To mop wood floors, you can use a commercial wood-cleaning product like Bona or Murphy Oil Soap, or make your own cleaner by mixing one part vinegar to 10 parts warm water and adding a few drops of liquid Castile soap. Other sources suggest making a cleaning mixture using 4 cups warm water and a few drops of castile soap or dish soap. It is important to wring out the mop thoroughly so that it is damp, not wet, and to avoid putting too much liquid on the floor. You can also use boiling water and two teabags to clean hardwood floors, as the tannic acid in tea creates a beautiful shine. Professional cleaners recommend using a soft-headed mop without any metal wires to prevent scratching and dipping the mop into the bucket of solution, wringing it out before touching it to the floor. The mop should be damp, but not overly wet, and the goal is to leave a trail of dampness without creating any puddles. It is important to avoid letting any water sit on the floor and to work in one small area at a time. Here are some tips for mopping wood floors:
- Use a commercial wood-cleaning product or make your own cleaner with vinegar and Castile soap.
- Wring out the mop thoroughly so that it is damp, not wet.
- Avoid putting too much liquid on the floor.
- Use a soft-headed mop without any metal wires to prevent scratching.
- Dip the mop into the bucket of solution and wring it out before touching it to the floor.
- Work in one small area at a time and avoid letting any water sit on the floor.
