Ammonia vs. Vinegar for Hardwood Floors

Basic Maintenance

• The key to maintaining your hardwood floors is to keep them free from dust, dirt and grit, according to the World Floor Covering Association. Sweep your floor regularly with a good quality broom. After sweeping, run a vacuum cleaner, without the beater bar engaged, over the floor to extract any particles that fell into the tiny cracks between the boards. Finish up by dry mopping with a terry cloth mop.

Vinegar

• Hardwood floors will likely be exposed to more than just dry dust and dirt. Any home that is lived in will inevitably be exposed to spills, tracked-in mud and pet accidents. Clean these areas as soon as possible to help maintain your floor's natural beauty and to prevent stains. Wipe the soiled area with a damp soft cloth. Clean stubborn soiled areas with a professional cleaning product recommended by the manufacturer. Using other products may void the manufacturer's warranty. Vinegar, which has a low pH value, can help remove water spots and mineral deposits, but will not do much to dissolve grease or household dirt. It is better as a rinsing agent than as a cleanser, according to the Wood Floor Doctor website.

Ammonia

• Ammonia is not recommended for cleaning hardwood floors, according to the World Floor Covering Association. Ammonia tends to dull the finish on hardwood floors and may affect your ability to recoat the floor later on. Many household cleansers include ammonia as an ingredient, so always read the label prior to using any cleanser on your hardwood floors.

Considerations

• Hardwood floors may come with a variety of finishes and coatings. Hardwood floors that have been waxed require different methods of cleaning than those that have been finished with a polyurethane coat. Regardless of the finish, excess moisture is the enemy of your hardwood floors. Always dry your floor with a soft cloth after cleaning with any kind of liquid cleanser, even if it is only water.