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.

I do not use Swiffer and recommend against it. First, it leaves a streaky residue. My hdwd floor installer said not to use it, as its chemicals are too harsh. Last, I really dislike the environmental impact, and cost, of disposable cleaners. I have a mop with a terrycloth cover called Sh'mop (google it, it's fairly easy to find online), and use that with Bona floor cleaning liquid. After I'm done mopping, the terrycloth cover gets washed with other household rags. The terrycloth cover I bought 4 years ago is finally starting to show some wear, so I'll replace it at a cost equivalent to 2-3 boxes of Swiffer cloths.

You mentioned Orange County, CA in another thread and concerns over humidity. I lived in the city of Orange in my early twenties and don't recall anything excessive. Prolonged periods of high or low humidity is what can cause issues and not four or five days here and there. Looking at the past year in Orange itself doesn't ring alarm bells. Averages are in the 60’s from my glance. I didn't see 80% I did most of my work in SW Florida where humidity was much higher. The work was anywhere from beachfront, island, to twenty miles inland, but before the days of five inch wide solid planks. Then it was more three inch solid. Yes there were a few issues here and there especially with stilt homes that had no climate control underneath (open to air). That’s all changed now with nearly all homes using those areas for game rooms, guest bedrooms and the like. As far as concrete slab sub floors, which I’m guessing you probably have, engineered floors are all over the place. No issues. Be careful with the reviews you read. Many are probably a matter of installation related failures and lack of awareness, especially with DIY’ers and inexperienced installers. Think about these three M’s Moisture testing - material, subfloor Moisture awareness - in, and around the home. Before and after Moisture control - barriers

Thank you HerrProfessorDoktor, I am glad you are letting others know about the issues you are having. It is too bad you regret the dark, perhaps you could restain them lighter in the future? I am very fortunate as I have had dark hard wood floors in my last house and plan to install them again in this house. I love the look and had no regrets last time with care so I think I will be okay. However, I do think it is wise of you to post as there are others who may not know the challenges of dark hardwood floors looking pristine. A rumba is always is a nice little feature to help with much of the dust. ~boxer Here is a great link / poll that talks about this topic. [light or dark hardwood[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/poll-light-or-dark-hardwood-dsvw-vd~5047868?n=235)