Hardwood Floors Oct/Nov 2019

RESOURCES

By Libby White Johnston “Real Wood. Real Life.” Materials Show Homeowners that Caring for Wood Floors is Easy

Apple cider vinegar, steam mops, and even petroleum jelly. These are just a few of the things consumers ask about using for cleaning wood floors. While professionals know those aren’t a great idea, there is a lot of misinformation out there.

sense of clean.” Another suggests mixing equal parts vinegar and vegetable oil, saying that the vegetable oil “helps condition the wood, so it doesn’t dry out, which keeps it shiny.” Miller noted that although many of the natural oiled floor finishes do require regular “oiling,” it is never a good idea to use any oil other than the specifically designed maintenance oils recommended by the manufacturer for its finishes. The NWFA’s own consumer research study revealed that only one-fourth of homeowners know the correct way to clean wood floors. However, the same survey found that homeowners perceive wood floors as being easy to clean, and that is also one of the top factors they consider when choosing a flooring surface. So, it’s crucial to share how easy caring for wood floors is

There are all sorts of “recipes” for cleaning solutions on the Internet. A quick online search found one that says, “…steep one bag of tea in two cups of boiling water and leave until it comes to room temperature. Remove tea bag and soak the cloth in the liquid, wring out then wipe the floor clean. Dry with a soft cloth. The tannic acid in the tea will help bring wood to a shine.” According to BrettMiller, VP of Education &Certification for NWFA, among many other concerns, this recipe could also pull the naturally occurring tannins in the wood to the surface, through the finish, leaving tannin stains in the wood. Oils are also part of many of these concoctions. One blog post recommends using vinegar, water, and essential oils, stating “essential oils come in a variety of fragrances, so choose a few drops of your favorite one to add to your solution for an added

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