apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

In my previous home I had a Harris Tarkett espresso colored wood floor and so used their cleaner which I thought maintained the floors beautifully.

I've since moved to a 1920's cottage with honey colored wood floors and am using the same cleaner and over time I actually think the floors are looking a bit better as a result.

Here's a link to the product.

http://www.weloveyourfloors.com/product_info.php?cPath=76&products_id=51

Johnson & Johnson Paste Wax in the yellow can. I've had hardwoods for years and my mother before me - this is the best.

I use a blend of Murphy's and Orange Glow wood cleaner - the Murphy's keeps the orange glow from being too slippery, and the Orange Glow keeps the Murphy's from leaving a dull residue.

I brew orange pekoe tea (the cheap stuff sold in bulk boxes) and use it on my floors after I have cleaned them, diluted in some warm water and applied via a regular sponge mop. Makes them lustrous (for their age) and the dog scratches are much less noticeable.

that's the first I've heard of tea! I love that idea, must make the space smell pretty nice!

I find that drying the floors after using Murphy's prevents the dull residue, but that does involve some hands-and-knees work.

Paste wax.

There is a product at Restoration Hardware which is supposed to improve the finish on wood floors that are becoming a little dull. One of the warnings (seriously) is that the product adds sheen for a period of months, so don't use it on your matte finish floors. It can also only be used on floors where the polyurethane finish is still present. I don't see it on the website, but I found it in the same room as the cabinet hardware (opposite wall) at the Beverly Center store. Haven't had a chance to use it yet...

Method smells the best

Bona Swedish floor system is the finest hardware cleaner anyone can hope for. Never use water or Murphy's soap.
Bona cleans & restores in 1 easy step. Comes with cleaner, micro pad & mop. And it's green.

http://www.bonakemi.com/shop/products.asp

Sorry above...hardwood not hardware

I'm very satisfied with the Bona products mentioned above.

Bona is absolutely the best for non-waxed hardwood floors. My floors have never been shinier!

We just moved into a new home with dark hardwood floors. I asked the man who did them what he uses for wood floors. He said above all to avoid the Murphy's Oil products--they build up over time and dull the floors. He said the Bona products are fne but somewhat diluted. What he uses on his floors--I couldn't believe this--is blue windex. He swore by it. He's got two young children (as do we) so he said the Bona is fine for light cleaning, but dealing with spills and messes he always uses the windex.

I use 50/50 hot water and vinegar, sometimes I add a few drops of lemon oil for fragrance. The vinegar cuts through the soapy residue left by Murphay's and other cleaners. Cheap, effective and non-toxic.

Agreed, I used Murphys for several years and was not happy with the result.

I now use "neutral all purpose cleaner" from concentrate. This is reccomended by Don Aslett who owned a cleaning company and has written many books on cleaning and clutter control.

It's "neutral" so its not harsh. The feeling of the floors under your socks can't be beat. The floors have a beautiful shine to them and just feel incredibly clean. Not so shiny as to be slippery or anything. No need to rinse and the brand I use is biodegradable.

He also reccomends that you wax your floors to make them last longer, which I don't do. [Need to start.]

Last benefit is its cheap when you buy it from a professional cleaning / janitorial supply company such as Jondon, etc.

The brand I use is Franklin, but I imagine they are all pretty much the same.

www.jondon.com

^Search for "neutral all purpose cleaner"