I feel your pain with the vinegar mishap—I tried it once on a rental property's hardwood floors thinking I'd save some cash and be eco-conscious at the same time. Ended up with cloudy streaks everywhere, not exactly the polished look I was going for. What finally worked for me was a simple routine: regular sweeping to keep grit away, then damp mopping (barely damp!) with just water and a drop or two of mild soap. Floors stayed shiny, tenants were happy, and my sanity remained intact...mostly.
I've had similar issues with older hardwood floors in my place—they seem extra sensitive to just about everything. Damp mopping helps somewhat, but I'm noticing that the finish still dulls quicker than I'd expect. Wondering if maybe it's the soap residue building up over time? Has anyone experimented with microfiber cloths or specific mop types that reduce streaking without needing cleaners at all? Curious if tools alone might make a noticeable difference...
"Wondering if maybe it's the soap residue building up over time?"
This was exactly my issue! I used to mop my hardwood floors religiously with a cleaner, thinking I was doing the right thing, but they always ended up looking dull and streaky. Then one day I switched to just a damp microfiber mop—no soap or cleaner at all—and it honestly made a huge difference. Took a couple times to fully remove the old buildup, but now they're noticeably shinier and less streaky. Worth a shot if you haven't tried it yet...
I've actually found the opposite to be true—water alone eventually left my floors looking flat and dry. A diluted vinegar solution (just a splash in warm water) worked better for me, breaking down residue without buildup. Guess it depends on your finish type though...
Funny you mention vinegar—I tried that once and my dog spent the next hour sniffing suspiciously around the floor like I'd betrayed him somehow. 😂 But seriously, I've had decent luck with a tiny bit of olive oil mixed in warm water. Sounds weird, I know, but it gave my floors a nice subtle shine without turning them into a skating rink. Guess every floor has its quirks...and every pet their opinions.
