How to Clean Hardwood Floors Naturally - Pro Cleaning Tips

How to clean hardwood floors naturally, without heavy-duty chemicals that are safe for kids and pets. What is the best hardwood floor mop for professional cleaners? how do professionals clean hardwood floors and what methods are best for houses with tile and hardwoods? Here's the easiest way I've found to clean and shine #hardwoodfloors
Today's Ask a House Cleaner sponsor is #SavvyCleaner training and certification for house cleaners and maids. (savvycleaner.com/join) And your host today is #AngelaBrown
** HOW TO CLEAN HARDWOOD FLOORS NATURALLY CHAPTERS **
0:00 - Meet Angela Brown the House Cleaning Guru
0:34 - What is the best cleaner for hardwood floors?
1:06 - How to dry wood floors after mopping?
1:20 - How to get hardwood floors to shine?
2:02 - What type of chemical should you use on floors?
2:12 - Is there one mop to use on all flooring types?
2:48 - What is the best reusable washable mop pad?
3:04 - Benefits of steamers for ceramic tile floors
3:22 - How to use a steamer for hardwood floors or vinyl floors
4:02 - How to mop with no mop bucket
4:15 - Prewetting mop system with charging bucket (shoebox)
4:33 - No need to dump out dirty mop bucket water
4:47 - How to mix your mop bucket solution for hardwood floors
6:07 - How often should you replace mop heads?
6:41 - How many mop heads do you need for a 3K-6K sq ft home? 7-8
** PROMISED LINKS AND GOOD KARMA RESOURCES **
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[@xxxreaganxxx1423]

Hello, I work in the flooring industry installing wood flooring and as a field supervisor I inspect a lot of floors for issues. One issue we see a lot of is cleaners over saturating the floor or also using steam mops which over time break down the finish on the wood floors. On the glue you talked about coming up through the floor if you use to much steam that usually could be some solvent base glue or a water base glue. Most glue we use now on engineered wood flooring is urethane base which once dried turns into more of a rubber/foam wouldn’t seep through once it’s dried. The gluedown vinyl planks mostly use pressure sensitive adhesive which a lot of time are waterbase and the steam could have a heavier effect on those and glue could seep up. Also a lot of what we see is cleaners not changing mop water as much and mop leaving streaks on the floor especially floor with matte finish. (A lot of what we do is new construction which is alot more dusty) Also cleaner have applied polish to the wood floor like bona Polish (this will change the sheen of the wood floor and make it shiny which voids manufacture WARRENTY on the floor since it changes original sheen. If boards have to be replaced due to some kind of damage the new boards will always stand out and look different will never catch up to the sheen of the floor that has already had the polish applied.) A lot of the newer floors have a matte finish or semi matte finish and are not suppose to be shiny like a high glossy finish would as a lot of older floors have. Also if you ever do a post construction clean and Sheetrock dust is on a wood floor best to vac all you can up because if that sheet rock dust gets into the grain of a wood floor and it gets wet it turns into like concrete and you can’t get it out. Then the only thing that can be done is buffing over with some old English to cover the white and then buffing back over with denatured alcohol to cut the rest of the old English off. You have some really good information in this video. My wife is looking into starting a cleaning company we’ve watched several of your videos. Lots of good information. Thanks for the videos

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Thank you so much for sharing this information and all the tips! Wishing your wife the best and lots of success!!

[@TaDarling1]

That's what I heard as well. Particularly, if you steam mop your hardwood floors regularly. My concern is that the floor may warp over time from regular steam seeping into the wood.

[@Minnie11chula]

I cannot get enough of your videos; but especially with genius technique tutorials like this! 💕

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Wow, thank you! I'm so glad that you enjoy them. Thanks for taking the time to write this comment, I appreciate it! 🤗

[@rachelrose20]

Yessss! Another video from lovely Angela 🤸‍♂️ She always lifts me up. Thank you Angela, love from England ❤️ xx

[@AskAngelaBrown]

You're so welcome! Thank you so much for the kind words and love! Sending hugs to England! 🤗😊💗

[@t.l.malmin1021]

I have always dreaded cleaning until I came across your channel in July. By ussing your tips and learning how to do it correctly, I have gotten pretty good at not making cleaning an annoyance as well as not taking the whole day to clean. I love your videos and thank you for all the advice and tips.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Hooray! I think you're saying cleaning can be fun? LOL. It is one of those things we'll be doing for the rest of our lives as long as we have a roof over our heads. So learning the techniques and proper tools can make the job a lot easier. Thanks for watching and for the feedback. I appreciate you. 💛

[@Jean-rl9zu]

Hi Angela! I love starting my day here in VA with your videos! You have awesome tips and information!❤❤❤

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Thanks Jean for watching and for your kind words, you made my day. :-)

[@deborahsmith3103]

So glad I found your channel. Great information. Love the idea of the shoe box and damp microfiber mop head. So simple, but I never would have thought of it!

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Right! Let me know if you give it a try, I'd love to know how it goes. Thanks for taking the time to comment. :-)

[@fmt7322]

So clever! Thank you. I have a large home to clean this week and I know they have beautiful hardwood floors which I have been dreading to do but feel such a weight lifted off my shoulders after seeing this video. Thank you again!

[@AskAngelaBrown]

You are going to do a great job. I’m routing for you! 🤗

[@main2333]

Thank you for helping us and answering our questions!! I subscribed awhile back knowing I could trust you in what you suggest and tips you offer! 😁😘🤗🌺

[@AskAngelaBrown]

You're welcome! And thank you so much for taking the time to write this comment, I appreciate it! 🤗

[@chloedorothy-holdridge2289]

In just 6 mins I have learned more about my hardwood floor (since moving in last January) Thank you so very much Angela. Your amazing and such a wonderful lady ❤ 💕 💖 ♥ 💗

[@AskAngelaBrown]

You are so welcome, glad it was helpful!

[@60oh]

Angela!!!! I’ve been watching and enjoying your channel for a long time but this one video literally changed my life! I’m so happy i dont have to carry the heavy bucket of dirty water anymore, this pre-soaking tip is AMAZING, and yet so simple - but ive never thought of it!!! Thank you so much 😭 My floors look so clean and it was so easy for me to do… no longer dreading the floor cleaning day

[@AskAngelaBrown]

+xyz Hooray! I’m so happy for you. Mopping floors was never meant to be a chore. 🥰

[@eleanorsmith-litt7526]

After total knee replacement and working all day with severely impaired students in schools, I have avoided the floors as I was too overwhelmed. I found Angela and that was the beginning of my inspiration to get started. Now you are the icing on the cake. What you have suggested is so smart and is showing me how to correct all of the mistakes I have been making with the muddy awful horrible hard wood floors. Thank you so much for being an inspiration.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Thanks so much for your kind words! I’m so glad you find the show inspiring. 😊

[@lisar317]

Thanks so much Angela! I always trust your recommendations.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Glad to be helpful!

[@SixBlindKids]

I am going to try this! My house is like 3 jobs so anything to make life easier! I have always used BONA, but it does seem to leave a slight haze. I typically stear clear of water at all on hardwoods, but this amount seems relatively benign. Besides, your tips have never let me down and are actual life savers! Thanks Angela!

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback, I appreciate it! IIt makes me happy to know that my tips have been helpful to you. Thanks for watching! Sending hugs!

[@marep5597]

I had the same issue with Bona and switched to Rejuvenate which works well and doesn’t haze. But I like that this method uses water and no chemicals. I already have the Bissell steam mop which I use on my tile but not my wood floors. I didn’t think water alone with a tiny drop of Castile soap would clean the wood well enough but now I know it will and I’m going to give it a try.

[@marambula]

the castile soap is a chemical, albeit a safer one than many other common household cleaners. water is a chemical too but we know what you meant. it’s amazing what just water can do in terms of cleaning, hot water even more so.

[@anavah4yeshua580]

Where have you been all my life? I have a steam mop that stated even before I bought that it was safe for all floors. Not so!! Now I know why my bathroom linoleum is dull & my hallway tiles are lifting. SMH. Live & learn at great expense. Thank you for this wonderful info.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Oh no, I am so sorry to hear this. Thanks for sharing your story. Here's hoping that others will learn from your expensive lessons and not be tricked by fancy advertising. 🙏

[@ashleegaither6473]

You are amazing. I just started my house cleaning business and have doubled in a month. Your tips keep me professional, knowledgable, and efficient. Thank you so much!

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Go, Ashlee. Congratulations on your new cleaning business. I'm so happy for you. Keep me posted on your progress. I'm here rooting for you. 👏👏👏

[@naomi8097]

Ashlee how did you double?

[@ashleegaither6473]

@@naomi8097 It was a mixture of marketing, mainly using word of mouth from clients and advertising locally, and honing my skills to set myself apart.

[@karentilley4356]

What marketing? Where did you advertise locally? Thank you!

[@ashleegaither6473]

@@karentilley4356 We live in a small town, so word of mouth, and knowing local business owners has helped me with advertising with my business cards in their shops.

[@vagabondwildernesswanderings]

O. M. G. I tried this and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Now I can mop an entire house with virtually any floor surface and I only need one mop and I use these pre-treated mop pads. Turn on the steam for tile and more durable surfaces and turn it off for wood floors and less durable surfaces. The cleaning power is excellent with no scrubbing and it does leave just a little shine. Wonderful!!!

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Awesome. I'm so thrilled to hear it works for you as well as it works for me. Hooray! 👏👏👏

[@ag-xq7zg]

I learn great ideas when I watch your videos 😍❤️

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Oh wow, that is so nice of you to say. Thank you for your kind words of encouragement and support and for spending a few minutes of your day here with me. I appreciate you. :-)

[@brook3d776]

That is a great idea! 😄 Thank you.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

You're welcome! And thank you for watching the video. 🙂

[@frocksandscrubsadvanceecoc3533]

The detail geek uses a profession Bissel as well to clean the car mats and I have to get one now. Amazing cleaning tool. Always great session with you Angela.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Right on! Let me know what you think of the Bissell. 👍

[@lilianabellini7895]

I love your advice!1 great channel!

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Glad you think so, thanks for watching!

[@mediatricen4705]

Thanks so much Angela I’m learning so much from you as I just started my cleaning biz

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Woot, woot!! Good for you and wishing you much success!!!😍

[@AskAngelaBrown]

🙌 Awesome, thank you for sharing that with me! 🙂

[@kimmy0868]

Years ago I was so excited to buy a steam mop. Dumb me listened to the infomercial and used it on my hardwood floors 😩🥺. I steamed the finish right off, after about 3 months the top coat started peeling away. They are wonderful if you have ceramic though! I’m going to try out your tips for the soap and microfiber mop heads, thank you!!

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Oh no, I'm sorry to hear this. Yes, much of what you see on infomercials is designed to sell product and the ads are often created by ad teams who specialize in marketing, not necessarily cleaning.

[@prairierose1115]

Genius idea! I have a bissell steam mop for tile but never thought to use it "unplugged"!

[@AskAngelaBrown]

It's fantastic. Let me know how you like it. I'm curious to hear your take. Thanks for watching. :-)

[@eleanorsmith-litt7526]

@@AskAngelaBrown I have one that goes back and forth no steam but unplugged sounds good.

[@TheFractalStorySpinner]

I love this technique.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Me too. It saves so much time and hassle with no mop buckets, moving mop buckets around, dumping out dirty water, rewetting mops, wringing them out...

[@colleenalcantar9061]

Angela, thank you!

[@AskAngelaBrown]

😊

[@WowDaniX]

Wow, great video again. I swear one day i will start my cleaning business.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

You should! I'll be rooting for you. 👏👏🙌

[@Userrelyt]

Youre great, easy to follow

[@AskAngelaBrown]

I appreciate that! Thanks so much for dropping by. 😍

[@code_s7337]

that was so informative Thanks a Lot

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lydiab6063]

Amazing. Thanks!!

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!

[@pappyschmears]

I like this Angela...she can clean my house anyday!

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Lol! Thanks!😄

[@mariacorona716]

Thank you for the video😀👍🏼

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Thanks for watching and for reaching out. It's great to have you here.

[@lesleepoole7515]

Great video!!

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Glad you you think so, thanks for watching!

[@gladysboga1449]

Thank you for the information. 😊

[@AskAngelaBrown]

My pleasure 😊

[@roadtriptovegas]

Hi Angela! I watched a few of your videos covering these mops.I lucked out and found one, new without package, on Amazon for $64! I am blown away with how clean it got our tile floors. They squeak now lol

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Wonderful! Thanks for sharing this!

[@christopherbrennan8308]

Great tip with soaking the mop heads… going to do this over night the day before I do floors next time with my Shark steamer. Thanks!

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Glad it was helpful! Keep me posted on how the floors turn out next time you use your Shark steam mop : )

[@angelsandocean2853]

Thank you from Australia

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Hi Angels and Ocean, thanks for watching and checking in. It's great to have you here! :-)

[@mariafuentes-mi2dz]

I love all your cleaning tips! Thank you so much! I am hooked on watching your channel😊 Used your tip of using steamer on wood floor and absolutely worked on my stubborn stain! Thank you! Wanted to ask, is there anything I can use to shine my bamboo floors once in a while? They are not as shiny but also not to dull...

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Hi Maria, Thanks for the kind words and for watching. The same technique with the damp microfiber mop pre-wet with one drop of Sal Suds will serve you best for bamboo flooring for a great clean and an awesome shine. No water and no steam. 👍

[@mariafuentes-mi2dz]

@@AskAngelaBrown Thank you so much!! I will try ☺️

[@user-ci5si8jz5h]

Good video and tips

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Thank you so much!

[@roses609]

I didn’t know about the vinyl floors ty

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Yes, every flooring type has slightly different coating on top or is installed a slightly different way. With those considerations in mind, this is an excellent tool - used slightly differently for the various flooring types.

[@ladylake4026]

Thank you!

[@AskAngelaBrown]

You're welcome! And thank you for watching the video. 🙂

[@Lucky20231]

I would love to see a video at some point of what your team carries with them into a maintenance clean! I try to keep things as basic as possible and part of the reason I haven’t invested in a steamer yet is because I’m nervous about getting distracted with a bunch of gadgets and gizmos and carrying around to much stuff.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

I completely understand. I will answer this and show you in a video exactly what I carry with me to a job. Short version is two cleaning caddies, one with cloths and a steamer and the other with cleaning chemicals and PPE.

[@rubylover5971]

Following on this topic I’m on the same boat 🙀

[@Ctwosrer]

Willow Hall! Yes, I totally agree! I’d like to see that video too. Less is more.

[@shebe9798]

Yes

[@yonacohen3539]

Thank you. Having been doing it all wrong…. 40 years. Changing my method…. Hopefully, not too late. I am a cleaning lover! I have learned so much from you. ❤😊

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Thanks for your kind words of encouragement and support. It's great to have you here. 😍

[@bluestar.8938]

I love my steam cleaner too. Thank you lovely miss Angela : )

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Thanks for watching. The steam cleaner is so versatile. I love it as well.

[@matthewmaloney5955]

Thanks!

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Thank you so much for watching and for the money. All of the "THANKS" money from our channel goes to our scholarship fund. You just paid for training and certification for a professional house cleaner. Here's where the money goes. savvycleaner.com/scholarship-winners-for-2022/ THANK YOU for helping me leave the world a cleaner place. 🙏🤗👏

[@elizabethfield6526]

Thank you so much. This is genius. I loath Bona. Leaves a residue.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

You're welcome! And thank you for watching the video. 🙂

[@user-vu5rq2yp2d]

Amazing! What size box is that and how many mop heads do you put inside? Thanks for the awesome cleaning tips!!

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Thank you for watching and for your kind words! Here is a link to the box I use Shoebox with latch lid for mop charging station - amzn.to/3Hrw1Lp

[@light-yi2me]

Thank you🙏🏻💕

[@AskAngelaBrown]

You're so welcome!

[@BridgesofMC]

The company I'm with, we use vinegar mixed with water and a little bit of lemon essential oil to take the edge off the vinegar smell. For laminant and tile. Then for hardwood we use bona. We also use the microfiber cloth mops

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Thank for sharing!

[@jo-annemurphy2921]

That's brilliant and I'm kind of wondering why I never came up with that idea!🤭

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching the video.

[@lmartinson2]

Thank you so much for all your videos, especially this one. I’ve been using a similar method with damp microfibre mop pads instead of a bucket. Love how you pre-soak a number of microfibre pads, especially since I am now cleaning a large, NEW home with engineered hardwood EVERYWHERE (except in the bathrooms). Because I have not been able to find clear directions about how to and what products to use for washing engineered hardwood vs “traditional” hardwood/wood flooring, I have just been using water. This has worked well for all of the floors except the most tracked area-the kitchen. Would you recommend using and drop of Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner and water on engineered hardwood? Any thoughts? Suggestions? Again, thank you so much!

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Yes, the Sal Suds will work it's magic and if the floors have a sheen to them, this combo will poligh the floors nicely. Let me know how it works for you. One bottle of Sal Suds will last a LONG time.

[@believe2recievehoover243]

T hank you!!

[@koala3054]

Angela. Thank you for your videos. I'm learning so much. Would you use the dry mop method on SPC flooring?

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Yes I do! Depending on what the floor needs, dry and damp mopping work well.

[@koala3054]

@@AskAngelaBrown Thank you for your quick reply. I had another question regarding Krud Kutter. For wooden blinds, do you spray the 'undiluted' solution on the cloth before wiping the slats?

[@user-ju2ou8tn5k]

Hi Angela. Thank you for the useful information you provided on your video about cleaning hardwood floors. How many mop pads do you have in that bucket and how big is the container?. I need to make sure that I have the right amount of mop pads for the suggested water amount for the damping process. Thanks a lot!

[@AskAngelaBrown]

It might take a time or two before you get it right with the size flooring you have. There is no exact science. You can also mix up a gallon of water and put in 2 drops of Sal Suds, then dip in your clean mop pad and wring it out for the same effect if you are only using one or two mop pads.

[@robinsavino1388]

This is a really great method! Would you be able to link or recommend the mop and microfiber mop heads that you use? Thanks so much!

[@AskAngelaBrown]

There are two steam mops that I use but this one is my favorite it is the Light 'N' Easy Steam Mop amzn.to/3i6rpCr (paid link) and I like it because it is free standing and can be used as a dry dust mop, (just use it without plugging it in or wetting the mop pad.) You can use it as a damp mop (just wet the mop pad, squeeze it out and start mopping) or as a steam mop (wet the mop pad, squeeze it out, and plug in the cord).

[@gammerr82]

I like it a lot. That’s going save us a a lot per bottle of cleaner

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

[@selecttravelvacations7472]

That was really helpful Angela. Do any of your homes by chance have cork floors? If so, do you clean them the same way w damp microfiber and occasional steaming. The one I’m considering will have lots of polyurethane over the top. I’d love to be able to steam mop it.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Thank you for your question! Generally, I would not recommend steaming mop floors even if they are sealed. It would be better to start with sweeping or vacuuming to remove loose debris and then, mopping with a mixture of a mild pH-balanced wood floor cleaner and warm water. Be careful not to oversaturate the floor

[@tracy5745]

First off, I love your channel!!! I need your help though. I just purchased a new home that has unsealed hardwood floors. How can I clean them safely without causing damage?

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Tracy, Before I advise you, can you contact the company that manufacturers the floors or even the company that installed them and ask them what you should use? I think they would have suggestions on how to maintain the unsealed wood. Using the wrong product could void the warranty.

[@user-rn8zk5pb6x]

Thank you Angela for your many wonderfully helpful cleaning videos! How would I remove grime or gunk from the grooves of a finished maple wooden floor? Would there be a soft brush and/or cleaner I could use to safely eliminate the appearance of the dark lines between boards? My floor space is too large to manually clean the grooves individually. I do not want to steam floors for a long period of time to remove grime for fear of ruining finish on top and along sides of boards. Any help would be appreciated!

[@AskAngelaBrown]

You are so welcome! 😊 It sounds like you have a big job on your hands. I hear your hesitation about steam cleaning for long periods but could you use one to just help soften the grime, then hand scrub in the grooves with a soft bristle brush, wiping up the residue so it doesn't affect the finish? If not, you might have to apply a lot of elbow grease and hand scrub the floor, wiping as you go to protect the finish. Best of luck! 🤗

[@marykaylevac4026]

Yes

[@AskAngelaBrown]

👍

[@guitarnotator]

Hi Angela, how long should a hard floor take to dry please. Thank you

[@AskAngelaBrown]

If you use the pre-wet floor pads like you see here in this video it will take the floor about 1.5 seconds to dry.

[@barbarabrown772]

I would love to know more about castile soap? There are so many options on Amazon from face and body cleaners, peppermint sent, unscented. Any other uses. Thank you for these valuable videos

[@baconegger1450]

Dr. Bronner's liquid castille soap is excellent and a little goes a long way. Comes in several scents or unscented. My favorite is almond.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Lisa Bronner (from the maker of Sal Suds) was on the show a while back. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYvbgnhjhrKraqc it's amazing soap that has SO MANY uses and is safe for people, plants and pets.

[@caelidhg6261]

we have bamboo and then an oak floor (not laminet but but the click flooring). We had been using BONA and the microfiber flat mops and I even got the cheaper Dollar Tree ones that are modular. But I didn't think to do what you did. I ws spraying bona down on the floor and then mopping. I never felt like I got them clean. THEN we have two SMALL bathrooms that have tile and mine has white tile. I used to have a Hurricane spin mop which I loved for my small kitchen and bathroom. .. worked great. I just got an O Cedar spin mop that has a two bucket system. clean and dirty . I wanted to try this cause honestly.. our house has a LOT of obstacles and the flat rectangular mop just doesn't fit around corners. BUT I was beside myself about the actual cleaner!. WE have some Sal Suds. I actually tonight just sprayed some BONA into the water for the main floor nad then bought a tiny bottle of the lemon fabulosa cause I have heard endless things and seen everyone use them. We will see. BUT I think I will try your system... My boyfriend is extremely sensitive to ANY smell. Can tolerate lemon ajax but we do have Sal Suds sooooo I will see if that works! :).. Thanks (can that work for the bathroom through?)

[@AskAngelaBrown]

The Sal Suds plus water on the mop pad is all you need for all the floors you mention. Try the damp mop method vs. the spray on the floor and mop method. The spraying on the floor doesn't go on the floor evenly, often too much product is applied to the floor, doesn't get the floor clean enough and / or leaves streaks or sticky residue on the floor.

[@burtonwillis6454]

Relatively new to your channel but I am interested to know what you think about floor polish? Pros/cons? Product preference?

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Hi Burton, thanks for joining me here. Most floors in the last 15-20 years have polish already on them. It's not like back in grandma's days where we stripped and waxed the floors. Most of the cleaning we do on hardwood floors these days is with a dry dust mop to dust the floors. When they need mopping we use a damp microfiber mop (in this case it's a steamer head with a pre-wet microfiber mop head.) And for hardwood floors, if you don't have to use chemicals, waxes or products don't. If you do, choose one that is pH neutral (water is pH neutral, and adding 1 drop of Sal Suds like we did in this video will polish and shine the floors while remaining pH neutral.)

[@burtonwillis6454]

@@AskAngelaBrown many thanks

[@user-rw8nt5xm6s]

I Have a wood job tomorrow, help please! Use Neutral cleaning products but still need tips! Thank you 😊 Love your channel

[@AskAngelaBrown]

I’m routing for you, good luck with your wood cleaning project tomorrow.

[@pbenson56fran]

Angela is there a good less expensive way to clean wood flooring? I used a mop with water and Murphy's Oil for the floor. The mop was not real wet. Plus these are not my floors so I need to be careful. Thank you very much. I am watching several of your videos for the answer.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Hi Paula, Any flat head mop with a washable microfiber mop head will do. Here's a pretty durable one for under $30 amzn.to/3JWOT5h

[@mamacitatl]

Hi Angella, it is one drope of Sal Suds or Castile soap? Thank you!

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Sal Suds is castile soap. We've tried other versions of Dr. Bronners but we all come back to this specific version of castile soap. Don't know why but Sal Suds wins the shine the hardwood floors contest.

[@amde8554]

Hey from NC! I didn’t realize you lived down here

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Yes, we are neighbors. Hello back from NC! 👋

[@jenny_342]

I'm new subscriber from Pakistan 🇵🇰

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Hi Jenny, thanks for subscribing and for watching the show. Are you a professional cleaner or a DIY cleaner for your own home? It's always fun for me to learn where new viewers live and what brings them to the show. In any event, WELCOME I'm so glad you're here. 👏👏👏

[@justinchimento5654]

Nice video. I have bamboo flooring I'm doing today. Was going back and forth and was going to use my Bona hardwood cleaner in a spray bottle then wipe it up with a microfiber since I saw a few people suggest that so it wouldn't mess up the floors but I think I rather be safe and do it this way.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

This is my preference because this process leaves no standing water on the floors, there is no rinse, no mops too ring out, no mop water to run, no sprays to spray, no mop buckets to dump out, it's a simple solution that streamlines my work flow. If you give it a try let me know how it goes. I'm interested in your feedback.

[@justinchimento5654]

@@AskAngelaBrown will do

[@justinchimento5654]

@@AskAngelaBrown Just had time now to get back to you and it seemed to work pretty good and the customer was satisfied with the floors because that was their main worry with their house.

[@Kindlyone777]

What is your favorite vacuum cleaner for hardwood flooring? Thank you

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Any vacuum that picks up dust, crumbs, hair and pet fur. They pretty much all work. For me I prefer Shark or Dyson because they work on both carpet and hardwood without switching heads or attachments. And now vacuums come in easy to empty canisters.

[@SwivetShaves]

I love this channel - I’m a father and husband and love nothing more than a clean house. I have a question - every time I’ve used a bona floor polish it looks great - then following week I use the bona spray but for some reason it gets cloudy - then I’m forced to use a steamer to remove all the polish - is there a tip or a trick you recommend thanks!

[@AskAngelaBrown]

I'm personally not a fan of Bona for this very reason. It's like using furniture polish. The polish looks great until it doesn't. If you have hardwood floors they can be managed with a damp microfiber mop head. No, there are no tricks and no, you didn't do anything wrong.

[@SwivetShaves]

@@AskAngelaBrown thank you so much! I just ordered some Sal suds going to give that try

[@eleanorsmith-litt7526]

@@AskAngelaBrown I realized this when I saw the film. I know now that it has to be rinsed with BONA and actually wiped off with a dry cotton or micro fiber cloth. One has to treat it almost like furniture on hands and knees (which after surgery I cannot) and polish it in to get rid of the residue.. I loved refinishing my floors when I could do it myself, I mean taking it down to the bare wood, conditioning, staining, then breaking my foot trying to use the electric polisher. Lol It just got away from me. It looked great but who wants to do a large wood surface with all that back breaking work just to remove the residue of BONA. I did cut water with a tiny bit of vinegar and that took part of the residue away, but some haze came back.

[@shellyjerde718]

Hi, Angela! Could u please provide a link for the shoebox with handle on top? Tysm!❤

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Glad you think so!

[@melissafitzgerald6314]

I have vinyl tile with grout. Can I use a steam mop? Currently I am using a spin mop with one tablespoon tide powder to two gallons water. Thanks. Love your videos

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Whoa. No, please don't use a steam mop on a vinyl floor unless you are using it as a regular mop without any steam. And the spin mop - are you recycling the same clean/dirty water around the floor? Or do you have a bucket with a divider in it to separate the dirty water from the clean?

[@melissafitzgerald6314]

Yikes. I guess I am just swirling dirty water around my floor. Should I change the water once it looks dirty? I do have a Mopsy bucket that has a dirty side and clean side, but the spin mop is faster and easier.

[@melissafitzgerald6314]

Or should I have two buckets? One with solution and spin out, then one to rinse?

[@mika6516]

Are you wearing those shoe covers while mopping to prevent footprints? That is my biggest issue when I mop, no matter how much time has gone by, I still leave footprints after I mop. Please advise. I am so happy that I found your channel.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Hi Mika, the shoe covers we buy in bulk (here is the paid link amzn.to/3rN4spv so you can see what I'm talking about) and we wear them in all the customer's homes. It allows us to not track in anything from outside on our shoes, and it allows us to still wear shoes while on the job, which we need for shock absorbing power and arch support which supports our knees, hips, spines, shoulders and neck while working. The white tread on the bottom is a non-slip strip and we wear them 100% of the time on the job except when in the customers bathrooms when we climb in the showers and bathtubs to clean. This prevents us from getting them wet and then tracking gunk out on the bottom of the shoe covers. We take them off right outside the bathroom door and the put them back on when we mop our way out of the bathroom.

[@mika6516]

@@AskAngelaBrown Thank you Angela.

[@bedanicolau5438]

Hi Ángela! How often do you recommend use the steamer mop with the steam on?

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Hi Beda. On ceramic tile floors, all the time. 100% on. On hardwood floors only to spot treat "trouble areas" as a last resort.

[@bedanicolau5438]

@@AskAngelaBrown Thank you so much Angela

[@hedy_7084]

I use a Bona Mop, minus the Bona spray solution(I do not like the way the floors haze over). I wet the microfiber pad, wring it out, and use my own formulation of cleaner. For wood floors I use water diluted with Murphy’s oil. Laminate and tile I use either water and Pine Sol, or water and vinegar.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Thanks so much for sharing this tip. 😊

[@eleanorsmith-litt7526]

Don’t you have to rinse the Murphy’s oil? Is a tiny bit of vinegar okay? I have to go back to Angela’s tape.

[@hedy_7084]

@Vivian Swim I do not mix Murphy’s Oil with vinegar.

[@susanhildreth1531]

Do you have a good way to clean microfiber mop heads and rags? If you put them in the washer, is there a better soap than another? Do you air dry them?

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Hi Susan, yes, here is a video I made about that very topic kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaTUkqKdd8Zrl7c and for the paid link to the mesh laundry bags amzn.to/3M0Sxg9 (I see they are on sale this week a few dollars off - I may have to get another set. LOL)

[@zunairapakeeza8135]

Hi, i like your tips , could you plz tell me how many mop pads do you use , 1000 sqm house ?

[@AskAngelaBrown]

2-3 and maybe a separate one for the bathroom(s).

[@glassanddiaphane]

Amazing! Usually I use two mop heads and about a 3/4 of a cup of water mixed with a teaspoon of Murphy oil soap, so I think I just realized I am using way too much water and soap. Could you share what the proportions would be best for a small appartment?

[@AskAngelaBrown]

For a small apartment wet the mop head under running water and wring it out. You probably won't need any solution at all. NOTE: different mop heads for the bathroom are recommended from the one used in the kitchen for the avoidance of cross-contamination. 👍

[@patrickrumley8096]

Can you substitute something like a diluted Pinesol/vinegar mix for your Castille soap mix?

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Technically you can - nobody is going to stop you. But many hardwood floor manufacturers now will void the warranty on your flooring if you use vinegar. By itself, vinegar is a 2.5 on the pH scale. And with hardwood floors you want a pH neutral floor cleaner - something around a 7. The castile soap is a safe bet if using only one drop. Keep it simple.

[@dannusmk1578]

Hi Angela, thank you for this vid... So in essence the microfiber mop head has some Castile soap in it am I right? In other words once placed inside the bin with water and diluted soap, these are not rinsed before mopping the floors.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

That is correct. No rinsing out the mop heads before using and no rinsing the floors after mopping. You've got 4 cups of water and 1 drop of castile soap in the charging bucket. That is the mixture and it's safe to just damp mop the floor and boom! You're done.

[@krumel20]

@@AskAngelaBrown hi, how many mops do you have for 4 cups of water and one drop of soap ? I think I saw 4 mops but not so sure. Thanks for the great tip.

[@eleanorsmith-litt7526]

@@AskAngelaBrown Please, this house , because of one contractor who took my money did everything wrong, and quit (2 years plus one attempting to have his license away so this did not happen to anyone else which they did not do so 39 families met the same fate). Then everything he did had to be redone and I had to double work hours (3 years due to COVID) Then knee replacement surgery and working more hours I have to say the dirt is at least 1/2 inch on the floors. 3 dogs don’t help in and out of the doggie door. I got the microfiber pads but the will be caked with dirt in one swipe. Is there anything i can do to get the layers of dirt off first. Thank you

[@amandacosta5373]

I have an x5 steam cleaner, the one that is advertised. Does it work just the same as the Bissell steamer you have?

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Hi Amanda, without knowing the model number of the one you have it would be hard to compare apples to apples but here is the one I use amzn.to/3Eeb98e and you can check it out. Also, if you can find the one you have on Amazon, the reviews are often helpful to those who have done comparisons.

[@pambrady4066]

Angela, thanks for all your cleaning tips. I have approximately 1,000 SF of 3/4” tongue and groove hardwood. How many microfibers pads would you recommend for cleaning my hardwood? Thanks

[@AskAngelaBrown]

2 maybe 3.

[@pambrady4066]

@@AskAngelaBrown, thanks so much!

[@eleanorsmith-litt7526]

A went on line and found big ones and a pole on which they stick. I am still gripped with anxiety and organize everything (thank’s to your motivation) and avoid the floors. I am going to listen to your tape again for the motivation. Thank you again, Angela. I purchased several microfiber pads because the dirt after construction which kept getting dirtier after my total knee replacement surgery, might involve washing as I clean. Thank you for the lesson in “less water is more”. I am now dampening the pads with a spray bottle filled with water. You are a blessing. Look how many lives you have changed.

[@Joani161]

Thanks Angela. How many mop heads to that amount of water?

[@AskAngelaBrown]

You can do 7-8 mop heads. But if you want to test it out, try it out at home and see what works best for you.

[@RoutewareOregon]

Can you recommend a steamer with microfiber head? There are so many out there. I’d love to purchase the one that you use.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Hi Steven, I use two steamers, both for different things and the one shown here in this video is the Bissell Steamer - and here is the paid link amzn.to/3qQ00pn.

[@stefheinz7324]

Hi! How much in advance can you make the bin of mop heads? How long does it last?

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Hi Stef, it's water. So it lasts forever, but you don't want wet soggy mop heads sitting around for a while. 24 hours is usually a safe bet in an airtight container it should be fine. We usually do ours the morning of the clean and then use them throughout the day.

[@Stacy_SJA]

With the sal suds & steamer mop heads… could I use the sal suds Castile soap in a spray bottle diluted? And just spray on mop pad when needed?

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Great question. It's not spraying it on the mop head that works, it's that the mop pads are already pre-wet - It's the difference between eating a sandwich and eating the crumbs. Try it both ways and you'll know what I mean. And sure, you can do it, it's just that your results will be different. Tell me which you like better. 👍

[@micheledickey4066]

When I had my wood flooring put in my home they said to NEVER use a steam mop or wet mop on the floors!! I have ALOT of wood floor and I use the Norwex mop for all of my floors!! I love being able to wash my heads as needed. No refills to forget to buy etc!

[@walterchavez3024]

Can you leave a link where to buy the soup and the steamer??

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Sure. Fun fact: if you click on the "show more" words under every one of our videos in the notes section we have links to everything we talked about during the show for your convenience. Here are the links for this show. Shoebox with latch lid for mop charging station - amzn.to/3Hrw1Lp Bissell Power Steamer Heavy-Duty 3-in-1 Steam Mop - amzn.to/3FmZ15c Bissell Power Steamer Replacement Heads - amzn.to/30zzcjv Rolling Steamer Carry Caddy Bucket - amzn.to/2YTPkeV Dr. Bronner's - Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner - amzn.to/3FE81TJ

[@main2333]

Do move out cleaners expected to clean grouts too? Or do they need to hire a professional floor cleaner? I noticed the bissel steamer has an attachment for that. So maybe I can do the grouts now instead of spot cleaning like before.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Cleaning grout is a project by itself. It can be done by the company that does a move-in/out clean or by a regular maid service. But it is not part of either of those jobs. It is billed separately as a "special project" and often at a separate time. You can learn more about that in our upsell course savvycleaner.com/upsells-and-special-projects

[@TubaGurl1994]

If the floors are super dirty do you still use the steam mop? Or do you change the pad out or do you do a wet mop at all first then the steamer? I would assume after the whole house the pad gets dirty then the floor starts to look fogy from just using 1 mop head?

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Great question! Is the dirt something that could have been swept or vacuumed up prior to mopping (like crumbs)? If it’s dried spills or normal floor grime then you will need to change the mop bonnets when they get too dirty. I hope this helps with cleaning your floors. Keep me posted on how your floors turn out : )

[@pamkrugman8991]

Do you have links to the Bissell steamer and pads please?

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Sure! Here you go: BISSELL Power Steamer Heavy Duty 3-in-1 Steam Mop - amzn.to/42U0cpG (paid link*), Steam Mop Pads for Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop - amzn.to/49svuq0 (paid link*)

[@carolynnaylor4858]

@askangelabrown what are your thoughts of adding a couple drops of essential oil to the water absorbed cleaning pads ?

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Thank you for your question! Adding a few drops of essential oil to cleaning pads can be a great idea, as it not only adds a pleasant scent but can also offer additional cleaning benefits depending on the type of essential oil used

[@carolynnaylor4858]

@@AskAngelaBrown thank you

[@alexandrakennedy8078]

We have bamboo flooring in our house. We're told to not let water just stay on the floor. Just to wipe it. I'm going to try your drop of castile soap, water and floor pads sitting in that mixture.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Alexandra, Keep me posted on how that method works for cleaning your bamboo flooring. 👍

[@TT-de7wb]

What about disinfecting the floors? I just don't feel my floors are clean unless I disinfect them. Do you have a go-to for doing this?

[@AskAngelaBrown]

What is the purpose for disinfecting the floors? And how does one know if they are properly disinfected? As consumers and cleaning companies we don't have accurate tools that test if an area is disinfected. We have ATP meters that can report the organic load on a surface - but each test strip is $3 go $5 dollars. Let's suppose you "disinfect your floors" and then you open or close a door -- any airborne particles that enter through that door (or an open window) can undo your efforts. Sweeping and mopping the floors in most cases is good enough.

[@n2-]

Can you use the steamer and Castile soap on travertine?

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Since travertine is stone I would use the steamer with steam. That way you are not using any chemicals at all on the stone. And you don't want to put any chemicals in your steamer water reservoir.

[@jessicap5010]

Thank you because I have a child, a baby and a cat! Also can this work on tiles?

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Yes, with ceramic tiles you can actually use the steam part - and for tiles we do recommend the steam. Great question!

[@alexandrakennedy8078]

Wow! 3000 - 6000 square feet homes. The first thing I think of is how many more dogs I could adopt with a house that size.🥳 💟🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕💟🥳

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Hahaha...too funny! Thanks for watching!

[@EWard101]

When you wash the mop heads, do you use soap in the washing machine?

[@AskAngelaBrown]

We use OxiClean amzn.to/3nID7mJ and 1/4 cup of white vinegar. This keeps the mop pads clean and odor-free. I hang them up to air dry rather than putting them in the dryer.

[@kjasper931]

Are laminate floors treated the same as hardwood floors? And if not, how are they best cleaned? Thank you.

[@AskAngelaBrown]

Yes they are. And for laminate floors you don't want to use steam at all ever because the heat can pick up the glue that sticks it to the flooring.

[@kjasper931]

@@AskAngelaBrown Thank you so much!