If you have a beautiful wooden floor at home, the choice of a good cleaner to use on them can be confusing. I have a wooden floor and I can relate to how the choice of a good cleaner can leave you wondering on the right one to use. Part of such a choice is if using Fabuloso to clean the wooden floor is a good idea or not. Fabuloso is that colorful liquid cleaner you’ve seen on store shelves and commercials, usually with a nice lavender or citrus scent. It seems to work great to cut through grease and leave things smelling pleasant. But is it safe for my hardwoods?
As someone who cares about maintaining my floors properly, I decided to look into the pros and cons of using Fabuloso on wood. Let me share what I’ve learned in case you’ve asked this same question.
What is Fabuloso Exactly?
First things first – what is Fabuloso? It’s a multi-surface cleaning detergent made by Colgate-Palmolive that comes in a few different fragrance options. The purple lavender kind is probably the most popular. It’s known for having a sudsy, soapy formula that can clean all kinds of surfaces around your home like walls, tiles, counters, laminate, and more.
Fabuloso works well for cleaning because it is designed to cut through grease, oils, and heavy dirt buildup. It will definitely make a floor feel squeaky clean! Many people love that Fabuloso leaves behind a nice scent after cleaning. I will admit my kitchen smells amazing after I’ve mopped the floors with it.
The Benefits Of Using Fabuloso on Wood
Okay, so what are some of the advantages of using Fabuloso on wooden floors?
– It cleans really well – That soapy formula helps lift up spills, footprints, tracked in dirt, and anything else that makes floors feel grimy. It almost seems to make my floors gleam after mopping.
– The scent stays behind – Who doesn’t love a freshly cleaned floor that also smells like flowers or lemons? It leaves the whole room smelling great.
– It’s very affordable – At $2-3 per bottle at the grocery store, Fabuloso is easy on the wallet compared to some specialty wood floor cleaners I’ve seen that cost anywhere from $5-10.
Some of the Drawbacks of Using Fabuloso
However, there are also a few reasons why Fabuloso might not be the best choice for cleaning wood floors.
– It can dull the floor’s finish – The harsh cleaning agents in Fabuloso like surfactants and perfumes may slowly wear away at the protective sealants and coatings on your floors over time if you use it often.
– Residue is left behind – One of my biggest gripes is that Fabuloso tends to leave a waxy, sticky residue on the floors once it dries. This can make floors appear dull and feel tacky.
– Experts don’t recommend it – The National Wood Flooring Association actually says you shouldn’t use household detergents like Fabuloso on finished hardwoods. It’s better to play it safe and use a cleaner specifically made for wood.
Tips on Using Fabuloso as Safely as Possible
If you do want to use Fabuloso on your floors, there are a few precautions you can take:
– Spot test a small area first to check for damage or stickiness.
– Make sure to dilute it with water per the instructions to reduce risk of harming the floor.
– Use only a lightly dampened mop, not sopping wet. Too much liquid could warp wood.
– Rinse thoroughly after mopping to remove all soap residue.
– Limit use to only 1-2 times per month, rather than weekly cleanings.
Some Great Alternative Floor Cleaners
Instead of Fabuloso, you could try:
– Vinegar diluted with water makes a nice DIY wood floor cleaner.
– Castile soap like Dr. Bronner’s works well and is plant-based.
– Olive or coconut oil adds a light conditioning shine.
– Specialty wood floor cleaners designed specifically for finished hardwoods.
– Club soda oddly enough can help lift dirt without stripping floors.
However, no matter what cleaner you choose, be sure to read labels carefully and spot test on a sample plank before doing the whole floor. Stay away from anything too harsh or abrasive. With the proper care, those beautiful floors of yours can maintain their luster for ages!
The Bottom Line: Use Fabuloso Sparingly on Wood
To wrap it all up – it’s probably best to limit or avoid frequent use of Fabuloso on hardwoods. While it can get floors clean, that potential damage to the finish and sticky residue are worrisome over time. You’re better off using a gentler cleaner actually made for wood. But if you do decide to use Fabuloso despite the risks, be extra cautious by diluting it, rinsing thoroughly, and only using it every so often. With some prudent care, you can keep those floors looking fantastic.
So in my opinion, use Fabuloso sparingly on wood at best. I hope these tips help you make the right choice for maintaining your floors!
