Cleaning HIGH-GLOSS Wooden Floors?

Question

We just spent a small fortune having the hardwood floors in our 50's home refinished. We went with a high-gloss polyurethane finish. I've read using vinegar and water to clean works (what's the water to vinegar ratio), another mentioned pouring Orange Glo directly on the floor, then mopping up . I definitely don’t want to ruin the finish or make the floors look dull. A friend used an oil based cleaning product on her floors and they now look greasy and dull. I don’t won’t the same to happen to me. Any suggestions? I also have small children who play, eat and sleep on the floor, so I also have to consider them (we had to move out for almost two weeks when the floors were done due to the chemical smell). I’ve been using a damp mop and warm water to clean, but you can now see the floors need more. THANKS

Answer 1

There's a product called "simple green" I've used that for years, does a very good job of cleaning, leaves no residue,natural, food contact safe the directions are on the bottle. Can be used for all types of cleaning. Poly is a very tough surface finish and shouldn't need any type of waxy protectant for years to come.You made a good choice using the poly.

Answer 2

I would damp mop with a light solution of Mr. Clean. I've used Murphy's, **** and Span and Pine Sol and they all seem to leave a residue. The main thing you don't want to do is get the floor very wet. Although the finish protects the face of the floor boards, the water will get in the seams and swell the wood.

Answer 3

In between a  good  washing   > YES <  do  use a cup of  vinegar in a  3/4  full  pail  of warm water.

Answer 4

I use about a half-cup of vinegar (white vinegar only!) to a couple of gallons of warm water on wood floors.  It works well, and the vinegar smell disappears when it dries.

And I second what David B. said about wetness.  I just use a damp mop.

Answer 5

Try a swiffer jet mop.

Answer 6

You may have to use a mild detergent and warm water with a soft bristle brush. What i use on my floors if they are not very bad but are dull in colour is useing a swiffer wet mop.