Bleach is a powerful chemical disinfectant used to whiten clothes, remove stains, and sanitize toilets. … It’s not safe to clean hardwood floors with bleach because bleach can break down the wood’s finish and seep into the porous fibers causing discoloration and weakening the structure of the floorboards.
What can I use to disinfect hardwood floors?
- Use a microfiber cloth duster or vacuum to remove dust and loose debris from the floor. …
- Mix ½ cup of distilled white vinegar with one gallon of water in a bucket. …
- Dip a mop into the solution and wring it out completely. …
- Damp mop every part of your floor including corners.
How do you clean hardwood floors with bleach?
- Mix up a solution of ¾ cup bleach added to 1 gallon of water.
- Wipe or wash the floor, and then apply the bleach solution, letting it stand for 5 minutes.
- Rinse well and air dry.
What happens if you bleach a hardwood floor?
“While bleach will likely disinfect porous surfaces, it’s possible that you could damage the wood or the finish, discoloring it or getting into the actual wood and damaging it,” she says.
Can I use Pine Sol on hardwood floors?
We like using Pine-Sol® Original Pine Multi-Surface Cleaner on hardwood floors. … You can also use Pine-Sol® Original Squirt ‘N Mop®. It’s safe for wood and hard, nonporous surfaces. You can apply it to the floor directly from the bottle.
What is the best homemade cleaner for wood floors?
- Water and Vinegar. …
- Water, Vinegar, and Essential Oils. …
- Vinegar and Vegetable Oil. …
- Plant-based Liquid Soap, Vinegar and Water. …
- Tea Bags. …
- Lemon Juice, Olive Oil and Hot Water. …
- Dish Detergent, Water and Vinegar.
You may also read, Can bleach smell cause headaches?
Will hydrogen peroxide damage hardwood floors?
Hydrogen peroxide is an effective cleaning solution that is safe for humans and pets and won’t damage hardwood floors when used properly. With its antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties, it goes beyond eliminating dirt and debris to sanitize your home. Check the answer of Can blender use FBX?
Can I use household bleach to lighten wood?
Common laundry bleach or chlorine will effectively remove stain or dye color from wood, but will not affect the wood’s natural color. … Oxalic acid will remove water and rust stains, plus teak stain, and can be used to lighten the graying effect of weather-exposed wood.
Does Bona disinfect wood floors?
Bona PowerPlus Antibacterial Hard-Surface Floor Cleaner uses the power of hydrogen peroxide to effectively clean and disinfect floors. When used as directed, it can clean up to 99.9% of household germs. Read: Can blind and deaf people work?
Are wet swiffers bad for hardwood floors?
You can safely use Swiffer products on hardwood floors. For a quick clean, try Swiffer WetJet Wood Starter Kit. With just the right amount of solution, it breaks up tough, sticky messes, brings out the natural beauty of your floors and won’t damage them.
What not to use on hardwood floors?
Don‘t use straight ammonia, alkaline products or abrasive cleaners. They’ll dull or scratch the finish. Don’t rely on lemon juice or a vinegar-and-water solution to clean hardwood floors. “I don’t recommend using vinegar or lemon juice, at least not in large quantities, as these can damage the floor’s seal,” said Wise.
Is Murphy’s oil soap good for hardwood floors?
Whether you’re cleaning one area or all of your flooring, Murphy® Oil Soap is safe to use on hardwood floors.
How can I make my wood floors look new again?
- Use a store-bought chemical abrasion kit.
- Buff and recoat floors with polyurethane.
- Use a revitalizer.
Does vinegar ruin wood floors?
Using vinegar and water as a homemade hardwood floor cleaning solution can have a negative effect on your hardwood floor. … Since vinegar is an acid, it will actually break down the finish on the surface of your floor, and over time it will reduce the shine and leave a dull appearance.
How do you clean really dirty hardwood floors?
Begin by dusting or sweeping your floors well. Then make a cleaning mixture using 4 cups warm water and a few drops of castile soap or dish soap. Do not shake, but gently mix this, then mop or scrub small sections at a time, drying them with a clean cloth or dry mop after.”
