Hardwood floors are generally susceptible to scratches, stains and dirt that often come from heavy traffic. However, a good hardwood cleaner is the only way to keep a properly maintained hardwood floor.
A hardwood cleaner and the right cleaning tools play a very important role in the appearance and durability of your hardwood floor. Generally, regular cleaning is a way to keep your floors in check but the most appropriate hardwood cleaner is the booster to enhance a well-polished and sustainable hardwood floor.
There’s a wide variety of cleaners to choose from when you are trying to find the best one that would suit your hardwood floor. Here, we will go through a few of the best hardwood cleaners that would keep your hardwood floor well maintained and enhance its durability. To begin with, let us summarize them in the table below;
Table of Contents
A comparison table
The best hardwood cleaner reviews
Bona Hardwood Cleaning Spray– good cleaning performance for areas with spots
- Safe for all unwaxed, unoiled, polyurethane finished wood floors
- Waterbased cleaning formula dries fast, is residue-free, and safer for people, pets and the planet
- Ready-to-use, just spray and mop
- Meets the U.S. EPA product standards and is Safer Choice Certified for containing ingredients that are safer for people, pets, and the planet
- Packaging may vary
Specs
- 22-ounce Spray
- No dulling residue
- Safe for all hardwood floors, including factory pre-finished floors
- Low VOC emission
This cleaner comes in a spray bottle, a refill and a starter kit that comprises of a microfiber mop. It dries fast and it does not leave a dulling residue on your floor. Additionally, it has a subtle scent which would not cause any trouble if you have allergies or sensitivities to strong smells.
While cleaning your hardwood floors, you can use the bona hardwood cleaner spray to vacuum, sweep or mop. Once you are done cleaning, you need to rinse off the cleaner from your cleaning pad to avoid streaking on your floors. Alternatively, you can rub over the wet cleaned surface with a towel until it dries to eliminate any streaks that would form.
Pros
- It does not leave a residue on your floor
- It is eco-friendly
- It has a subtle scent
Cons
- It is not a multipurpose cleaner
- It has not been designed to polish your floors
Verdict
If you are looking for a hardwood cleaner that you can use even when you have sensitivities or allergies and one that has a good overall cleaning performance, you should consider purchasing the Bona Hardwood Cleaner Spray.
Black Diamond Wood and Laminate Floor Cleaner– suitable for high traffic areas
- VERSATILE EXCELLENCE: Our Black Diamond laminate Floor Cleaner excels on every front, better than all the other hardwood floor cleaners, laminate floor cleaners, and engineered floor cleaner. It's the versatile choice for all your flooring needs.
- LASTING PROTECTION: With every use of our Black Diamond Hardwood floor cleaner your floors receive the cleaning power they deserve. Plus, black diamond cleaning is made easy.
- GENTLE & EFFECTIVE: Black Diamond Floor Cleaner Laminate formula cleans without compromising your floor's integrity, offering a safe solution for every surface.
- ENHANCED APPERANCE: Our floor cleaner for laminate and hardwood, is designed to thoroughly clean floors so they maintain their natural beauty. The diamond wood floor cleaner ensures an elevated feel to your home.
- SUPERIOR CLEANING: Experience powerful cleaning with Wood laminate cleaner ideal for wood, laminate, hardwood, engineered flooring & more! Trust Black Diamond laminate floor cleaner for unparalleled results.
Specs
- 32- ounce spray
- Triple action polyshield (PS3)
- Steak free
- No dulling residue
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Eco friendly
To use the black diamond wood and laminate floor cleaner, you need to spray it on the floor surface and wipe it off using a dry cloth without having to rinse it off. Additionally, it is a non-toxic product which allows you to use it in your heavy traffic household with children and pets. It is water based which gives it its easy removal of dirt, spills, oil and footprints easily. Additionally, it is biodegradable.
Pros
- It is biodegradable
- It is easy and convenient to use
- It prevents the attachment of soil on your floor
Cons
- It does not disinfect your floors
Verdict
If you are looking for a non-toxic, hypoallergenic product to use in a heavy traffic environment with kids and pets, the Black Diamond wood and laminate cleaner would work best for you.
Zep Commercial Hardwood and Laminate Floor Cleaner– a multi-purpose cleaner for large areas
- Fast-Drying Formula: Cleans and dries quickly without the need for rinsing, reducing downtime between cleanings.
- Versatile Application: Suitable for varnish, acrylic and polyurethane-finished wood and laminate floors, baseboards, cabinet doors, and crown molding.
- Easy to Use: Simple spray-and-wipe application makes the cleaning process quick and straightforward without the need for additional steps.
- User-Friendly Design: Works with most refillable spray mops, making it convenient for use in homes or commercial settings.
- Streak-Free Results: Sweep or vacuum thoroughly before use to eliminate dust and debris, ensuring a smooth, streak-free finish on floors.
Specs
- 32- ounce spray
- Works on tough stains
- No dulling residue
- Fresh smell
- Dries fast
This cleaner works well on floors with a polyurethane or acrylic finish. It is known for removing dirt and grease on different surfaces aside from floors. To avoid streaking, you need to wipe it dry using a towel.
Pros
- It works well with most refillable mops
- No rinsing is needed
- It dries fast
- It has a fresh scent
Cons
- It may leave streaks on your floor if not used properly
Verdict
If you are looking for a multi-purpose cleaner that you can use to clean a large area, you will love the cleaning performance of the Zep commercial hardwood and laminate floor cleaner.
Weiman High Traffic Floor Polish and Restore – suitable for high traffic areas
- RESTORES AND SHINES HARDWOOD: Instantly rejuvenates finished hardwood floors with a brilliant, natural suppleness & sheen that extends the life of wood floors and leaves them looking like new!
- MICRO-FILLING TECHNOLOGY FOR SCRATCHES: Our Micro-filling technology removes scratches on high traffic hardwood floors while forming a protective scratch resistant layer. It doesn’t just fade existing scratches; it contains a micro-filling technology that prevents new ones from forming!
- MULTIPLE USES: Can be used on any finished hardwood surface, rejuvenating a shine that leaves no sticky residue
- SAFE AROUND CHILDREN AND PETS: This "ready to use" formula can be used around kids and pets without causing harm
- FOR BEST RESULTS: Use with Weiman Hardwood Floor Cleaner to experience long-lasting results. All Weiman products are proudly manufactured in the USA.
Specs
- 32- ounce bottle
- Streak-free
- No dulling residue
It has a liquid consistency and it comes in a 32 OZ bottle which is easy to dispense. You can use the Weiman high traffic floor polish and restore cleaner by sweeping or vacuuming to remove dirt from your floor. You need to squeeze it directly onto the floor and then wipe over with a dry mop to achieve a glossy finish on your floor. This product is environmental friendly and is safe for use in high traffic areas where there are children and pets.
Pros
- Maintains the polish on your floor
- It does not leave a dulling residue on your floor
- Micro-filling technology to protect your floors
Cons
- Limited to finished hardwood floors only
Verdict
This product would satisfy your search for a cleaner that polishes and protects your hardwood floor at the same time. If you are looking for a cleaner that entirely cares for you floor, you should purchase the Weiman high traffic floor polish and restore cleaner.
Bruce Hardwood and Laminate Floor Cleaner– budget multipurpose cleaner for small areas
- Specially formulated to clean Bruce hardwood and laminate flooring and other urethane finished wood floors without wax
- Lifts dirt and soil without leaving any film
- Water-based formula, safe for sensitive hardwood floors
- Easy care for spot and overall floor cleaning
Specs
- 32 ounce spray
- No dulling residue
- Convenient to use
- Subtle scent
This cleaner comes as a ready to use solution and does not require diluting which is convenient for you. All you need to do is spray it on a surface and then use your microfiber mop then let it dry. You do not have to rinse it off the floor as it leaves no residue.
Pros
- Suitable for removing soil, scuff and stains
- Ready and easy to use solution
- Dries fast
- Non-toxic properties
Cons
- It does not have disinfectant properties
Verdict
If you are in need for a budget friendly multi-purpose cleaner for small areas, you should consider purchasing the Bruce hardwood and laminate floor cleaner.
Orange Glo Hardwood Everyday Cleaner Spray – works best for shine
- "Orange Glo" Hardwood Floor Everyday Cleaner
- 22 OZ
- Fresh orange scent
- Use daily to deep clean dirt & grime
- Just spray & mop
Specs
- 22-ounce spray
- It has a fresh orange scent
- Is an everyday cleaner
- Easy to use
It comes in a spray bottle and it is readily diluted therefore it is easy and convenient to use. It is suitable for hardwood and laminate flooring. Also, it has a pleasant orange citrus smell that is not overpowering meaning you can use it around people who have allergies and sensitivities.
It cleans off oil, dirt and strains on your floor without tampering with its shine. It does not leave any residues or steaks as it dries.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Removes scuff marks well
Cons
- You need frequent passes to remove any stains or scuffs
Verdict
If you are in need of a hardwood cleaner for everyday use and you are trying to maintain the shine on your floor and you intend to get rid of odors around your house, you should look into the Orange Glo hardwood cleaner and spray.
Method Squirt + Mop Hardwood Floor Cleaner – all natural cleaner
- Contains 1 - 25oz bottles of Method Squirt + Mop Hard Floor Cleaner, Almond.
- Brings your wood back to life without leaving residue or buildup.
- Inviting almond fragrance.
- Made from naturally derived, biodegradable fibers.
- 100% wax free.
Specs
- 25- Ounce bottle
- Plant-derived ingredients (lemon or almond)
- No dulling residue
- Eco friendly plastic materials
This product comes as a ready to use viscous liquid that needs you to squirt it from the bottle and mop using a microfiber cloth to clean your floors.
Pros
- Non-toxic
- Easy to use
- Sweet smelling almond or ginger scent
Cons
- Can leave residue if not used properly
Verdict
If you are big about environmental conservation, you should make use of the Method squirt + mop hardwood floor cleaner. This would also be a great choice if you want to get rid of odor from your house.
What should you consider while purchasing a hardwood cleaner?
The market is flooded with different products from different manufacturers and each of these are made with different ingredients which determine the cleanliness and durability of your hardwood floor. When trying to purchase a hardwood cleaner, you should keep the following things in mind:
The type of hardwood floor
Generally, there are two categories of cleaners; waxed and water-based. You can use the water based cleaners on finished hardwood floors because they often have a protective layer to prevent them from being damaged by water from the cleaner. As for unfinished/unwaxed floors, you can use cleaners with wax.
Residue formation
In as much as residue and streak formation can be managed by passing a dry cloth over the cleaned surface, a good cleaner should not leave dulling residue or streaks after cleaning. You should therefore search for cleaners that are characterized with no residue formation.
Cleaning strength
To avoid using too much and frequent purchasing of hardwood cleaners, you need to consider buying a detergent that is tough on stains, scuffs and dirt. This way you are able to maintain your hardwood floors because there are times where too much detergent can tamper with the color of your floor.
Ecofriendly nature
Some detergents contain chemicals that would cause irritation and have strong fumes which prevent them from being user friendly. You should seek to purchase a hardwood cleaner that is non-toxic and does not have a pungent smell. This is important for the safety of your kids or pets, that is, if you have any.
Surface protection
The most recommended hardwood floor cleaners are the ones that are able to maintain the protective layer on the surface of your floors. Even better, you should consider the ones that have micro-filling technology or protective layer formation properties. This will allow for the durability of your flooring.
Final thoughts
For well maintained and aesthetically pleasing hardwood floors, you need to use the hardwood cleaners correctly to avoid issues such as residue and streaks which are damaging to your floors. In as much as the market has a variety of products, you should always be well versant with the properties of a good cleaner to inform your choice of a hardwood cleaner.