How to Clean Handscraped Hardwood Floors

Written By
Mel Frank
Mel Frank
Published: Nov 23, 2009
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Cleaning the hardwood floors is an easy process when using the right ingredients. Retail cleaners are available, but a simple homemade solution will work just as well. By using a few household ingredients, you can easily clean and disinfect the wood floors without harming the finish or the wood.

Things You Will Need

  • Bucket
  • Mop
  • Water
  • Liquid dish soap
  • White vinegar
  1. Add 1 gallon of warm water to a cleaning bucket, followed by three squirts of liquid dish soap. Agitate to combine ingredients. The soap will work as a mild cleanser that will not harm the hardwood.

  2. Also add 1 cup of distilled white vinegar, which both deodorizes and disinfects. Do not substitute with any other vinegars.

  3. Place a mop in the bucket, saturate and wring out excess water. The goal is to clean with as little water as possible to prevent over-saturation that could cause water damage.

  4. Mop over the handscraped hardwood floors using smooth, firm strokes to collect any debris or bacteria that may be harboring on the floors. Repeat as needed and let air dry.

  5. Use this as an all-purpose cleaner to keep floors clean, bacteria-free and with a streak-free shine.

The Drip Cap

  • Handscraped hardwood floors are a popular option among those looking to create an antique or rustic design to a room.
  • By using a few household ingredients, you can easily clean and disinfect the wood floors without harming the finish or the wood.
  • Place a mop in the bucket, saturate and wring out excess water.
  • Repeat as needed and let air dry.

References

Mel Frank

Mel Frank is a professional freelance writer with over 15 years of writing experience. She has completed a wide variety of writing assignments for a number of publications that include CNN and various websites. Frank received a Bachelor of…

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