I've seen that cloudy buildup happen too, even with the "gentle" stuff. Honestly, dish soap can be sneaky—seems harmless at first, but over time it can leave a film. What I do instead is a simple DIY cleaner: just mix water, white vinegar, and a tiny splash of rubbing alcohol. Mop lightly with that and your microfiber mop, then dry with a towel or dry mop pad. Floors stay shiny without the mystery haze...plus it's cheap and eco-friendly.
"Honestly, dish soap can be sneaky—seems harmless at first, but over time it can leave a film."
Haha, sneaky is right! Ever tried cleaning hardwood floors in a 120-year-old house? I swear mine have seen every cleaning fad since the Titanic sank. Vinegar and water is my go-to as well, but does anyone else get paranoid about the vinegar smell lingering? I always wonder if guests think I'm secretly pickling something in the basement...
I've never had much luck with vinegar myself—always felt like it dulled the finish over time. Switched to a microfiber mop and just plain warm water years ago, and honestly, floors look better without the pickle vibes...
I get what you're saying about vinegar...I tried it a few times, but my floors ended up smelling like salad dressing, lol. If you're looking for shine without breaking the bank, here's what worked for me: first, sweep or vacuum thoroughly (dust is enemy #1). Then mop lightly with warm water and microfiber like you mentioned. Every couple months, I buff with a tiny bit of olive oil on a soft cloth—just a tiny dab, mind you. Floors stay shiny, and my wallet stays happy.
Interesting approach with the olive oil...but I'd personally hesitate to use it on hardwood. Even a tiny bit can build up over time and attract dust or dirt, making floors look duller in the long run. I've had better luck with a diluted wood floor cleaner—nothing fancy, just something gentle from the grocery store. Mop lightly, dry quickly, and no residue worries. Plus, no salad dressing smell, haha.
