I've been using tap water forever, but I toss in a splash of vinegar sometimes—cheap and shiny floors without fuss. Essential oils sound nice, but knowing my luck, I'd slip and slide across the room...
Vinegar's definitely a solid choice—cheap and effective—but I've noticed it can dull the finish over time, especially on older hardwood. Ever tried black tea instead? Sounds odd, I know, but the tannins apparently help maintain shine without slipperiness...might be worth experimenting?
Black tea's actually a pretty underrated option—I've used it a few times on older oak floors and noticed it does help bring out a richer tone without the dullness vinegar sometimes leaves behind. But honestly, if you're dealing with really worn or delicate finishes, I'd suggest trying a diluted castile soap solution instead. It's gentle, eco-friendly, and doesn't strip away the natural oils that keep hardwood looking healthy. Might be worth giving both a shot and seeing which your floors respond to better...
I've tried castile soap before, and while I agree it's gentle and eco-friendly, it sometimes left a slightly filmy residue on my floors—maybe I just didn't dilute it enough? Honestly, I've had better luck with a few drops of almond oil mixed into warm water. It gives the wood a nice subtle shine without feeling greasy or slippery. Might depend on the type of finish, though... hardwood floors can be picky!
I've run into the same issue with castile soap—no matter how careful I was with dilution, it always left that weird film. Honestly, hardwood floors can be pretty finicky about what you use on them. Almond oil does sound interesting, but personally, I've had better luck with a simple vinegar-water mix (about 1/4 cup vinegar per gallon of water). It cleans thoroughly and leaves zero residue behind. If the smell bothers you, adding a couple drops of essential oil helps a ton.
Also, I've noticed that microfiber mops make a huge difference. Regular cotton mops tend to push dirty water around and leave streaks, but microfiber picks up dirt and moisture way better. One last thing—if your floors are still looking dull after cleaning, you might want to check if they're due for refinishing. Sometimes the finish itself is just worn down, and no amount of cleaning or oiling is gonna fix that.