Hardwood floors bring an earthy, warm beauty to your home. They’re durable and, with proper care, last for decades. You can keep your hardwood floors looking lovely by following these tips on how to clean hardwood floors. Maintaining the lustre of wood floors starts with the cleaner. Hardwood flooring gets acclaim for its natural beauty, but it requires varying degrees of attention to maintain its good looks. In large part, the maintenance requirements for hardwood depends on its finish. Floors with penetrating finishes and wax top coats can be a chore because they easily absorb water and require solvent-based cleansers. Other hardwood floors have polyurethane, urethane, or other finishes that form a waterproof barrier for protection.
Top 7 Best Cleaning Agents for Wood Floors
Here are the top seven cleaning agents specifically formulated to keep your hardwood floors shiny and pristine, based on extensive testing and reviews.
1. Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner
Bona has a top-tier reputation when it comes to cleaning wood floors. It began as (and still is) a professional wood floor refinishing company, so it knows how to safely clean wood. And in our testing, Bona’s Hardwood Floor Cleaner cut through our sticky test soil and erased shoe scuffs faster than all the other products we tested. The Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner Spray has two different spray settings: mist and direct. It left a streak-free, residue-free finish on both hardwood and tile after use. It only has one setting for spraying, which is a mist.
- Pros: Residue-free, quick-drying, EPA Safer Choice-certified, effective on various stains.
- Cons: Frequent use may lead to wax film buildup, potentially causing a hazy look if switched to another product.
- Test Scenario: In lab tests, Bona removed sticky soil and scuffs with minimal passes. It was sprayed on a hardwood panel with dirt, ketchup, and crayon stains, cleaning most with ease, though stubborn stains required extra effort.
Buy Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner on Amazon
2. Murphy Oil Soap Wood Cleaner
Murphy Oil Soap is a time-tested wood cleaner that’s been around for generations. Our cleaning pros love the versatility – it not only tackles grime on hardwood floors, but can also clean wood cabinets, furniture and more. It needs to be diluted in water in a bucket, so the concentrated formula will last you a long time, making it a great overall value. It’s derived from 98% natural ingredients, including water and coconut-based cleaning agents. In our tests, Murphy Oil Soap excelled at removing grime and dirt without leaving any residue.
- Pros: Eco-friendly, versatile for multiple wood surfaces, long-lasting concentrated formula.
- Cons: Requires dilution, scent may not appeal to everyone.
- Test Scenario: Diluted as instructed, it cleaned a hardwood floor with simulated dirt and grime in under 60 seconds, leaving a matte finish without streaks.
3. Rejuvenate All Floors Cleaner
Rejuvenate All Floors Cleaner really packs a punch when it comes to sparkling floors. Made with special booster technology, this formula will help your floors regain their shine. As with other cleaners on this list, it removed most of our stains with ease, and more stubborn stains needed some extra elbow grease. We think Rejuvenate would be especially effective for big weekly cleans, or when you want to let your floors take center stage. We found the spray bottle super effective for targeting stains and dissipating the product.
- Pros: Enhances shine, effective spray bottle, tackles tough stains.
- Cons: Windex-like scent may be off-putting, requires effort for stubborn stains.
- Test Scenario: Sprayed on a hardwood floor with ketchup and crayon stains, it broke down dirt with one spritz, requiring a second pass for tougher marks.
Buy Rejuvenate All Floors Cleaner on Amazon
4. Aunt Fannie’s Hardwood Floor Cleaner
Economical, eco-friendly, kid- and pet-safe, and pleasantly scented, Aunt Fannie’s Hardwood Floor Cleaner concentrate got top marks from our tester and in online reviews. This cleaner is free from aluminum, ammonia, formaldehyde, fragrance, parabens, phthalates, and gluten. It’s a concentrated cleaning solution that you dilute with water, and the manufacturer reports it as being pH neutral.
- Pros: Non-toxic, pleasant citrus scent, cost-effective concentrate.
- Cons: Leaves a matte finish, not ideal for high-gloss preferences.
- Test Scenario: Diluted and applied to a floor with pet hair and dirt, it cleaned without residue, leaving a fresh scent but no high shine.
Buy Aunt Fannie’s Hardwood Floor Cleaner on Amazon
5. Method Squirt + Mop Hardwood Floor Cleaner
We know that scent isn’t the most important feature in a wood cleaning product, but if an air-freshening aroma will get you to clean your hardwoods more often, you want this wood floor cleaner from Method. Its almond smell is divine and makes the space smell inviting as opposed to antiseptic. Formulated for utmost ease, all you have to do is squirt this onto your floors and give the area a once-over with a mop. There’s no follow-up rinsing necessary.
- Pros: Pleasant almond scent, no rinsing required, adds shine.
- Cons: Not suitable for waxed or unsealed floors, less effective on heavy stains.
- Test Scenario: Applied to a lightly soiled floor, it cleaned effortlessly and left a rich shine, though it struggled with sticky residues.
Buy Method Squirt + Mop on Amazon
6. Quick Shine Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner
The Quick Shine Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner outperformed all of our other 18 floor cleaners, making it our overall winning pick. Its spray application is easy to use, and its plant-based formula is gentle and suitable for all floor types. Just spraying the product as is, we loved the ease of use from the mist bottle, allowing for even application as we tested. We found that there’s no need to dilute this cleaner or even wait for the product to soak in.
- Pros: Versatile for multiple surfaces, EPA Safer Choice-certified, streak-free.
- Cons: Less effective on grout stains, single spray setting.
- Test Scenario: Tested on hardwood and tile with soda and tomato paste stains, it removed all marks on wood with minimal effort but required extra scrubbing on grout.
Buy Quick Shine Multi-Surface Cleaner on Amazon
7. Zep Hardwood and Laminate Floor Cleaner
A great option for the spraying and wiping technique to undertake on your hardwood floors, the Zep hardwood and laminate solution restores the luster and shine to your flooring. Simply spray and wipe the surface with a dry mop or towel, and, when finished with the hardwood floor, the versatile solution can be also applied to cabinets, crown molding, and laminate surfaces. If you’re in a hurry, this solution is fast-drying so you can move onto other cleaning tasks efficiently.
- Pros: Fast-drying, versatile, restores shine.
- Cons: May leave streaks on dark floors, not for waxed surfaces.
- Test Scenario: Sprayed on a scuffed hardwood floor, it removed marks quickly and dried in under two minutes, though slight streaking was noted on darker wood.
Buy Zep Hardwood and Laminate Cleaner on Amazon
Comparison Table of Top 7 Cleaning Agents
| Product | Formula Type | Scent | Concentrated | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner | Liquid Spray | Unscented | No | $8-$12 | Daily cleaning, sealed floors |
| Murphy Oil Soap | Liquid Concentrate | Light Natural | Yes | $5-$10 | Versatile wood surfaces |
| Rejuvenate All Floors Cleaner | Liquid Spray | Fresh (Windex-like) | No | $12-$18 | Weekly deep cleans |
| Aunt Fannie’s Hardwood Floor Cleaner | Liquid Concentrate | Citrus | Yes | $10-$15 | Eco-conscious homes |
| Method Squirt + Mop | Liquid Spray | Almond | No | $6-$10 | Light cleaning, pleasant scent |
| Quick Shine Multi-Surface Cleaner | Liquid Spray | Citrus | No | $8-$14 | Multi-surface floors |
| Zep Hardwood and Laminate Cleaner | Liquid Spray | Mild | No | $7-$12 | Fast cleaning, laminate |
Buying Guide for Wood Floor Cleaners
Before buying a hardwood floor cleaner, there are some important considerations to take into account. Different flooring types require different cleaning solutions, and a product designed to clean hardwood floors may not be suitable for laminate flooring, vinyl flooring, or tiles. If your home consists of varied flooring types, a hardwood floor cleaner may not be the most effective or appropriate cleaning solution. It’s also worth noting that even within hardwood, there are variations. The type of wood, finish, and degree of soiling can influence the wood cleaner’s effectiveness. Therefore, what works wonders on one hardwood floor might not have the same impact on another.
- Check the product instructions carefully to ensure it’s suitable for your floor.
- Look for cleaners that aren’t corrosive, like water, weaker acids like citric acid, and weaker bases like sodium bicarbonate.
- Avoid products with strong acids and bases, like nitric acid or sodium hydroxide, which can strip the finish.
- Consider concentrated cleaners for cost-effectiveness and eco-friendliness, as they require less packaging.
- Opt for EPA Safer Choice-certified or Greenguard Gold Certified products for safety in homes with kids and pets.
How to Clean Hardwood Floors Properly
The first step in cleaning hardwood floors is to use a dust mop or vacuum to remove dirt or pet hair. Hardwood floors take quite the beating. Daily wear and tear does a number – like that time you scratched ¡®em up when you tried to move the couch by yourself, or when your kid decided it was a good idea to whip out their roller skates and treat the living room like an in-home roller disco. Follow these steps for a thorough clean:
- Sweep or dust mop daily to remove debris that could scratch the floor.
- Vacuum weekly using a floor-brush attachment, avoiding beater bars.
- For monthly deep cleaning, use a wood floor cleaner diluted as per instructions.
- Damp-mop with a microfiber mop, ensuring no standing water remains.
- Wipe up excess liquid immediately to prevent damage.
Maintaining Shiny Wood Floors
If you want your floors to stay clean for as long as possible, maintenance is key. Use entryway mats and leave your shoes at the door. Attach rubber pads to the legs of furniture, which will prevent scratches and scuffs when furniture is moved. Wipe up spills immediately to prevent stains from setting in. Sweep and vacuum regularly to keep dust and debris off the hardwood. After you’ve finished mopping and your floors are dry, take a dry microfiber mop head, and buff it across your hardwood. This dries up any excess water that might be lurking around and gives your floor a nice shine without going to the effort of polishing your hardwood.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most important thing to remember is to avoid letting them get too wet. Standing water can damage wood. Additionally, avoid using any harsh cleaners like white vinegar and lemon juice, as they are too acidic for hardwood floors. Never use a steam mop on any real wood floor. Compared to water, steam can travel deeper and faster into and between the cracks and cells of the wood. This can permanently damage the wood and the floor’s finish. Avoid using anything from the store that claims to restore luster, polish or add shine. These types of “maintenance products” leave behind a temporary, non-protective, shiny film that will interfere with the adhesion of any future maintenance coats of professional wood floor finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use vinegar to clean hardwood floors?
Vinegar is not recommended for regular use as its acidity can dull the floor’s finish over time. For occasional cleaning, dilute 1/2 cup of white vinegar in a gallon of lukewarm water and test in an inconspicuous area first.
How often should I clean my hardwood floors?
Sweep or dust mop daily, vacuum weekly, and deep clean with a wood floor cleaner monthly. High-traffic areas may need damp mopping twice a month.
Are these cleaners safe for pets and kids?
Products like Bona, Aunt Fannie’s, and Quick Shine are EPA Safer Choice-certified, making them safe for households with pets and children when used as directed.
Can I use these cleaners on waxed or oiled floors?
Most listed cleaners are for sealed hardwood floors. For waxed or oiled floors, check manufacturer instructions, as products like Murphy Oil Soap may be suitable when diluted, but others like Method are not.
What’s the difference between spray and concentrated cleaners?
Spray cleaners are ready-to-use, convenient for quick cleans but may run out faster. Concentrated cleaners require dilution, are more cost-effective, and produce less packaging waste.
Conclusion
Maintaining the beauty and longevity of your hardwood floors can be a breeze with the right approach. Regular maintenance routines and using the best hardwood floor cleaner are crucial to keep your floors looking pristine. Whether you choose the professional-grade Bona, the eco-friendly Aunt Fannie’s, or the versatile Quick Shine, these top seven cleaners ensure your floors remain stunning with minimal effort. For more cleaning tips, visit The National Wood Flooring Association.