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Cleaning Up:  Cleaning Hardwood Floors  |
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HollyG
True Blue Farmgirl
214 Posts
Holly
Hamburg
Arkansas
USA
214 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 21 2011 : 08:25:18 AM
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Fellow farmgirls - I've scoured the internet for years trying to find a product that will meet my needs. Help? I have factory finished hardwood flooring. I can't be more specific due to lack of info, but it's real wood - 3/4" thick, that has been stained and pre-finished prior to installation (which my DH and I did ourselves.) Now, some years later, I'm having trouble cleaning it. I vacuum, dust-mop, but need some deep-cleaning in my kitchen and high traffic areas. I can't find a thing that works. I've used Bona, which is okay, but leaves footprints. I'm currently using Minwax, which leaves a dull residue. In a bind, I spot cleaned a spill with windex - talk about slick enough to kill someone - quickly wiped it away. I can find things that will clean, but nothing that won't leave a dull or oily residue. Any advice? Before you suggest, water is a MAJOR no-no. I have bevelled boards - which means each side is cut to make a "V" between them. I can keep the dust and grit out, but not water. And, considering it caused permanent damage to our bodies to install it house-wide, we want to baby it all we can. Now...advice? Thanks...
HollyG
Farmgirl #2513
www.mydeepwoodslife.com |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Jul 21 2011 : 08:49:24 AM
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I use Method almond hard wood cleaner on mine--our floors are painted in the living room, but it does beautifully in the hallway. Also, my mother, who cleans historical properties with LOTS of wood and hardwood panelling detail uses it and they get great compliments. The varnishes on old wood are so suseptible to damage and lots of products (including Old English and Murphy's Oil) made them cloudy. So, she tried Method and she's never gone back.
She uses a microfibre mop to rub it in after squirting the product over the floorboards. She does wet the microfibre, but she squeezes it almost dry.
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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HollyG
True Blue Farmgirl
214 Posts
Holly
Hamburg
Arkansas
USA
214 Posts |
Posted - Jul 21 2011 : 2:48:34 PM
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Thanks. I haven't heard of that brand. I found it on Amazon and it received rave reviews there as well. I can't wait to order and see how it will do.
HollyG
Farmgirl #2513
www.mydeepwoodslife.com |
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Cabin Dreamer
True Blue Farmgirl
54 Posts
Brenda
Cortland
NY
USA
54 Posts |
Posted - Jul 22 2011 : 03:26:29 AM
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I've had the same problem. I will have to try Method.
Farmgirl #1954 |
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embchicken
True Blue Farmgirl
1487 Posts
Elaine
Ocean
NJ
USA
1487 Posts |
Posted - Jul 22 2011 : 05:51:29 AM
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The Target by us carries the Method line of products. I am going to scoot over there today and se if I can find it!
~ Elaine
Farmgirl sister #2822
"Find yourself a cup of tea; the teapot is behind you. Now tell me about hundreds of things." ~Saki
http://embchicken.blogspot.com
http://gusandtrudy.blogspot.com |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Jul 22 2011 : 07:52:37 AM
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Elaine, that's where I get mine. It's comparible in price to all the other hardwood solutions out there and I honestly just think it's worth it--I believe it has a lot to do with the almond oil.
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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Farmer Judy
True Blue Farmgirl
433 Posts
Judy
North Aurora
IL
USA
433 Posts |
Posted - Aug 17 2011 : 10:59:43 AM
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I have ants right now as many do and I need to clean my floor especially well. What does anyone thing of using Borax to clean a wood floor?
God bless,
Judy
Born a city girl but a farm girl at heart!
http://farmtimes.blogspot.com/ |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Aug 18 2011 : 01:30:20 AM
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I have heart pine floors that are old (from the roof of an old building that was torn down), but have a finish on them that is actually part polyurethane (not sure). I have never found anything I like for cleaning them, and so I just use a soft cloth with water. I take an old dishcloth, wet it, attach it to my swiffer, and mop the floors. Everything else leaves a film, but just water will clean it pretty good.
Oh, and no water gets into the old nail holes and cracks, because the cloth is not dripping, only damp.
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
Edited by - jpbluesky on Aug 18 2011 01:31:45 AM |
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Farmer Judy
True Blue Farmgirl
433 Posts
Judy
North Aurora
IL
USA
433 Posts |
Posted - Aug 18 2011 : 06:48:04 AM
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Thanks Jeannie, that seems like a fool proof way to go, I being the fool would probably try something stupid and ruin the wood. I just wish my 13 year old would eat over the table at dinner, his droppings are attracting all kinds of ants.
God bless,
Judy
Born a city girl but a farm girl at heart!
http://farmtimes.blogspot.com/ |
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Annie S
True Blue Farmgirl
756 Posts
Annie
Custer
S.D.
USA
756 Posts |
Posted - Aug 28 2011 : 12:48:54 PM
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| We have hardwood all through our house and we were told to just use a steam mop for heavy duty once a week cleaning and a dry microfiber mop for daily dusting. That's what the installer said was recommended and to never use any water with Murphy's or anything like that on them. Just steam. Our floors look great. |
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phonelady
True Blue Farmgirl
323 Posts
Carla
Loveland
Colorado
323 Posts |
Posted - Aug 29 2011 : 2:04:17 PM
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I use vinegar in hot water with a severally wrung out fiber mop [not the string ones].
The floors at the hall are real wood and the guy in charge likes real wax. So when I've put the wax on I use cold water with a spot of vinegar and a wrung out mop.
These folks spill all kinds of food and coffee [with cream and sugar and everything else] all over and aren't really good about wiping it up. That's how I ended up volunteering to clean the floor. Yuck!
Smiles!
Carla
It's not just life-
It's an adventure!
http://familyhistoryfindings.blogspot.com/ |
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Lieberkim
True Blue Farmgirl
839 Posts
Kimberly
Sunnyside
WASHINGTON
USA
839 Posts |
Posted - Sep 24 2011 : 09:54:45 AM
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In my other house I had 3/4" Oak hardwood. LOVED it. Here's how I cleaned it. I took a spray bottle and put Murphy's Oil in the bottom then filled it the rest of the way with water. I'd spray the floor and wipe it with a rag. This way it doesn't get wet and there are no weird chemicals getting on me and mine.
Excuse the mess & the noise, my children are making happy memories |
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Cleaning Up: Cleaning Hardwood Floors |
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Cleaning Hardwood Floors
