I have decided to tackle the myth that vinegar and water is the best cleaning method for hardwood floors. This method should be avoided if possible. but as a last resort, the original solution prescribe is 1 capful of plain white vinegar to 1 gallon of warm water.  there are two main problems with using vinegar on a hardwood floor… it contains acetic acid and most people don’t know how to truly damp mop. the correct way is to use 1 capful to 1 gallon of water, damp mop (never soak the wood), and use a drying towel immediately to eliminate excess water on your floor to restore the shine of the urethane finish.   

So with all the directions listed above and the fact that water and wood are not a good mix, let’s consider another method.   My suggestion is to use a hardwood cleaner made by Bona. Bona Hardwood Cleaner is a wonderfully formulated, easy to use product that assures your hardwood floor investment is cleaned correctly. Best of all, you don’t have to get down on all fours and use a drying towel to finish the job. 

Bona is a company that has been around since 1919.  Bona’s main focus is making hardwood maintenance products.  Bona doesn’t manufacture hardwood floors, just the maintenance products to keep them looking beautiful.

Tips provided by Bona to keep your hardwood floors clean and looking good….

Why Bona Cleaner?

Bona has been trusted by professionals since 1919. their cleaners have no dulling residue and are also non-toxic and GREENGUARD certified.

How Often Should I clean?

This varies, depending on your household and the square footage of your wood floors. Kids, pets, and environment all contribute to wear on your floor. That said, Bona recommends cleaning as often as possible. Keeping your floor free from dirt and dust helps prevents scuffs and scratches. a clean floor is a longer lasting floor. 

Advanced Tips

• Use proper tools to clean your floor – a mop paired with a machine washable, microfiber pad for dusting and cleaning. Electrostatic action attracts dirt, micro particles and common household allergens. (Use a fancy mop to dust mop.) 
• Avoid using water and vinegar solutions, soap-based cleaners, or wax or steam cleaners on your hardwood floors. Vinegar and water actually dull the floor’s finish over time, while soap and wax leave residue. Steam cleaners put heat and excessive water on your floor, which can lead to cupping and long-term damage.
• Regular dusting and cleaning keeps hardwood floors looking new. but protective mats can further your floor’s life. Use natural, rubber rug underlayments with a waffle pattern in entry ways or high traffic areas, and always use felt floor protectors on furniture.

So when you think of vinegar, it’s time to make salad, and consider using Bona Hardwood Cleaner to maintain your hardwood floor investment. 

Renee LeCroy is the Flooring Expert at Don’s Carpet one in Birmingham, AL. for 18 years, she’s been the consumer’s in-store advocate, decoding the flooring industry and offering insider advice. Contact Renee via email.

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Tags: All Fours, bona hardwood cleaner, Hardwood Floors, Job, vinegar and water, White Vinegar