| While there are a wide variety of professional | | | | floor. However, they tend to build up layers, which, |
| cleaning products available to clean your hardwood | | | | again, you will need to remove eventually. |
| floors, the best, most-effective cleaner is one you | | | | You can also buff your floors with olive oil. It is |
| probably already have in your kitchen: vinegar and | | | | tedious, but if you use just a drop or two on a rag, |
| water. | | | | you can cover about ten square feet, rubbing the |
| Here are several advantages of using vinegar and | | | | wood by hand with the rag. Olive oil is strong, and it |
| water: | | | | moisturizes the hardwood flooring, and leaves it shiny. |
| - Because it evaporates so quickly, it leaves no spots. | | | | Using olive oil is a better alternative because you |
| - With no harsh chemicals, it can be safely used | | | | probably have it readily available in your kitchen right |
| around children and pets | | | | now, and, like the vinegar solution, it contains no |
| - It is mild, and causes no damage or stripping of the | | | | harsh chemicals which could be dangerous to your |
| wood | | | | family. Be sure to rub the oil in very well to avoid |
| - It does not build up, like some cleaners which you | | | | leaving a slick coating on the wood. |
| then have to strip off later | | | | Once the floor is clean, be sure to take measures to |
| Prepare your wood floor by sweeping, or even | | | | prevent damage to the floor. Use area rugs, and |
| better, vacuuming, the floor. | | | | make sure that entrances from outdoors have large |
| Mix one cup of vinegar to 2 gallons of water. Mop | | | | mats that prevent dirt and grit from being tracked in. |
| the entire floor, and then let it dry. | | | | Additionally, consider using adhesive felt pads on the |
| If you want to add a shine, you can try the | | | | bottom of furniture to prevent scratching the wood |
| commercial products that are designed to polish the | | | | when moved. |