How to Clean Hardwood Floors with Pine Sol

Pine Sol is a registered trademark brand of the Clorox Company, and has been a staple cleaning agent in American households since 1929 -- it's pungent scent has become synonymous with shining, disinfected countertops, appliances, walls and floors. Use this forest-scented cleaner in many areas of your home, including on solid engineered and hardwood floors. One whiff is likely to transport you right back to Grandma's sparkling-clean kitchen, circa 1940.

Solid wood floors are exactly what the name implies -- constructed of solid wood the whole way through. Wood floors in this category are often made from oak, cherry, poplar, maple or ash. Solid wood floors can be re-sanded and re-finished as the need arises, and as long as your solid hardwood floor has been properly finished, cleaning it with Pine Sol will help keep it looking clean and smelling fresh.

Engineered wood floors are vastly different from solid wood. While they're constructed of wood, they're made from alternating layers that have been compressed together using high heat and pressure. Engineered wood, as a result, is actually more durable than solid wood. Engineered wood floors are easier to care for and harder to dent, scratch or scuff. Pine Sol is as safe for engineered wood floors as it is for solid wood -- safer, in fact -- as you don't have to worry so much about water pooling on the wood as you clean.

According to the makers of Pine Sol, this cleaner is safe to clean and disinfect hardwood floors when diluted using 1/4 cup of cleaner to one gallon of water. If you have stubborn scuffs or stains on your hardwood, apply Pine Sol full-strength to the dirty area using a soft brush or sponge to avoid scratching the finish. After you've finished spot and all-over cleaning of your floor with Pine Sol, rinse well by mopping it with clean water.

Use a soft mop and control the amount of water that pools on your hardwood floor while cleaning. For very soiled floors, a second application of diluted cleaner may be mopped on and rinsed away. During the rinse process, remove as much standing water as possible to avoid any warping or streaking of the wood. Once your hardwood floor has dried, you'll be left with squeaky clean and fresh-smelling floors to rival any room in Grandma's house.