As a homeowner with beautiful oak hardwood floors, I love how they add style and value to my house. But keeping them looking fresh and clean can be a challenge. Although most homeowners often used to vacuum and occasionally mop, yet they still looked dingy. That got me wondering – could using my carpet cleaner on the hardwood floors?
Turns out the answer isn’t so simple. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons, as well as recommendations for keeping your hardwood floors sparkling clean.
What Is A Carpet Cleaner?
First, let’s review what a carpet cleaner is. Carpet cleaners are machines that deep clean carpeting by using water, detergent, and suction. They work by injecting water mixed with carpet cleaning solution deep into the fibers, loosening dirt and stains. The suction then extracts the dirty water back out.
Carpet shampooers come in different forms:
- Rental units – These heavy-duty industrial carpet cleaners are available for rent from grocery stores, hardware stores, and other retailers. The powerful motors and strong suction make them capable of cleaning entire homes.
- Personal home carpet cleaners – Lightweight models designed for home use. Often called “spot cleaners” since they’re meant for small jobs like cleaning up pet accidents. And they are less powerful than rentals.
- Full-size home carpet cleaning machines – More powerful than spot cleaners, these systems have large tanks and strong suction meant for cleaning entire rooms. Popular brands are Hoover, Bissell, Rug Doctor, and McCulloch.
Pros Of Using A Carpet Cleaner On Hardwood
There are some benefits to using a carpet cleaner on hardwood floors:
Deeper cleaning – Carpet cleaners inject moisture deep into flooring and then extract it out along with dirt. This gets rid of grime that vacuuming or mopping leaves behind in the crevices.
Sanitizing – The hot water and cleaning solutions sanitize floors by killing germs, bacteria, mold, mildew, and dust mites. Great for allergy sufferers.
Fewer chemicals – Carpet cleaners rely mainly on hot water and suction rather than strong chemicals. They use fewer harsh cleansers compared to some specialized hardwood floor cleaners. More eco-friendly.
Revive dingy floors – For old, dingy hardwood with built-up grime, a carpet cleaner can help restore it to its former glory. The deep cleaning clears away years of dirt.
Cons Of Using A Carpet Cleaner On Hardwood
However, there are also some significant downsides:
Risk of warping – Excess moisture can severely damage hardwood floors by causing warping, swelling, discoloration, and distortion of the boards. Water that seeps between planks is the worst culprit.
Abrasive brush – The mechanized brush and beater bar under the machine can scratch soft wood floors, leaving unsightly marks.
Harsh chemicals – Cleaning solutions designed for carpeting may be too harsh for sealed hardwood. The wrong formulas can strip away protective finishes.
Takes longer to dry – Hardwood takes longer to dry than carpet since water sinks into the wood itself. Long drying time allows more opportunity for moisture damage.
Not meant for hard surfaces – Carpet cleaners are engineered for deep cleaning carpeting. They aren’t optimized for cleaning and drying hard surfaces.
Read: Can You Use Pine Sol on Hardwood Floors?
Tips For Using A Carpet Cleaner On Hardwood
If you opt to use a carpet cleaning machine on your hardwood, keep these precautions in mind:
- Use the lowest amount of water possible. Choose “wood floor” settings if your machine has them to minimize moisture.
- Select cleaning solutions formulated for use on wood flooring. Avoid detergents with bleach, acid, or alkali. Read labels carefully.
- Attach soft brush or microfiber pad heads that won’t scratch. Avoid stiff brushes and abrasive beater bars.
- Work in small sections of 2×2 feet and extract water immediately before it penetrates between boards.
- Go with the wood grain, not against it. Make overlapping passes to cover the entire floor.
- Avoid excessive wetting. Keep the cleaning head moving at all times.
- Place fans and dehumidifiers in the area after cleaning to accelerate drying.
- Check for moisture damage and re-clean if necessary.
Recommended Cleaning Solutions
Look for wood floor cleaners that are non-toxic and free of harsh chemicals. Popular options include:
- Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner – Gentle formula specifically designed for wood floors. Won’t dull floor shine.
- Zep Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner – Plant-based formula with lemon oil to condition wood. Low residue.
- Method Hardwood Floor Cleaner – Non-toxic cleaner made from biodegradable plant-based ingredients.
- Vinegar & water – 1 cup white vinegar per 1 gallon water. Natural acidic cleanser.
- Liquid soap & water – Mild cleaner. Use care not to soak floors.
Always spot test cleaners in an inconspicuous area first to check for any damage.
Read: Can You Use Mr Clean on Hardwood Floors?
Alternative Cleaning Methods
While carpet cleaners can work on hardwood, it’s often better to use cleaning methods specifically designed for wood floors. Safer alternatives include:
Vacuuming
Regular vacuuming with a soft brush nozzle removes surface dust and dirt between deeper cleanings. Weekly vacuuming protects floors.
Damp Mopping
Mix a wood floor cleaning solution like Bona with water in a spray bottle. Use a lightly dampened mop to wipe floors clean. Avoid excessive moisture.
Hardwood Floor Cleaners
Cleaners formulated for wood floors are gentler than carpet detergents. Bona, Murphy’s Oil Soap, Method, and Bruce Hardwood Cleaners are popular options.
Steam Mops
Some gentle steam mops like Bissell and Shark can be used safely on sealed hardwood when used carefully. Follow all instructions.
The Verdict On Carpet Cleaners For Hardwood
While you can use a carpet cleaner on hardwood floors in a pinch, it’s generally not recommended. The high moisture levels and harshness of carpet cleaning machines can damage wood flooring. It’s much wiser to use cleaning methods specifically designed to safely clean while protecting hardwood floors. When in doubt, call a hardwood flooring professional for cleaning advice.