Advice on deep cleaning of hardwood floors

Hi Everyone,

I have a Brazilian Cherry hardwood floor that is about 15 years old. Over time the floors have really dulled; my original thought was that the finish had faded and it was time to restore. That is likely the case however; regardless of the cleaning product I use or extensive steaming there remains a film of dirt that I believe is the culprit. The last flooring store I was a in recommended Windex twice a year claiming the ammonia would lift that film. I haven't tried that yet but am close as this is pretty frustrating. After a cleaning I can rub my foot across the floor and see the path through the film.

Any suggestions?

 

Many cleaning products leave a residue. Ammonia doesn't. Mix some clear ammonia with water. Wet a corner of the floor, with the solution. Take a piece of steel wool, put it under your foot. Scrub the corner with the steel wool. Rinse the section & let it dry. If it looks good, do the rest of the floor. If it's too big, rent a scrub machine. I'll give you more details, if it comes to that.

 

Steel wool? That won't scratch up the floor?

 

Not at all, especially if it's wet. I've used steel wool, for years. You can use the rough side of a two sided sponge, if you feel safer.