ARE YOUR HARDWOOD FLOORS ALWAYS DUSTY? HERE’S WHAT TO DO.

1. Cleaning Tools
   
2. Reusable Dust Mop
3. Broom
4. Vacuum
5. Spray Mop

1. Reusable Dust Mop
Use a reusable mop such as O-Cedar dust mop . These are wonderful for a multifunctional dust mop that can be used over and over again by simply throwing the cover in the washer. No need for the old fashioned way. 
The wrong choice in a mop will do nothing but move your dirt and debris around, the right mop will trap and cut down on dust. The reusable dust mop can be used dry as a broom, or spray your chosen cleaner on the floor and mop accordingly.

Another great tip for these types of mops is they can also be used on your walls to catch any flyaway dust bunnies! Of course, there are other options of dust mops for hardwood floors to suit different styles and preferences such as a microfiber mop.  

The microfiber mops come highly recommended for wooden floors because they are soft and gentle on the wood and will not scratch or damage hardwood floors. 

2. The Broom

You would not think the type of broom you choose is a big deal, but it can make a noticeable difference. If the broom is too rough, it can further damage wood floors and leave cracks and crevices for the dust to fall in and build up. Angled brooms get into the corners and creases well, such as the O-Cedar broom , and some people prefer the heavy-duty B ristle Brooms.

3. Vacuums

The Vacuum is a staple in every household regardless if you own wood, carpet, or laminate flooring. Some vacuums include:

• Everyday vacuum
• Pet vacuums 
• Wet/dry vacuums 
• Robot vacuums    

This choice could make all the difference. The newest craze is the wet/dry vacuum that can mop and vacuum all at once, such as the Bissell Crosswave .

Another favorite vacuum would be the robot vacuum or Roomba! These do not take up as much space as your traditional vacuum and are primarily made for hard floors such as wood, tile, or laminate. These cute little cleaners make fun conversation starters as well as family entertainment for babies and animals. 

4. Spray Mops 

Spray mops are another versatile cleaning tool for hardwood floors. There is the more popular spray mop such as the Swifter Wet Jet , which comes with premade cleaners including one made specifically for hardwood floors. Then there is the more versatile option of a wet jet mop where you can fill with homemade cleaning solutions. O-Cedar makes a Spray Mop that has the washable microfiber pad which is prime for hardwood floor upkeep. 

Everyone knows you get what you pay for, if you buy cheap cleaning products you will most likely get cheap results. The following products have been tried and true for many years.

1. Wood Oil Cleaner
2. Vinegar, water, essential oils
3. Dish soap and water
4. Tea Bags, lemons, olive oil     

1. Wood Oil Cleaner

Wood oil cleaners are made up of a mixture of soap and oil. Murphy’s oil soap has been around for decades and is an affordable top of the line, plant-based cleaner. This cleaner is versatile and can be used not only on wooden floors but also on other wooden furniture and contains no ammonia or bleach. Other popular wood oil soaps would be:

• Bona
• Orange Glo 
• Pledge 

Some cleaners will leave behind a slick or almost sticky residue and you will find yourself cleaning more often, some like Bona may be harder to find and cost a little more. The more natural, biodegradable ingredients the better, so it is recommended to pay close attention to ingredients. 

2. Vinegar, Water, and Essential Oils  

This option is a low cost, fragrant, and eco-friendly way to keep floors clean, sanitized, and shiny. The recipe for this cleaner is simple! 

• ½ cup of White Vinegar
• 1 Gallon of Water
• 3 to 6 drops of essential oil or oils of choice

Cedar Oil is a natural wood derived oil that is known to repel spiders and other unwanted creepy crawlers, as well as the following:

• Tea Tree 
• Peppermint
• Lemon
• Lavender 
• Thieves  

Thieves oil is a natural antibacterial oil, immune system booster, and smells like Christmas with the ingredients

• Lemon
• Clove
• Eucalyptus
• Cinnamon
• Rosemary

Essential oils are all-natural and have many uses. Keep in mind they are meant to be used diluted, a few drops can get the job done. These oils can be found with companies such as Plant Therapy, Young Living, and Doterra. 

3. Dish Soap & H20

Dish soap mixed with water is readily available and a super low budget mix for an easy homemade cleaning solution with very few ingredients. 

Dawn dish soap is a highly rated dish soap when used in moderation for a floor cleaner it can do a fabulous job. 

A couple of tablespoons are enough when added to a bucket of water. Using a dish soap that has added moisturizers can leave you with a slippery surface and left behind residue. 

4. Household Scraps

Using household items or scraps such as:

• Lemons 
• Black tea bags 
• Olive oil 

These are fewer known options for cleaning dusty hardwood floors, yet rank up with the best of the floor treatments! 

  Lemons can be added to vinegar and strained for a scented vinegar cleaning solution. Typically you would let the lemon peels sit in the vinegar for a couple of weeks or even up to a month. Adding lemon peels to vinegar can help hide the strong pungent scent that deters most people from using it. 

Don’t forget to strain after letting sit! Lemon is a natural astringent and can be mixed with water and a little olive oil as a cleaning agent, but if done wrong could leave the floor slippery! 

Olive oil is a great assist in hydrating dry spots on the wood that may be worn and used in high traffic areas. Simply wet a rag with the oil and rub on the area in a circular motion.

Black Tea as a floor cleaning agent can help darken the wood, as well as sanitize! Who would have thought tea bags could be utilized as a floor cleaner! This may not be the most popular choice, but in pinch perhaps just right!