"I've tried the vinegar trick too, but does anyone else notice it dulling the finish over time? Maybe I'm just paranoid..."
You're definitely not paranoid—I've noticed the same thing in some cases. Vinegar can be great for quick cleaning, but depending on your floor's finish, it can gradually strip away the shine. Have you considered checking what finish your hardwood has? Some finishes react differently to acidic cleaners like vinegar.
Switching to dish soap and warm water sounds like a gentle alternative. Just make sure it's a mild soap without any harsh additives or moisturizers, since those can leave behind residue. Have you tried microfiber mops or cloths yet? They usually do a great job at picking up dirt without needing too much cleaner.
Honestly, floors can be tricky, and it’s easy to second-guess yourself... but trust your instincts. If it seems gentler and your floors look happier, you're probably on the right track.
You're definitely onto something about vinegar dulling the finish—I noticed it too, especially on older hardwood. My floors are original from the 1920s, and vinegar seemed to make them look cloudy after a while. I switched to a tiny bit of Murphy's Oil Soap diluted in warm water, and it seems gentler overall. Also, buffing lightly with a dry microfiber cloth afterward really helps bring back that subtle shine without looking overly polished or artificial...
Murphy's Oil Soap is pretty solid. I've used it on some old oak floors in a property from the 40s, and it did the trick without leaving any weird residue behind. Vinegar definitely has its place, but older hardwood just seems too sensitive for it... learned that the hard way myself, haha. Buffing after cleaning makes sense too—haven't tried microfiber yet, but might give it a shot next time I'm prepping a place. Thanks for the tip!
Murphy's is decent, but honestly, I've found it can dull the finish over time if you're using it regularly. Switched to Bona hardwood cleaner a while back—seems gentler and leaves a nicer shine. Might be worth testing out on your next project...
"Murphy's is decent, but honestly, I've found it can dull the finish over time if you're using it regularly."
Interesting observation...I've been using Murphy's on a client's vintage oak floors and haven't noticed dullness yet, but now I'm curious. Could it depend on the type of finish or wood species? Maybe some finishes react differently over time. Has anyone else noticed variations depending on the flooring type or finish used?
