Best product for cleaning hardwood floors?

[bbhaag]

I was wondering if anyone here has a recommendation for a product that does a nice job on cleaning hardwood floors. Back in November we purchased a new home that has a lot of hw flooring(1800 sq ft). We had them professionally cleaned before we moved in and we want to keep them looking nice. We've noticed over the past few months since we have moved in they are to get smudged and loosing that "glow".

If anyone here has a product they use regularly, like once a month, to clean your hw floors with good results let me know. I've tried googling but there are so many it's hard to separate the good from the bad.

 

[herm0016]

I like the method hard wood floor cleaner.

we have used bona with good results as well, the method smells nice though.

 

[bbhaag]

I like the method hard wood floor cleaner.

we have used bona with good results as well, the method smells nice though.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll check them out. If anyone else has some let me know.

 

[snoopy7548]

I've heard good things about Bona. My hardwoods are six years old and still look almost new, but I've only used the Bruce cleaner a couple of times - the next time I clean them I'll use Bona as I find the Bruce tends to leave a sticky residue.

There are a few different types to be aware of...

Bona Cleaner - This is a general purpose cleaner that you can use regularly
Bona Refresh - Use only on floors with a polyurethane finish occasionally to bring the original shine back
Bona Polish - Do not use this as you will not be able to refinish your floors with polyurethane unless you strip this off, and you won't be able to use the Refresh product.

 

[herm0016]

good point snoopy.

if you are planing on refinishing ever, don't use anything with wax in it. many of them will be labeled shine or polish or similar.

we have old worn wood floor on one level that will have to be replaced when we finally remodel the kitchen and dining room due to some walls coming down. our cleaners have been using quick shine with wax in it and the floors really do look better with it vs. just cleaner.

 

[dphantom]

We use Bona. Works well.

 

[fritzfield]

+2 for the Bona.

 

[FeuerFrei]

No recommendation here.
To piggyback on thread topic ...

I guess to clean unsealed hardwood floors that are waxed (Johnson's Paste Wax), the only real cleaning method is to wipe off wax with mineral oil, then reapply wax? Asking for my own edification.

The floors in question have only been waxed periodically, though they may well have been polyurethaned when laid decades ago.

Seems like most cleaning products on the shelf at my local store are designated for sealed hardwoods only.

 

[MadScientist]

We have Brazilian Cherry hardwood floors and used Bona but after using it several times it left a white film on our floors. We started using a Swiffer mop with Great Value (Walmart) wet mopping cloths. Work great, no film, no streaks. Of course, vacuum your floors first.

 

[Jane_June]

I use Bona cleaner. Specific scent, as for me, but good results!

 

[Binky]

Bona, but diluted more than normal.

 

[trungma]

If you want clean floors with no streaks, then I suggest a steam cleaner. We use it on our floors and it works great. We have solid hardwood floors with a semi-gloss finish but I would check with the floor manufacturer first.

 

[bbhaag]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I saw this thread pop up again so I thought I would give a quick update. I tried Bona in the RTS bottle. I found it at Menards so I thought I would give it a shot. It worked very well. I followed the instructions on the bottle to the letter and it brought back the shine and left no streaking. We were very happy with the results and will continue to use it.

 

[Fanatical Meat]

+3 Bona, simple & works decent. Cleans real well but doesn’t shine that much.

 

[bbhaag]

If you want clean floors with no streaks, then I suggest a steam cleaner. We use it on our floors and it works great. We have solid hardwood floors with a semi-gloss finish but I would check with the floor manufacturer first.

We purchased the home last fall and the previous owners were very heavy smokers. After the remodeling and painting was finished we had all the floors in the house professionally cleaned to help remediate the smoke smell. They used a steam cleaner on the hardwood floors and we were amazed at the difference before and after. Because of the cost ($.50/sq.ft.) of cleaning hardwood floors I think it is something we will have done on a every other year basis but yes the steam cleaner worked amazing!!

+3 Bona, simple & works decent. Cleans real well but doesn’t shine that much.

Since the floors are only 10 years old they still has there nice factory shine. We weren't sure why the landing at the top of the stairs scuffed and streaked so badly since they were put in during the remodel last fall. Maybe manufacturing oils left on the surface caused?? Anyway, the Bona worked great and we were happy with the results.