{"id":23968,"date":"2021-12-10T17:06:52","date_gmt":"2021-12-10T17:06:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alternatech.net\/?p=23968"},"modified":"2021-12-10T17:06:53","modified_gmt":"2021-12-10T17:06:53","slug":"cleaning-products-that-shouldnt-be-used-on-wood-floors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/cleaning-products-that-shouldnt-be-used-on-wood-floors\/","title":{"rendered":"Cleaning Products That Shouldn&rsquo;t Be Used on Wood Floors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>They&rsquo;re lovely\u2014but easily ruined. Avoid these costly blunders by learning what you truly need to keep your wood floors in good condition.\n\n\n\n</p><p class='\"has-text-align-right\"'>Wendy Rose Gould\n\n\n\n</p><h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Before you mop, pause!\n\n\n\n</h2><p>The crowning splendor of any home is its wood floors. They&rsquo;re lovely, sparkly, and full of color and personality. However, as beautiful as they are, wood floors can be difficult to keep clean. They necessitate regular maintenance and cleaning, as well as knowledge of which products are safe to use and which are not. Check out these critical cleaning tips from professionals for a complete list of the things you should never use on your wood floors\u2014and what you should instead.\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-large><img fetchpriority='\"high\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"1024\"' height='\"683\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/12%5C/keep-mop-clean-sanitary-1901099-01a-94b46e9174ca4af4bafe18aeb3f0ce30-1024x683.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-23969\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/keep-mop-clean-sanitary-1901099-01a-94b46e9174ca4af4bafe18aeb3f0ce30-1024x683.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Ammonia\n\n\n\n</h2><p>Ammonia is a pungent chemical that has many cleaning uses in your home, but it should\u00a0<em>never\u00a0be used on hardwood floors. \u201cThe ingredient damages the surface and dissolves the lignin in the wood,\u201d explains Leanne Stapf, chief operating officer at\u00a0The Cleaning Authority. If you\u2019re looking for a heavy-duty wood floor cleaner that\u2019ll cut through serious gunk, try\u00a0Zep Commercial Hardwood and Laminate. Bonus: It can also be used on baseboards, cabinet doors and crown molding. A big FYI: When you do use ammonia, never combine it with bleach.\u00a0\n\n\n\n<div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img decoding='\"async\"' width='\"768\"' height='\"768\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/12%5C/ammonia-GettyImages-1184148534.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-23970\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/ammonia-GettyImages-1184148534.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Cleaner for windows\n\n\n\n</h2><p>Glass cleaners are not recommended for use on wood floors. According to Rosa Nogales-Hernandez, chief house cleaning valet at Valet Living, some are made with abrasive substances (such as ammonia) that can really damage your floors and leave marks. In general, though, there are just better solutions to consider when it comes to cleaning your wood floors. One viable solution is diluted Pine-Sol, which was recently approved by the CDC as an efficient coronavirus killer. To use, mix 1\/4 cup Pine-Sol with one gallon of water. Wipe away with a microfiber towel after spraying your floors.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img decoding='\"async\"' width='\"750\"' height='\"500\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/12%5C/Benefits-of-Cleaning-Windows-01.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-23971\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Benefits-of-Cleaning-Windows-01.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Lemon juice\n\n\n\n</h2><p>Like vinegar, lemon juice is a highly acidic ingredient that can disrupt the beauty and integrity of your wood floors\u2014particularly when used in large amounts. Too much can dull your floors and also wear down the finish, making your floors more susceptible to damage over time.\u00a0\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"768\"' height='\"768\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/12%5C/lemon-juice-cleaner-GettyImages-946920052.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-23976\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/lemon-juice-cleaner-GettyImages-946920052.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<p>\n\n\n\n</p><h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Soiled mops\n\n\n\n</h2><p>When it comes to cleaning your wood floors, less is more, and this is especially true when it comes to water. &ldquo;Extremely damp mops can destroy the gloss and damage the wood itself,&rdquo; explains Stapf. &ldquo;Instead, use a slightly damp mop to remove excess standing water to avoid damage.&rdquo; When wiping stains from the floor, a slightly damp mop works well.&rdquo; Bottom line: Any product that necessitates the use of a bucket and mop is not suitable for wood floors.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"768\"' height='\"768\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/12%5C/wet-mop-GettyImages-175853175.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-23972\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/wet-mop-GettyImages-175853175.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'><figcaption><br>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Steam cleaners\n\n\n\n</h2><p>On that note, steam-cleaning devices shouldn\u2019t be used on hardwood floors, either. Because of wood\u2019s porous nature, moisture is easily absorbed. \u201cSteam cleaners will leave excessive water and heat on the floors, and this can lead to cupping and long-term damage,\u201d notes Nogales-Hernandez. \u201cI recommend using a microfiber mop when cleaning instead.\u201d\u00a0\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"768\"' height='\"768\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/12%5C/steam-cleaner-GettyImages-1155445920.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-23973\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/steam-cleaner-GettyImages-1155445920.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Water and soap\n\n\n\n</h2><p>Straight soap and water work well in many cleaning situations, but it isn&rsquo;t the best option for hardwood floors. For starters, it frequently necessitates the use of excessive water, which can cause long-term damage. Second, the soap leaves a filmy residue buildup on your floors, which can diminish the brightness, attract footprints and scuffs, and even make the surface slippery.\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"768\"' height='\"768\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/12%5C/soap-and-water-GettyImages-639030208.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-23974\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/soap-and-water-GettyImages-639030208.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Vinegar\n\n\n\n</h2><p>Vinegar is another one of those ubiquitous, highly touted household cleaning products that ought to be used with caution when it comes to your wood floors. \u201cUsing too much vinegar and water on your floors can dull them over time,\u201d says Nogales-Hernandez. \u201cThis is a commonly recommended cleaning solution, but it can be damaging.\u201d Vinegar should be used sparingly on wood floors or reserved for hard, durable surfaces such as windows, sinks, and microwaves, as well as these other\u00a0things you didn\u2019t know you could use vinegar on.\n\n\n\n</p><p>For maximum clean and shine, she recommends combining 2 cups of warm water with 1\/4 cup rubbing alcohol, 1 tablespoon\u00a0castile soap,\u00a0and 1\/2 cup vinegar. Combine in a spray bottle, spray the solution onto your floor and wipe it up with a damp cloth or microfiber mop. When using castile soap, stick to the pure, unscented stuff.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"768\"' height='\"768\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/12%5C/vinegar-GettyImages-1033163900.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-23975\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/vinegar-GettyImages-1033163900.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Hydrogen peroxide\n\n\n\n</h2><p>Though hydrogen peroxide isn\u2019t quite as potent as bleach, it can easily discolor wood floors when used incorrectly. To avoid any mishaps, Stapf recommends skipping this ingredient altogether and instead use a damp\u00a0microfiber mop\u00a0or cloth to clean your floors. The spot-cleaning tricks and tips mentioned above can also be used to tackle stubborn stains and built-up grime.\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"768\"' height='\"768\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/12%5C/hydrogen-peroxide-GettyImages-1204171538.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-23977\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/hydrogen-peroxide-GettyImages-1204171538.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'><figcaption><br>\n\n\n\n<h2 class='\"wp-block-heading\"'>Sandpaper\n\n\n\n</h2><p>You might be tempted to smooth out a weird spot in your hardwood floors, but Stapf says this is a recipe for disaster, regardless of the grit you\u2019re working with. \u201cSandpaper can quickly damage the finish of hardwood floors,\u201d she explains. This not only hinders their beauty but also makes them more susceptible to damage down the road. \u201cIf you need to clean stubborn spots off a hardwood floor, rub the stain with steel wool and floor wax until it disappears.\u201d The steel wool still has some grit, but it\u2019s much finer than any sandpaper you\u2019ll find. An alternative is a Magic Eraser, or even a toothbrush.\n\n\n\n</p><div class='\"wp-block-image\"'><figure class='\"aligncenter' size-full><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' width='\"768\"' height='\"768\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/12%5C/sand-paper-GettyImages-1144296541.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' class='\"wp-image-23978\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/sand-paper-GettyImages-1144296541.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'><figcaption>Photo taken in Lampang, Thailand\n\n\n\n<p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"</p><p>They&rsquo;re lovely\u2014but easily ruined. Avoid these costly blunders by learning what you truly need to keep your wood floors in good condition. Wendy Rose Gould Before you mop, pause! The crowning splendor of any home is its wood floors. They&rsquo;re lovely, sparkly, and full of color and personality. However, as beautiful as they are, wood\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":23979,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[54,43,61,100,96,30,46,31],"class_list":{"0":"post-23968","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-tie-life-style","8":"tag-clean-hack","9":"tag-cleaning-house","10":"tag-cleaning-tips","11":"tag-diy","12":"tag-diy-home","13":"tag-household-hacks","14":"tag-life-hacks","15":"tag-tips"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Tim-va-Trang-Hien-dai-Nguon-tai-nguyen-cho-Nhan-vien-Moi-Ban-thuyet-trinh-Cong-ty-1.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23968","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23968"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23968\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23979"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23968"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23968"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23968"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}</p></figcaption></figure></div></figcaption></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div></figcaption></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div></figure></div></em></p></figure></div>