Hardwood floors can add beauty and value to a home. They are durable and easy to clean, making them a popular choice for homeowners. There are a few things to consider when choosing hardwood floors:
- Type of wood: There are many different types of wood to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Some popular choices include oak, maple, and cherry.
- Finish: Hardwood floors can be finished in a variety of ways, including with a clear finish that shows the natural wood grain or with a colored stain.
- Installation: Hardwood floors can be installed in a few different ways, including nailing them to a subfloor or gluing them down. It’s important to choose the right installation method for your home and budget.
- Maintenance: Hardwood floors will need to be cleaned and polished regularly to maintain their beauty. It’s also important to protect them from moisture and use furniture protectors to prevent scratches.
Here is a natural cleaning guide for hardwood floors:
- Dust and sweep the floors regularly: Dust and sweep your hardwood floors at least once a week to remove dirt and debris. This will help prevent scratching and maintain the beauty of the wood.
- Make your own cleaning solution: Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a bucket and use it to mop your hardwood floors. The vinegar will help remove dirt and grime, while the water will rinse away any residue. You can also add a few drops of essential oils, such as lemon or lavender, for a fresh scent.
- Use a microfiber mop: Microfiber mops are great for picking up dust and dirt without scratching the wood. They can be used dry or with a small amount of water.
- Avoid using too much water: It’s important not to use too much water when cleaning hardwood floors, as excess water can damage the wood. If you do use water, make sure to dry the floor thoroughly after cleaning.
- Use furniture protectors: Protect your hardwood floors from scratches and dents by using furniture protectors on the legs of your tables and chairs.
- Wipe up spills immediately: Hardwood floors are prone to water damage, so be sure to wipe up any spills as soon as they occur.
- Use a natural wood cleaner: There are several commercial wood cleaners that are made with natural ingredients and are safe to use on hardwood floors. Look for one that is specifically formulated for hardwood and follow the instructions on the label.
20 Homemade Wood Floor Cleaners That Work:
Here are twenty homemade wood floor cleaners that you can try:
- Water and vinegar: Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a bucket and use it to mop your wood floors. The vinegar will help remove dirt and grime, while the water will rinse away any residue.
- Water and dish soap: Mix a few drops of dish soap with water in a bucket and use it to mop your wood floors. This solution is great for removing stuck-on dirt and grime.
- Water and baking soda: Mix a small amount of baking soda with water in a bucket and use it to mop your wood floors. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and can help remove tough dirt and grime.
- Water and lemon juice: Mix equal parts water and lemon juice in a bucket and use it to mop your wood floors. The lemon juice will help remove dirt and grime, while the water will rinse away any residue. This solution is great for giving your wood floors a fresh, clean scent.
- Club soda: Club soda can be used to remove stains from wood floors. Simply pour a small amount of club soda onto the stain and scrub it with a soft-bristled brush. Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth and dry it thoroughly.
- Olive oil and vinegar: Mix equal parts olive oil and vinegar in a small bowl and use it to polish your wood floors. The olive oil will help nourish and protect the wood, while the vinegar will help remove dirt and grime.
- Coconut oil and lemon juice: Mix equal parts coconut oil and lemon juice in a small bowl and use it to polish your wood floors. The coconut oil will help nourish and protect the wood, while the lemon juice will help remove dirt and grime.
- Cornstarch and water: Mix equal parts cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a paste. Use a soft cloth to apply the paste to your wood floors and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, wipe the paste away with a damp cloth and dry the floors thoroughly.
- Water and rubbing alcohol: Mix equal parts water and rubbing alcohol in a bucket and use it to mop your wood floors. The rubbing alcohol will help remove dirt and grime, while the water will rinse away any residue.
- Water and ammonia: Mix equal parts water and ammonia in a bucket and use it to mop your wood floors. The ammonia will help remove dirt and grime, while the water will rinse away any residue. Be sure to use this solution sparingly, as ammonia can be harsh on wood and may cause it to become too acidic.
- Water and cornmeal: Mix equal parts water and cornmeal in a small bowl to create a paste. Use a soft cloth to apply the paste to your wood floors and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, wipe the paste away with a damp cloth and dry the floors thoroughly.
- Water and cornstarch: Mix equal parts water and cornstarch in a small bowl to create a paste. Use a soft cloth to apply the paste to your wood floors and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, wipe the paste away with a damp cloth and dry the floors thoroughly.
- Water and baking powder: Mix equal parts water and baking powder in a small bowl to create a paste. Use a soft cloth to apply the paste to your wood floors and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, wipe the paste away with a damp cloth and dry the floors thoroughly.
- Water and cream of tartar: Mix equal parts water and cream of tartar in a small bowl to create a paste. Use a soft cloth to apply the paste to your wood floors and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, wipe the paste away with a damp cloth and dry the floors thoroughly.
- Water and oatmeal: Mix equal parts water and oatmeal in a small bowl to create a paste. Use a soft cloth to apply the paste to your wood floors and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, wipe the paste away with a damp cloth and dry the floors thoroughly.
- Water and ground coffee: Mix equal parts water and ground coffee in a small bowl to create a paste. Use a soft cloth to apply the paste to your wood floors and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, wipe the paste away with a damp cloth and dry the floors thoroughly.
- Water and dry oats: Mix equal parts water and dry oats in a small bowl to create a paste. Use a soft cloth to apply the paste to your wood floors and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, wipe the paste away with a damp cloth and dry the floors thoroughly.
- Water and talcum powder: Mix equal parts water and talcum powder in a small bowl to create a paste. Use a soft cloth to apply the paste to your wood floors and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, wipe the paste away with a damp cloth and dry the floors thoroughly.
- Water and coarse salt: Mix equal parts water and coarse salt in a small bowl to create a paste. Use a soft cloth to apply the paste to your wood floors and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, wipe the paste away with a damp cloth and dry the floors thoroughly.
- Water and sugar: Mix equal parts water and sugar in a small bowl to create a paste. Use a soft cloth to apply the paste to your wood floors and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, wipe the paste away with a damp cloth and dry the floors thoroughly.