Last Updated on June 26, 2023
Hardwood floors add a touch of elegance to your home, but they need regular cleaning to maintain their beauty. If you keep the surface dusty and wet, it causes a hazy film, a white substance on top. In some cases, it can strip the finish off of the wood, causing it to swell or discolor.
A question comes to your mind, “can you use a wet Swiffer on hardwood floors?” It is pretty hard to say “Yes”. Why? Because you need to consider the external coating, age of the wood and many other factors.
If you do not consider the damaging factors, you might end up affecting their longevity or destroying them permanently. Please follow the steps to do the safe cleaning.
Can You Use Wet Swiffer on Hardwood Floors: Get the Right Answer
When it comes to cleaning hardwood floors, there are a number of different methods that can be employed. Among the most popular is the Swiffer sweeper, which uses a wet pad to get a smooth cleaning.
Many people believe that it is not safe to use, and the reason behind it is that they couldn’t apply it in the right way. Therefore, their wood flooring becomes dull and lifeless. You should know the right way to use it so that your surface can keep its natural shine and value.
Which Types of Floors do Wet Swiffer Work on?
There’s no doubt that a Swiffer Wet Cloth is one of the most popular cleaning products on the market. They’re convenient, quick, and reliable to wash. But which surfaces does it work on? The answer is most types. Here is the list of the different floor types you can mop with it:
- Engineered Hardwood flooring
- Laminate floor
- Sealed wood floors
- Vinyl floor
- Finished bamboo
- Porcelain tiles
- Ceramic Tiles
How to Use a Swiffer to Clean Hardwood Floors Safely?
The Swiffer is a great tool for cleaning wood floors. It’s quick and easy to use, and it picks up dirt, dust, and hair without leaving any streaks. Here we discuss how you can sanitize your hardwood with this damp mop to keep them looking shiny and new.
1. Sweep or Vacuum the Floor to Remove any Large Debris
Remove heavy loose debris, such as dirt, rocks, or leaves. You can do this by using a broom and dustpan. Start in one corner of the room and work your way around, using gentle strokes to collect dust and dirt.
Be sure to sweep under furniture and into corners, as these are often overlooked areas. You can vacuum the wood floor to collect any remaining loose particles.
2. Wet the Swiffer Pad with Cleaning Solution and Fasten it to a Mop
You can use Bona as a floor cleaner. You can spray it directly on the ground. There is a refill pack available as well. If you need additional spray, you must buy it separately.
You can use either water or vinegar diluted with water. To wet the pad, simply dip it in a bucket of cleaning solution. To prevent the pad from becoming too wet, wring out the water well before using. Once the pad is wet, attach it to the grippers mop head.
3. Wipe the Floor with the Swiffer Pad
Beginning with one corner and making your way around. Slowly swipe the Swiffer back and forth across the wood floor. Ensure to overlap each stroke so that you don’t miss any spots. For hard-to-reach areas, such as under furniture or in corners, use a Swiffer with an extendable handle.
4. Remove the Dust Mop Pad and Rinse it
Lift up on the tab at the top of the machine. The pad will come off easily. To rinse your Swiffer WetJet, detach the cleaning solution bottle and unscrew the cap.
Hold the Swiffer over the sink and squeeze the trigger until water starts coming out of the nozzle. Continue squeezing and holding the trigger until all traces of cleaner have been flushed away. Screw the cap back on the bottle and reattach it to your Swiffer.
Precautions:
- Ensure that the pad on your Swiffer is clean and free of debris
- Avoid using excessive water, as this can damage the wood.
- Dry the wood floor afterward to prevent moisture from seeping into the cracks and causing deterioration
What You Should Never Clean With a Wet Swiffer?
Swiffers are a convenient way to clean floors, but they’re not suitable for all types. In particular, avoid using a Swiffer on the carpet, unfinished wooden surfaces, plastic mats, and marble tiles. Here is the detailed explanation:
1. Carpets and Rugs
The bristles on the pads can actually damage carpet fibers, making them more likely to fray and unravel. It can leave behind an adhesive that attracts dust particles. The cleaning solution in a Swiffer can cause staining if it’s not diluted properly.
This can actually make your carpet or rug dirtier in the long run. It can increase the risk of mold and mildew growth, especially in humid environments. For these reasons, it’s best to stick with vacuuming on your floor coverings.
2. Unfinished Wooden Floors
The pads are slightly abrasive, and the wetness can cause the pads to stick to the floor and grind away at the finish. In addition, the substances in cleaning products can seep into the wood, which can warp or discolor. Instead, opt for a dry microfiber mop pad or cloth to remove dust and dirt.
If your surfaces need deeper cleaning, mix a solution of mild dish soap and water, and use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub the area. Rinse with clean water, and allow the ground to air dry completely before walking on it.
3. Oiled or Waxed Wooden Floors
You should avoid using a wet Swiffer pad on waxed or oiled wooden floors because it can remove the protective layer of oil or wax. It leaves the wood vulnerable to scratches and water damage.
The pads can leave a film on the surface that dulls the finish and makes the floor more difficult to clean in the future. It can also leave behind streaks and smears.
Instead, use a dry Swiffer pad or a damp mop to clean your flooring. For stubborn dirt and grime, use a mild dish soap mixture, and mop the area with this mixture.
The moisture in the pads can cause the color on the surface to become dull and cloudy. For these reasons, it is advisable to use dry cloths or a vacuum cleaner when cleaning oily floors.
4. Plastic Mats
The chemicals in the Swiffer will interact with the plastic and cause it to degrade. Over time, this will cause the mat to become brittle and yellowed. The cleaning liquid can also damage the surface of the mat, making it harder to clean.
The moisture from the pad can penetrate the mat, resulting in warping or peeling. If you must apply a Swiffer to wash your plastic mats, be sure to use a dry pad or microfiber cloth. You can also use water and a dishwashing liquid to remove stubborn dirt and stains.
5. Marble Surfaces
Marble is a natural stone, and as such, it is porous. It can easily absorb liquids, which can lead to staining. It is a relatively soft stone, which means that it will be scratched by abrasive cleaners or scrubbers.
Swiffer has a pH level of 10, which makes it alkaline. This can interact with your floor and cause etching. Opt for a soft cloth or sponge and a mild detergent. When using a Swiffer wet jet wood pad, always wring it out thoroughly before using it on your marble surface.
FAQs:
Q: Can You Use Swiffer Wet on Carpet?
No, you cannot apply Swiffer Wet on the carpet. If you did, the pads would quickly become saturated with water. The wet solution leaves a sticky residue that will attract dirt and dust, making your carpets look dirtier than before. You risk damaging the fibers and leaving behind water stains.
Q: Does White Vinegar Damage Hardwood Floors?
White vinegar is a popular household cleaning agent. It is also a weak acid, which means it can eat away at some types of surfaces. If you use it regularly, its acidic properties will cause the finish on the floor to break down over time.
This can lead to dulling of the ground’s appearance and eventually to cracks and other damage. When diluted with water, vinegar can be a safe and effective cleaning agent.
Q: What should You not Put on a Hardwood Floor?
Ammonia can actually harm the finish of your floors, making them more susceptible to scratches and wear. These solutions can dull the shine of hardwood surfaces and cause discoloration.
It can break down the protective sealant that is applied to wood. When NH3 is mixed with water, it forms a weak ammonium hydroxide solution. This caustic substance can chip them, causing them to look dull and lifeless.
Q: Does Swiffer WetJet Leave Residue?
No, this water-based solution evaporates once it dries, leaving your surfaces clean and residue-free. It is safe for all types of hard floors, including ceramic, laminate, and hardwood.
The solution is designed to break up tough stains and contaminants, and it also contains a polishing agent that leaves your wood smooth and shiny. It comes with a pad that is specifically designed to absorb spills and lock in dirt.
Conclusion
You already got the answer to this question, “can you use a wet swiffer on hardwood floors?” Now you don’t have any doubt that using this cleaning tool is safe for your precious flooring. It cleans completely and doesn’t leave any residue. Don’t use much cleaning solution at a time, as this could ruin your surfaces over time.
Never use it on oiled or waxed surfaces, as this could create a slippery haze. You should also avoid using it on unfinished wood, as the moisture can damage the finish. When in doubt, always test a small area first to see if it reacts to the solution.
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