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Topic :Care of hardwood floors
How do you care for hardwood floors? My oak floors were redone several years ago with a Satin -Oil based polyurethane. I was told not to use an alkaline cleaning product like Murphy's Oil soap but to use a mix of Windex, dishwasher detergent and water. I tried this using a spray bottle and dry soft mop. However, this formula seems to leave the floors very dull. Do you have any suggestions for me? I have children and a dog so my floors tend to get dirty.
Also, how can I repair the tiny scratches on the floor? |
Whatever they told you is VERY wrong! First of all you're lucky you didn't get sick from the fumes. Windex contains Ammonia and Dishwasher soap contains Chlorine...the 2 mixed together are extremely bad. Don't do that again!
The safest way to clean floors is to vacuum them...not sweep. Vacuuming pulls the dirt from between the boards and helps keep the floor from becoming wavy due to no expansion room between the boards.
Once the floor is clean, A light misting of Windex or ammonia and water will keep the floor free of grime and also prevent the residue. Also many vinyl manufacturers also make floor cleaner, for instance, Armstrong's Once 'N Done is a highly recommended cleaner, and that product is ammonia based.
You're floors were dull after cleaning because you stripped the oils from the finish. You will need to add oils when cleaning to keep the floors looking nice. There are many products to do this from paste waxes to floor finish restorers. I would make a trip to your local flooring shop and explore your options. Most of the finishes should be put on twice a year for best protection.
As for the scratches, here at home we use a colored furniture scratch hide polish. It works pretty well for about 2 months then needs to be reapplied. Make sure to deal with the scratches after washing the floor, but before waxing it or what ever you choose. |
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