What is the most eco-friendly way to clean hardwood floors?

There are many natural, PH-neutral hardwood cleaners on the market, and you can even make your own with an olive oil solution (recipe to follow). This is important to remember because, while a product can be completely natural, its eco-friendly effect can be reduced if the cleaners or adhesives contain chemicals or toxins.

We also always recommend that any time you want to put anything on wood, you run this by one of our flooring experts so you can be sure whatever you use is the best product for your hardwood floors.

Wood: the greener choice

Wood floors have many benefits, one of them being that they’re natural. In addition, wood floors are carbon-neutral, use less energy to produce than other floorings, and do not emit nitrogen oxides, methane, or harmful particles. Many manufacturers such as Mohawk, Quick-Step, Somerset, Palmetto Road pay close attention to responsible deforestation and sustainability.

Trees also can convert carbon dioxide to oxygen, even when cut and don't harbor pollutants or other particles, such as animal dander or dust mites.

The most eco-friendly way to clean: a recipe

It's essential to understand if your floors are intact and need a cleaning--or if they have little or no finish left and need a refinishing. Ask our flooring experts for advice when you are shopping for hardwood flooring in Woodstock.

Then if you want to make your own, combine ½ cup white or apple cider vinegar with ¼ cup olive oil (preferably organic and extra virgin. Add a tablespoon of lemon juice and (optional) a tablespoon of glycerin.

Add 25 or so drops of organic lavender essential oil for a pleasant scent and some additional benefits. Please put it in a spray bottle, shake well, and wipe with a soft cloth.

Cherokee Floor Covering, the area’s #one hardwood flooring expert, has been servicing the area for over 30 years. We'll give you a quality product, an excellent installation, and then tips on keeping your floor shiny and clean. (We also do wood refinishing.) Our showroom is in Woodstock, GA, so come in for a free quote, especially if you live or work in and around Woodstock, Marietta, Canton, Acworth, or Kennesaw.