Oil based cleaners should not be used on hardwood floors as they leave an oily residue, which not only makes cleaning more difficult but also creates adhesion problems when it comes time to buff or recoat your floors. The best bet, according to the National Wood Flooring Association, is to use a solution of very diluted vinegar and water (capful of vinegar per gallon of water) along with a damp, not wet, cloth or mop.

Of course it is recommended that you consult with the maker of your floor, or the instructions that came along with your floor for further information, as one maker of floors believe that a vinegar solution is too acidic and may ultimately weaken the finish. If you are going for the absolute safest way to clean your hardwood floors, most manufacturers of wood floors also make cleaners that are specifically designed to work with their floors in order to keep them looking beautiful, clean, and protected for many years to come. You can find these floor cleaners at most flooring supply stores as well as many home improvement stores. Follow the package instructions for usage and you should be well on your way to prolonging the life and beauty of your floors.

If you are finding that your floors seem to lack luster or look dull and mottled it very well could be caused by the cleaner you are using. The cleaners we use on our floors affect so many things about the appearance of our floors as well as how long our floors last.

Remember that mottling or blotching is a direct result of a film that is not being removed during regular cleaning. It can also be a residue left behind by any cleaning solutions that are in use. However, this problem can be corrected by use of the floor cleaner made especially by the manufacturer.

The specialty cleaners recommended by your flooring manufacturer may cost more than other cleaners in your local store, but in the long run, using a suitable cleaner could add up to five years of life to your flooring which could be well worth the initial expense.