Wood floors undoubtedly look beautiful and are durable, but the primary concern is their maintenance. Regular cleaning of the wood floor, like removing dirt and debris, is essential. However, homeowners' concern is the deep cleaning of the wood floor. Many consider Pine-Sol the right cleaning option, whereas others argue it should not be used on wood floors for several reasons. All these create confusion. In this blog, we discuss whether Pine-Sol should be used on wood floors and the reasons behind both decisions.
Can Pine Sol Be Used on Wood Floors?
There are different opinions on using Pine-Sol on wood floors. Some say that you can safely use Pine-Sol on sealed and finished hardwood floors, whereas others say you should completely avoid its use. With such mixed opinions, it's really difficult to decide whether to use it. However, after making a detailed analysis of different factors and the pros and cons of its use, you can take the final call.
Where Should You Avoid Using Pine-Sol on Wood Floors?
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Don’t use it on unfinished, unsealed, and unpainted wooden floors, as the floor may get damaged.
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Don’t use it on floors that have been freshly waxed or oiled.
Tips to Consider Before Using Pine-Sol on Wood Floors(Finished and Sealed)
Once you decide to use it on a sealed wood floor, first check a small amount of Pine-Sol on an insignificant area of the floor and observe the reaction. This process is important because different floors react differently to cleaning solutions. Always read the label carefully and dilute it accordingly. Also, don’t allow Pine-Sol to sit on the floor. Clean it immediately and use a damp mop, wipe it properly to ensure no residue remains on the floor, or else it’ll damage the wood floor.
Steps to Clean the Wood Floor With Pine-Sol
Materials Needed:
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Pine cleaner
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Cup for measurement
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A bucket
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A broom
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A sponge
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A mop
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Toothbrush
Step 1
Begin by removing loose dirt from the floor using a vacuum cleaner with a hard floor attachment.
Step 2
Read the label instructions, then dilute Pine-Sol cleaner.
Step 3
At this step, mop the floor using the Pine-Sol mixture. Don’t let the mixture sit on the floor to avoid warping.
Step 4
Now, clean the floor to remove stains and shoe marks, using a toothbrush or sponge. Then, rinse with water.
Why is Pine-sol Not Considered the First Choice for Wood Floors?
Though Pine-Sol is considered one of the best household cleaning solutions, homeowners' reviews on wooden floors are mixed. Here are some of the downsides of using Pine-Sol on wooden floors:
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It leaves residue on the floor, which builds up over the years and reduces the shine of the floor. It gets difficult to remove residue buildup on your own, and hence, you will have to hire a professional cleaner.
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It affects the finishing of the floor. Pine sol is known to remove grease, but due to its alkaline nature, it affects the finishing of the floor and increases the chances of early wear and tear.
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It can be concluded that residue is the culprit for dull and lifeless floors.
How Often Should You Clean the Hardwood Floor?
The frequency of cleaning the floor depends on the foot traffic, which further depends on the number of family members staying there, including pets, and the frequency of visitors coming in. As a precautionary measure, it’s good to sweep, vacuum, or mop dry debris weekly. However, if the foot traffic is more, clean the debris twice a week because dirt, debris, grime, and pet hair build up on the floor, damaging the shine. In such a case, deep-clean the floor fortnightly.
How to Protect the Hardwood Floors?
“Prevention is better than cure” needs to be applied here. Try to minimize the dirt, debris, and grime on the floor, which will reduce the damage and help maintain a shiny floor surface. Here are the ways to protect the floor:
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In case of spills, clear it immediately before it damages the floor.
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Put a plastic mat under the water dish of the pet to avoid spillage.
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Never drag a heavy object like furniture or suitcases on the floor to avoid scratching. Keep a felt pad under the furniture legs or any heavy objects.
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Area rugs are an amazing option to keep the floor clean, especially in kids' areas with heavy foot traffic. It will minimize scratching and reduce wear and tear.
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Regularly trim your pet's nails to avoid scratching.
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Ask guests and family to remove shoes at the door to keep out dirt.
Conclusion
Whether Pine-Sol should be used on the wooden floor or not is a debatable topic that depends on several factors. Pine sol can be used on the finished and sealed floor, though it’s advisable to test a small amount of the solution on a small area of the floor to check its suitability. Consider the tips before using the mixture and then use it.
