Washing Wood Floors: Aside from Murphy's Oil Soap, What is best?

[Kathy in Cambridge]

the smell of murphy's makes me want to barf, and that will most likely happen with that scent combined with the heat and humidity. What is a good alternative?

[Timefortruth]

1. Murphy's isn't best if they are sealed anyway.

How old are they?

[Kathy in Cambridge]

8. 6 years old

and getting dull.

[WhollyHeretic]

2. Do the floors have a finish on them?

[Canadian Socialist]

3. Mop & Glow

has a hardwood floor cleaner. I use it all the time. It's not bad.

[MissB]

4. We've always been told

to clean the hardwood floors with just water. Hey, it saves on cleaner.

[China_cat]

5. Any pure soap will work

if the floors are exceptionally dirty. If they aren't, wiping with plain water will be plenty.

[blm]

6. The important thing is to dry them immediately with an old towel after

you wash them. I do it by sections so the floors don't even start to dry.

Dried smears and streaks on old wood is horrendous looking.

[Nite Owl]

7. If they have a poly finish

never use Murphy's. That's what my floor guy told me. I had to have the floors completely resanded, they were peeling because the previous owner waxed them and I had them screened. He said to use water, spot clean and wash the whole floor infrequently. Water isn't good for the wood. A little vinegar is ok if they are really dirty.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

9. Thanks everyone

They're not too dirty-I'll use plain water. I always towel dry mine too.

[SOteric]

10. Orange Glo Wood Floor Polish.

Has a nice orange frangrance and not surprisingly, is formulated from the oil in citrus peel.

[Lars39]

11. Bona X Swedish Formula Hardwood Floor Cleaner

A little pricey('bout $20 for 32 oz), but it lasts quite a while.