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Top StoriesBest Vegetable for Heart HealthWhat Happens If You Eat Sourdough Every dayLiving Room Design Rules You Should BreakRead These Books Before You See the MovieAdHow to Clean Hardwood Floors NaturallyWe show the best way to clean wood floors so you can skip harsh chemical cleaners.By Amanda Lauren and Mary Marlowe Leverette Updated on November 10, 2025 Fact checked by Haley MadesIn This ArticleView AllConsiderationsFrequencyStepsCleaning CracksRemoving Paint Stainshome interior with light hardwood floors, white brick wall, and a potted plant, with natural light coming in through sliding doorsCredit: DigtialStorm/Getty ImagesKey PointsStick to a regular routine: Dust mop a few times a week and deep-clean monthly with a damp microfiber mop and a simple vinegar-water solution to keep floors looking their best without damaging the wood.Use the right tools and techniques: Choose gentle cleaning methods like microfiber mops, soft brushes for cracks, and non-abrasive solutions—especially for unsealed wood or stubborn stains like paint.Prevent dirt buildup: Minimize mess by using doormats, cleaning up spills quickly, and avoiding harsh cleaners or too much moisture, which can lead to dullness or damage over time.If you’re wondering how to clean hardwood floors naturally so they look beautiful and retain their shine for years, the key is to clean them often and methodically. After all, floors face the most significant wear and tear in our homes. Think about all the dust, dirt, grime, and debris brought in from the outside or that accumulates by wearing shoes inside the house.Allowing wood floors to get too dirty is not only unclean and unsanitary, but it can also damage the wood itself, which is expensive to repair, refinish, or at the very worst, replace. By cleaning hardwood floors regularly with just a few tools and natural products, they can last longer. Follow these pro tips for cleaning hardwood floors naturally.Melissa Witulski, business operations manager for Merry MaidsConsiderations Before You Get StartedBefore cleaning your hardwood floors, it’s essential to know what type of finish has been applied. Is the floor sealed with a polyurethane finish? If a drop of water sits on the surface, then the floor is sealed, and you can clean it with a water-based solution or steam cleaner.If the drop of water is absorbed quickly, the sealant is worn away or was never applied. If the floor is unsealed, you want to limit the water used for cleaning. “When you need to do a deeper clean, use a damp microfiber cloth (as needed) and dry immediately with a dry microfiber cloth,” says Melissa Witulski, the business operations manager at Merry Maids.Invest in a Quality VacuumIf you have a lot of hardwood in your home, you might want to invest in a cordless vacuum cleaner for hardwood floors. The Dyson Omni-Glide, for instance, is a model that we’ve ranked as one of the best vacuums around.If you have dogs or cats in your home, look for a vacuum for pet hair that’s also good for hardwood floors. For those looking for something more hands-free, a robot vacuum designed to clean both hard surfaces and carpet is a sound choice. (Some robot vacuums for hardwood floors can also mop.)How Often to Clean Hardwood FloorsLightly clean hardwood floors a few times a week. Once a month (or more often if necessary), clean your floors with a mop for hardwood floors to deep-clean the wood and make them shine. To avoid frustration and extra work, pick a good time to clean hardwood floors. The best time is when foot traffic will be minimal, like when everyone is out of the house.Witulski suggests quick, regular cleanings a couple of times per week to keep floors from getting too dirty: “The best way to clean hardwood floors is to use a microfiber dust mop to remove dust, dirt, and whatever other particles were brought into your home. The microfiber dust mop will not scratch your floors as some vacuums might.”How to Clean Hardwood Floors With VinegarThe first method for cleaning hardwood floors naturally is to use vinegar. Vinegar is a powerful natural cleaner that you can use for all different types of cleaning jobs around the house. Here’s how to clean your hardwood floors with it.What You NeedDry microfiber dust mopBroom or vacuum without beater bar (optional)Large bucketDistilled white vinegar or cleaning vinegarWet microfiber mopStep 1: Clear Clutter, Dirt, and DebrisAlways start your floor cleaning by picking up any clutter and removing small items, such as area rugs, from the floor. This will help create a faster, easier cleaning experience.Next, remove loose dust and soil. You can use a broom or a vacuum without a beater bar (the beater bar can damage hardwood surfaces) to clear away the debris. But the best choice is a microfiber dust mop. The fibers in the mop attract and trap the dirt, and you can then toss the mop head in the washer so you have a clean mop each time.Step 2: Mix Cleaning SolutionIn a large bucket or sink, combine 1 gallon of water with 1 cup of distilled white vinegar or 1/2 cup of cleaning vinegar. If you decide to use a commercial hardwood floor cleaner, follow the product instructions carefully. Only use the amount as directed to avoid waxy buildup, which can make wood floors look dull.Step 3: Mop Hardwood FloorsDip a clean microfiber mop into the solution and wring the mop until it is just damp and not dripping. You do not want to apply excess water to the floor. Start at the far corner and work toward the door until you have cleaned the entire room. Rinse the mop often (wring until slightly damp!) as the soil is transferred from the floor.Step 4: Let Floors DryAllow the floor to air-dry before walking on it. Remember that excess moisture can damage wood floors. Turn on ceiling fans or add a circulating fan to help speed up the drying time. This way, you can walk on the floor sooner and replace any rugs or floor items you previously cleared.How to Clean Hardwood Floor CracksOlder wood floors and poorly installed hardwood can have cracks between the boards that trap dirt and dust. These cracks can worsen during periods of low humidity when the wood dries out. Removing the dirt and debris that becomes trapped is easy but a bit time-consuming.What You NeedBowl or small bucketDistilled white vinegarSoft-bristled toothbrushMicrofiber clothHandheld vacuum or vacuum with crevice tool (optional)Step 1: Divide the Floor Into Small SectionsClean in small sections, starting at the furthest corner of the room and working your way to the door. This technique is helpful so you can pick up where you left off if you can’t clean the entire room at once.Step 2: Mix Cleaning SolutionCombine 2 cups of warm water and 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar in a small bucket. Step 3: Scrub CracksDip a soft-bristled toothbrush in the solution and shake until just damp. Gently scrub the cracks, then wipe away the debris with a soft cloth. You can also vacuum it up with a handheld vacuum or a vacuum with a crevice tool.Step 4: Clean FloorsOnce the cracks have been cleaned, clean the floor as usual by dusting and mopping, following the steps above.