Tips on Using Natural & Non-Toxic Hardwood Floor Cleaners

Hardwood floors give warmness and a timeless look to any home. They age beautifully until you accidentally use the wrong cleaner, or simply mop the hardwood floors too often. Then, you realise that your wooden floors have become more "meh" than marvellous... If you’re here, you’re probably on the hunt for a gentle, non-toxic and natural floor cleaner that will keep your floors (and your conscience) spotless. In this post, we’ve mopped up all the info you’ll need to clean your hardwood floors naturally.

 Image credit | Pexel

Firstly, How to Mop a Hardwood Floor Correctly? Or Can I?

First things first, hardwood floors are a bit posh, and delicate. While moping wooden floors (with little water) is acceptable. But treat them with with absolute care. Or they’ll show their age faster than you can say, “Why is my floor sticky?” Here’s how to do it right:

• Dry First: Start with a good sweep or a vacuum designed for hard floors. Don’t skip this; tiny bits of dirt can scratch the surface.

• Slightly Damp, Not Wet: Mop lightly. Think of it as giving your floors a gentle spa day, not a bath. Too much water can seep into the wood and cause warping. And, we don't want to mop the floor so often as it's not recommended to clean wooden floors with water. So moderation is key. Make sure that, if you do need to mop the floor, use as little water as possible.

• The Right Mop: Microfibre is your mate here. It’s soft, absorbs well, and won’t leave streaks.

• Air dry the floors: Even if you have used little water to mop, make sure you open all the windows when you're mopping. This ensures the floor to dry much quicker.

Pure Effect | Clean Floor

What to Watch Out For...

• No Steamy Situations: Steam mops might sound fancy, but they can wreak havoc on hardwood floors by forcing moisture into the wood.

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Bleach or ammonia-based cleaners? Just no. They’ll strip your floor’s finish faster than you can say, “Oops.”

• Shoes Off, Please: High heels, in particular, are basically daggers for your wood. Treat your floors like you’d treat your nan’s antiques.

Made Kind | Floor Cleaner

How to Choose the Right Floor Cleaner

Not all cleaners are created equal, especially when it comes to non-toxic floor cleaners. Here’s what to look for:

• Natural Ingredients: A floor cleaner with plant-based ingredients is not only better for the environment but also safer for kids, pets, and you. 

• No Residue Formula: You don’t want a sticky film left behind. A good natural cleaner leaves your floors as it's original finish with so much "add-on"

So, just a bit of TLC and the right tools will keep your wood floor looking lush. By switching to a non-toxic floor cleaner and following these easy tips, you’ll keep them gleaming for years.

Now, grab that mop (slightly damp, not wet!) and give your floors the natural clean.