We always had carpets in our apartment, but now we are moving to a townhouse with hardwood. The problem is that the whole family is highly allergic and after using chemicals for cleaning we always feel bad. how are you taking care of your hardwood naturally and also maintain them in a good shape (not losing color for instance)
Thanks a lot.
Bono is the bomb. Never use a steam mop with real wood.
We have hardwood on the top story and tile downstairs because you can't put real wood on the concrete foundation. My girls downstairs rooms have laminate wood and the Bono works well on that too.
Light on the water, we mop once a week. It's so pretty and feels clean to ditch the carpet, you're going to love it!
Our refinisher told us to only use vinegar and water on our hardwood floors, nothing else. I don't tolerate chemicals well either. and I would NEVER use a steam mop on hardwood floors.
No floor manufacturer will EVER recommend you use a steam mop on a wood or laminate floor - it'll destroy it - ruin the finish, force moisture into the joints, possibly buckle the floor.
People do it but it'll cause them a lot of damage and it's expensive to fix.
If you know the manufacturer of your floor - check out their web site for cleaning recommendations.
I use Bona system for a quick wipe down and concentrated black tea (yep, the stuff you drink) for deep, on my knees scrub/wipe, cleaning. Google black tea for hardwood floors, it really makes them shine.
I use a dust mop on mine and use Bona for shining them. I am sensitive to smells and the Bona does not bother me.
For the record... We have nailed down in our house and in daughters condo which is 2nd floor, she has glue down.
Warm water with white vinegar. Use Baking soda paste if you have something tough that needs a little scrub.
First, I vacuum my hardwood floors w/ a vac that does not scratch the floors. Then, I use a Swiffer pad to get up the dust and hair, etc....
Every other week or one a month, I polish the floors with natural "Method" floor cleaner.
I turn on a small floor fan for 5 or so minutes out to make sure the floors dry good---as I am allergic to mold and mildew.
We swifter and vacuum ours, then steam mop to clean them.
I use a Steam Mop. I don't let it sit on one area, I keep it moving.
