Hardwood floor cleaner, what do you use?

[bluejays]

Personally, we have Jatoba Orinoco (sp?), it's a deep browish red, and I use a Swiffer pad, with a Vileda shaft and i fill the little bottle with 95% water and 5% vinegar and it cleans everything nicely. However, over time, streaks come on the floor (the thin film described earlier) and I've noticed if you just use a couple drops of dishwash detergent with the water (instead of the vinegar), it tends to take out the grease film. We usually do our floors once or twice a week throughout the house. Dark hardwood looks nice clean, but foot marks make the thing look awful.

[black rubber disc bunny]

We've been using this for quite a while.

You can pick it up at Safeway, Shopper's

[Dion]

Originally Posted by SportsJunky

Never use water on hardwood floors.

Most flooring dealers sell hardwood mop and cleaners manufactured by Bona. I'd start there. It's what I use at home also.

Not true. I have hardwood maple in mine and the manufacturer recommends cleaning with water. That however doesn't mean sloshing a swack of water on, but rather using a slighly damp micro fiber mop. The installer said much the same thing.

And i don't use an cleaners on mine.

[Iowa_Flames_Fan]

I've had very good luck with Murphy's Oil. It's a lot cheaper than the other specialty products, works great and smells nice.

[SportsJunky]

Originally Posted by Dion

Not true. I have hardwood maple in mine and the manufacturer recommends cleaning with water.

If they do recommend that, it will be the first I've ever heard of and I was in floorcovering distribution for a looooong time. Admittedly, my take is always from the distribution angle and water + hardwood usually equals a claim somewhere down the road if it is left to sit too long. It can screw up the finish on the wood (usually a uv cured urethane) among other things.Your installer was probably right Dion but he doesn't have to back up the material warranty like the dealer does either.

[Dion]

Originally Posted by SportsJunky

If they do recommend that, it will be the first I've ever heard of and I was in floorcovering distribution for a looooong time. Admittedly, my take is always from the distribution angle and water + hardwood usually equals a claim somewhere down the road if it is left to sit too long. It can screw up the finish on the wood (usually a uv cured urethane) among other things.Your installer was probably right Dion but he doesn't have to back up the material warranty like the dealer does either.

This is from the manufacturers website - Ancestral Floors.

Maintenance tips

Immediately following the installation of the pre-oiled floor, it is important to thoroughly clean it with a well-wrung damp mop followed by the use of the “Ancestral Cleaner”.

The “Ancestral cleaner” is specially formulated to properly protect pre-oiled floors, ensure a better patina and enhance its waterproofing features. Along with water, the “Ancestral cleaner” is the only recommended product for cleaning your

pre-oiled floor.

Please keep in mind that wood floors should never be flooded with water, but wiped with a soft damp cloth or well-wrung mop as needed. Periodic use of the “Ancestral cleaner” will keep your floor conditioned and fresh appearing.

http://www.planchersancestral.com/EN...esidential.pdf

A pic of the flooring.

[BuzzardsWife]

I am a cleaning lady, but I don't look anything like that one. Anyway, all I ever use on hardwood is vinegar and water. I believe in cheap and good cleaning methods, and to me this is the best. You don't need much vinegar. If you want your hardwood to look its best don't go barefoot on it.

[kdogg]

I don't do the cleaning, but I think my wife uses Bona.
________
Laguna Bay II Condominium Pattaya

[SportsJunky]

Touche Dion. In my defence, it is a pre-oiled floor but still, the fact they recommend water is interesting.

[Dion]

Originally Posted by SportsJunky

Touche Dion. In my defence, it is a pre-oiled floor but still, the fact they recommend water is interesting.

I was surprised also and quite shocked. Anywhere else i went i got similar comments like yours about not using any water. That said i try not to use any water when cleaning - still skeptical.

[FlameCity]

The hardwood and Laminate floor cleaner from Wood works awesome, we've been using it for about the last ten years. You can get it at TimberTown.

[CaptainCrunch]

Originally Posted by kdogg

I don't do the cleaning, but I think my wife uses Bona.

[amorak]

*bump*

Photon, what did you end up using? We just bought a house full of hardwood and noticed the swiffer hardwood leaves a greasy, sticky feeling. What does the CP brain trust suggest? I was thinking of getting that wood works thing Flame City recommended...

[photon]

I think we use the Bona stuff still.

[TurnedTheCorner]

Since this got bumped and is getting some views - what about for touch ups? Scratches and scuffs and the like.

[SeeBass]

what floor cleaner do I use? That is the maid's business.

good god man, do you need me to ask her for bus advice too?

[amorak]

Where do you buy Boma in town?

[Gozer]

That Woodpe*ker stuff works great, they sell it at TimberTown.

[Suzles]

Originally Posted by amorak

Where do you buy Boma in town?

Bona is sold at Rona

[amorak]

Originally Posted by Suzles

Bona is sold at Rona

I'll tell my Nona!