How to Clean Wood Floors Not Cleaned in a Long Time

9 years ago

Has anyone had to face this issue when dealing with an estate? Should we invest in a steam mop or a Hoover scrubber cleaner? Best cleaning solution to use? Thank you for your advice.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

graywings123
9 years ago
In my opinion, you don't need either of those two items. I'm assuming your hardwood has a polyurethane (or similar) coating. If there is any doubt about that, there are tests you can do to find out.

The most important thing is to vacuum the flooring well. Then you can mop the floor with a damp floor mop using a mild cleaning solution in water.

I'm a big fan of steam mops for ceramic tile, and a steamer may not damage the wood floors. But depending what has been applied to the floor in the past, you could have a huge mess on your hands if you use a steamer. Better not to go down that road.
GregNow
9 years ago
I really won't recommend steam mops in your case. You should probably clean it first the old fashioned way. First try to get as much dirt/dust from the floor through vacuuming and/or light scrubbing. After doing so, run through it once with a wet mop then run through it again but this time with cleaning solution mixed in. Repeat at least once or till you get a satisfactory result then rinse.

Asses the hard wood after doing these steps then update us. A picture or two will definitely help us help you.
Related Discussions
How to Clean Wood Floors?
Q
Comments (5)
Keeping my wood and porcelain/stone floors have never been easier. This is one of those products that I don't ever want to be without again! You've probably seen it advertised on TV...Mint Automatic Cleaner. It dry sweeps and wet mops. I had the white (4200 model) at first but upgraded to the black (5200 model). Well worth it imo. It's not a vacuum, it uses microfiber clothes (included for wet and dry) or you can use Swiffer cloths. Personally, I think the Swiffers work better. I double them for an even thicker padding and then turn the cloth over to use the other side. When wet mopping, I use a combo of water/alcohol (for tile only!) sprayed on the cloth and also squirt it on the floor. I know it's expensive but when I think of the time I have to do other things, the pain in my back from dry dusting and mopping and my always clean floors, I made it a priority purchase. It's been WELL worth it! 4.5 stars on Amazon. It's less expensive at Bed Bath and Beyond tho with a 20% off coupon. Here is a link that might be useful: Mint
...See More
how do you clean your hard wood floors...
Q
Comments (13)
I use water and vinegar too (distilled white) with microfiber cloths. No streaks, fresh smell, no need for drying if the cloths are wrung out really well. However...while that cleaning method works really well, I find that I have to clean the floors on my hands and knees. Yes! Oh, it's horrible! It's because our little dog is a slob, dribbling water all over. For some reason (his saliva??), the dried drops don't simply wipe off. It takes heavy pressure on the cloths, going over and over each drop until they disappear. I have the Bona cleaner but it's no more effective than water and vinegar. A mop just doesn't do it, unless I don't have the right one.
...See More
How do I clean this old wood flooring?
Q
Comments (9)
Just a plain wring out mop and water would be where I'd start. If you see that water soaking into the wood, then it's time for a refinish Bruce, Bona, and many other wood floor experts have products designed especially for wood floors, and that is what I would look for. If it is finished with shellac or lacquer or even an oil finish, an oil soap won't damage the floor, but it should always be rinsed. It will cause dirt to be attracted to the floor. If it has a poly finish, oil soap should never be used. it will degrade the poly and cause you to have to do a complete sand down to the bare wood rather than a simple screen and recoat.
...See More
How do you clean your hardwood kitchen floors? (X-posted on cleaning)
Q
Comments (14)
rebeccamomof123 your floors are lovely. If you like the way your floors look, I wouldn't have them refinished now. You know now that when the time comes you'll have to completely refinish them, but there's no reason you have to rush into it since they obviously are in good shape. I'd stop using the steam mop and Murphy's and start using the damp microfiber mop. We had oak floors refinished in our last house and I used Bona and the occasional steam mop. After 6 years, the satin poly was starting to wear thin in a few spots. Our new hardwood floors are waiting to be installed right now and I don't plan to ever use the steam mop on them!
...See More
PRO
Maids Prime
6 years ago
Firstly, you want to move any obstacles and small pieces of furniture that's on your way. You really don't need to invest in high priced steamers like Hoover or Karcher and it is not mandatory. We offer professional house and commercial cleaning services, including cleaning any kind of floor surfaces and post construction cleaning, such as floor protection and waxing, Go ahead and check us out at: https://maidsprime.com/cleaning-services/

Related Stories

HOUSEKEEPING It’s Time to Clean Your Gutters — Here’s How

By Bonnie McCarthy

Follow these steps to care for your gutters so they can continue to protect your house

Full Story

HOUSEKEEPING How to Clean Hardwood Floors

By Bonnie McCarthy

Gleaming wood floors are a thing of beauty. Find out how to keep them that way

Full Story

460

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: Brick, Wood and Clean White Lines

By Becky Harris

A family kitchen retains its original brick but adds an eat-in area and bright new cabinets

Full Story

149

BATHROOM DESIGN Green and Clean: Ecofriendly Bath Floors

By Ivon Street Studio

Foot-massaging pebble tile, beautiful recycled glass and more can help make your bathroom beautiful and earth friendly

Full Story

KITCHEN DESIGN Design an Easy-Clean Kitchen

By Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR

"You cook and I'll clean" might no longer be a fair trade with these ideas for low-maintenance kitchen countertops, cabinets and floors

Full Story

188

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Counters: Durable, Easy-Clean Soapstone

By Ivon Street Studio

Give bacteria the boot and say sayonara to stains with this long-lasting material that's a great choice for kitchen and bath countertops

Full Story

242

SMALL HOMES My Houzz: Clean, Modern Style for a 615-Square-Foot Brooklyn Apartment

By Elaine Musiwa

Wood tones, houseplants and comfortable furniture warm up this couple’s urban home

Full Story

REMODELING GUIDES 15 Ways to Design an Easy-Clean Home

By Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR

Spend more time doing what you love with these pointers for minimizing cleaning needs throughout the entire house

Full Story

194

BATHROOM DESIGN 13 All-White Bathrooms With Clean and Classic Style

By Samantha Schoech

Show immaculate taste in your bathroom with simply beautiful white walls, floors and finishes

Full Story

HOUSEKEEPING Clean Up Your Cleanup Zones

By Laura Gaskill

Make chore time more pleasant by tidying up your laundry room and updating cleaning tools

Full Story

How to Clean Wood Floors Not Cleaned in a Long Time

Comments (3)

graywings123

GregNow

Related Discussions

Maids Prime

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US