A common issue we see today with products is that they are made specifically for a certain function and homeowners are not aware of this. Pinterest has made a few products very popular over the last few years for cleaning in general. But, these trends are actually very bad for the hardwood industry. Read below to find out why vinegar, steam mops and orange glow are terrible for your floor.
Steam Mop Shark Hardwood Flooring Damage
Steam Mops – This is a new item that has been on the market for a few years and made popular by “Shark”. While this machine can be good for tile and other flooring it is terrible for hardwood flooring. The reason that this product is so bad is that steam is a very fine product, much finer than normal water. The steam can then penetrate the sealer and get in the actual hardwood. Once the steam is in the wood it begins to deteriorate and mold the wood. This process might take years, but it will happen.
Oil – While oil will not harm your finish it will make you need to use Vinegar to get it off the finish, it is generally the best case to avoid any cleaner with oil as it will leave residue and build up.
Vinegar – This is the Pinterest go to product for everything these days. Pinterest is a popular social media image site. Vinegar is great for many applications but not for hardwood. Vinegar will eat your finish away and you will lose many years of your finish. Another issue is that vinegar etches or fogs your finish making it look older than it really is. It is best to avoid using vinegar on your hardwood.
Orange Glow – This product does not work nice with many hardwood finishes. Many calls have been made about ti leaving streaks in a floor not just from A-MAx Hardwood customers but other companies customers as well. It is best to be avoided or it will leave a streaking affect in your floor.
The best cleaners for your hardwood floor are traditional water and a few drops of dish soap or a cleaner by Glitsa or Bona. These will have no agents that will mar your finish in any way. Remember you are cleaning the finish not the hardwood itself.
