furniture away from where it usually sits and clean behind and under it. This eliminates hidden dust that can damage your wood floor finish over time. Also, roll up area rugs and vacuum underneath to remove any trapped grit. Next, vacuum and then mop your wood floor as described above before re-installing area rugs and furniture.

Quick tips for protecting wooden floors

Protecting your wood floors is the key to keeping them beautiful.

• Use doormats at all entrances to catch dirt.
• Enforce the no indoor shoes policy (especially heels and mats).
• Attach felt pads to furniture legs.
• Keep your pets nails trimmed.
• Avoid placing indoor plants directly on wooden floors.
• Avoid using a steam cleaner on hardwood floors, as heat and moisture can damage the wood.