Cleaning Hardwood Floors in Ontario
Hardwood floors are one of the most common — and most easily damaged — floor types in Ontario homes. The mistakes that damage hardwood are almost all moisture-related: too much water, the wrong cleaner, or steam. Ontario's relatively dry winter air (forced-air heating removes humidity) and wet spring and fall seasons create conditions where hardwood contracts and expands seasonally, making proper care particularly important.
What Damages Hardwood
- Excess moisture: Water that sits on hardwood seeps between boards and causes warping, cupping, and swelling. Never wet-mop hardwood — damp-mop only
- Steam mops: Force steam into the wood and finish. Will damage most hardwood floors — avoid entirely
- Vinegar: The acid degrades the polyurethane finish over time
- Murphy Oil Soap and oil-based cleaners: Build up a residue film that dulls the finish and is very difficult to remove
- Gritty debris underfoot: Road salt and sand tracked in during Ontario winters are abrasive — sweep or vacuum frequently to prevent finish scratching
The Right Method
- Sweep or vacuum (soft brush attachment) to remove all grit and debris
- Damp-mop with a well-wrung microfibre mop — the mop should feel barely damp, not wet
- Use a purpose-made hardwood floor cleaner (Bona is the most widely recommended; available at Canadian Tire and Home Depot)
- Wipe dry any puddles immediately
Restoring a Dull Finish
If floors look dull despite cleaning, the issue is usually residue buildup. A deep clean with a hardwood floor cleaner (not a polish) removes the film. Hardwood floor polish (Bona Polish or equivalent) restores shine without refinishing — apply sparingly and buff dry.