What is the best way to clean a wood floor?
A shiny wood floor is a beautiful thing. Keeping it that way requires regular, gentle attention. Whether your floor is finished with wax or polyurethane, remember that water is its enemy. You should never wet-mop, since that can put far too much water onto the floorboards. And contrary to fairly common advice, you should never use diluted vinegar or ammonia to clean polyurethane. The acid can etch the finish, making it dull and hard to keep clean. Even oil soaps sold specifically for cleaning wood can leave a sticky residue that traps dust. Many professionals won’t refinish a polyurethane floor if oil soap has been used, for fear the residue will cause the new finish to peel. The news, however, is not all bad. For both wax and polyurethane finishes, the safest (and easiest) method is simply to vacuum regularly. Wipe away sticky spills with a damp cloth and then rub with a clean, dry cloth until the area is dry. For stains and more stubborn spills, take the following steps: • Chewing gu
