Surface: There is no surface more important then the one we live on

Green Floor, Clean Floor: Natural Cleaning Solutions for Hardwood Floors

By Albert Waitt

If a homeowner is environmentally conscious and chooses to install a wide plank hardwood floor, it's easy for them to remain consistent and "go green" when caring for that floor and keeping it looking its best.  Whether one has chosen a responsibly forested white pine or an antique reclaimed hickory, a green approach to upkeep and cleaning will benefit the homeowner and their wood floor.

When considering how to maintain and clean hardwood floors,

The American Hardwood Information Center offers the following advice:

• Place floor mats and throw rugs at entrances to trap dirt.

• Sweep floors weekly with brooms that have fine, exploded ends.

• Weekly vacuuming will also keep hardwood floors clean.

• Wipe up spills, pet accidents, and other liquid mishaps as soon as possible.

• It is important to remember that water exposure can harm a hardwood floor.

Instead of relying on commercial floor cleaners that may have toxic ingredients, the consumer has green alternatives when choosing materials to keep a wood floor clean and lustrous.   The first step is to determine what kind of finish is on the hardwood floor. 

For hardwood floors finished with polyurethane, Greenerchoices.org, thedailygreen.com, and Martha Stewart  recommend damp mopping with a solution of one cup of vinegar per gallon of water.  The mop should be barely wet, just enough to pick up dust and dirt, but not enough to leave water streaking on the floor itself.  

For wide plank hardwood floors and soft wood floors with a penetrating finish, such as Carlisle's Tung Oil Finish, water should be avoided during maintenance.  In addition to sweeping, dry-mopping, and vacuuming, Care2.com's Live Green Producer

Melissa Breyer recommends a natural Citrus Solvent be sprayed on the floor in a light film and then dry mopped off with a micro-fiber or regular dust mop. 

New green cleaning products are being rolled out on a daily basis and there's no doubt that consumers will have more choices in green floor care in the coming years.  But the tips offered here (and now) are safe and effective.  Through these simple practices, a homeowner can preserve their floor and protect their planet at the same time. 

 

Author's Name: Guest Blogger
Posted Date: August 9, 2008 at 8:05 AM
Filed under: Authors, DIY - Do It Yourself, Green Building and Eco Friendly Products, Guest, Hardwood Flooring, Home Flooring Choices

View or post your comments here (1)

BLOGGING GADGETS
Tags: Carlisle Floor products, green cleaning, green floor cleaning, green flooring, green products, hardwood floor cleaning, hardwood floors, Tung Oil
Social Bookmarks: | | | TrackBack (0)

TrackBack

TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.hardwoodsurface.com/trackback/3544

Comments

Post a comment

Name:

E-mail Address:

URL:

Remember personal info?

Comments: (you may use HTML tags for style)