7 Things You Should Never Use to Clean Hardwood Floors (and What to Do Instead)

Too Much Water

One of the most common mistakes people make with hardwood floors is using too much water to clean them. A soggy mop can do a lot of damage to your hardwoods. “First and foremost, avoid using excessive water on wood flooring,” says Anthony Scott, global product director at Havwoods. “Wood is porous and can absorb moisture, leading to warping, swelling, and damage over time.”

Instead of using a sopping wet mop, try a damp microfiber mop. Using small doses of cleaning solution will help preserve your floors and prevent warping and mold.

Traditional Mops

Ditch the old string-style mop in favor of a microfiber variety. Traditional mops hold excess water, which damages hardwood floors. Steam mops can also harm hardwoods if you’re not careful, leaving too much water on the floor. Instead, opt for a microfiber mop with a gentle cleaning solution and avoid soaking your mop. 

“Almost all manufacturers of hardwood floors recommend using a flat microfiber mop and only spraying on cleaner and staying away from the old string mops, which can leave the floor too wet,” explains Derek Christian, co-owner of All Star Cleaning. “If the floors appear damp a few minutes after mopping, you should go back over them with a dry mop pad to remove the excess water.”

Bleach and Ammonia-Based Cleaners

Steer clear of harsh cleaning agents like bleach and ammonia-based cleaners, as they can wreak havoc on wood flooring. Using these cleaners may discolor wood, erode the finish, and damage deeper layers of your floors. 

“Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, such as ammonia or bleach, which can strip the finish and damage the wood,” says Scott. “These substances can leave your floors dull and vulnerable to scratches.”

Oil Soaps

It’s best to refrain from using oil-based soaps for cleaning hardwood floors as they can dull the finish and leave behind residue on your floors. “Oil soaps leave residue build-up that makes for slippery surfaces, attracts dirt, and jeopardizes the finish,” explains Scott Schrader, cleaning expert at CottageCare.

Instead of oil-based soaps, opt for natural cleaners that are pH-neutral or cleaning solutions designed specifically for hardwood floors.

Vinegar

Another popular cleaner to avoid on your hardwoods is vinegar. Although vinegar is natural and non-toxic, it’s too acidic for wood floors and, over time, can wear down the protective finish. Avoid vinegar, warns Schrader. “Natural as it is, the acidity can dull or damage the finish over time.”

Instead of vinegar, choose a pH-neutral floor cleaner, a natural, diluted dish soap solution, or a gentle cleaning formula created specifically for hardwoods.

Abrasive Scrubbers

Some cleaning tools are way too harsh for hardwood flooring, so avoid using abrasive scrubbers on your floors because they can scuff and damage the wood. “Steel wool or abrasive scrubbers should never be used on wood flooring, as they can leave scratches and marks that are difficult to repair,” Scott says. “Instead, opt for soft cloths or microfiber mops designed specifically for hardwood floors.” 

Floor Wax

“Another common mistake we see with hardwood floors is using any products that contain floor wax in them,” Christian says. “If the product says it will increase the shine on your floor, it is leaving behind a wax to accomplish this.” The problem with floor wax, Christian explains, is that it yellows over time and needs to be removed with a chemical stripper, which will damage your wood floors.

Instead of floor wax, use a gentle cleaner and then buff your floor with a dry microfiber mop. Clean your hardwoods regularly and protect them from damaging furniture, shoes, and other items that can scuff them to ensure they stay shining.