Pine-Sol is a widely used cleaning agent in American households made by Clorox.
The formula has been known to clean, shine and disinfect home appliances, walls, floors, and counter tops since 1929, when it was first created.
Pine-Sol is still the favorite in many homes and the manufacturers have stated that this product is also safe for cleaning hardwood floors.
It is important to be cautious about any product you intend to use on a hardwood floor. There are cleaners that don’t go well on wood floors.
Wax- and oil-based cleaners can dull your polyurethane wood floor. Ammonia-based cleaners can also ruin your floor by eating into it or dulling the finish. Oil reacts with the seal and when it reaches the wood, any future recoats will not be adhesive.
Waxing may leave a residue or cloudy haze on the floor. Removing the white film of oil or wax from a hardwood floor is not easy, and neither is cleaning up puppy or kitten pee.
You have to use the correct solvent and you may be required to sand and refinish your floor. Ammonia free Windex is a glass cleaner that is commonly used to remove residue on wood floors.
Water and wood boards do not get along. A seal protects the wood against water and moisture for a short period of time.
Dry mopping is an effective way of cleaning a hardwood floor. It’s basically sweeping using a woven fiber instead of a broom. It’s also known as dust mopping, and you can use a microfiber cloth attached to a long handle to create a swiveling head. Regular cleaning using this method ensures a clean and durable wood floor.
Water based cleaners or solutions sometimes are used when deep cleaning a hardwood floor. Always be careful not to let any water or liquid pool on the floor.
When a liquid penetrates the wood, it causes warping and streaking of the boards.
Therefore, when mopping, ensure that you wring out excess liquid so that the mop or cloth is damp but not wet. Complete the process by drying out your floor with a dry towel.
Scuff marks and dark stains sometimes make your floor appear dull. A good cleaning and maintenance routine can make your floor stay longer without scratching.
According to makers of Pine-Sol, this cleaner can remove tough dirt, grime and stains on a hardwood floor.
Stains and scratches are hard to remove and may require a lot of time and energy. Stain removal products or methods can also damage the seal or wood. Therefore, you should prepare for sanding and refinishing if you want to remove a deep stain.
Placing rugs on areas with high traffic and mats at the entrance, as well as removing shoes while walking on the wood floor greatly prevents scratching.
Removing spills such as soup, water, and pet urine immediately prevents stains from drying on the finish or penetrating through seams to the wood.
How Do You Mop a Hardwood Floor with Pine-Sol?
Pine-Sol is safe on hardwood floors and can be used to clean and disinfect them.
What is essential is to use the right concentration and correctly follow the instructions:
- Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove loose dirt and debris.
- Take ¼ cup of Pine-Sol and mix with a gallon of water in a bucket.
- Saturate your mop with the solution and wring out the excess so that it does not stand on the surface.
- Mop the floor along the wood grain and dry it.
- If the dirt is stubborn or the floor is very soiled, apply the Pine-Sol cleaner to the area using a sponge.
- Rinse the mop with clean water and wring out the excess and damp-mop the floor to remove the cleaner.
- If there is any excess water standing on the floor, dry it using a dry towel.
Pine-Sol will give your floor a sparkling look as well as kill household germs and bacteria. The pungent smell will also make your floor smell good.
Pine-Sol is not recommended to use on unsealed, waxed, or oiled wood floors. Be sure also to avoid what the wood floor manufacturers discourage against in the warranty.
Is Pine-Sol safe?
The Environmental Working Group gives Pine-Sol a D grade. That implies that the cleaner is of high concern and hazardous to health and environment.
The ingredients used can cause respiratory complications in both pets and humans. Therefore, don’t use it around pets and children.
Conclusion
Ensure your hardwood floor is properly sealed before using any water-based solution or a liquid cleaner. You can test if your hardwood is sealed.
Place a drop of water on the floor at a hidden place. If it beads (collects there) that means your floor is sealed.
If the water get absorbed into the floor and creates a spot, it shows that your seal is old or damaged and water or any liquid can damage your hardwood floor.