Cleaning Products to Avoid Using on Wood (And Safe Alternatives)

Ammonia is commonly found in cleaning products, it should never be used on wood. The chemical composition of ammonia can damage the finish and dissolve the wood over time. Avoid using amMaintaining the beauty and longevity of your wood floors, furniture, and cabinets is essential. However, there are certain cleaning products that should never be used on wood surfaces. Here's what you need to know about products to avoid and safe alternatives:

Cleaning Products with Ammonia:

While amonia-based cleaners on wood furniture, cabinets, or flooring.

Oil Cleaning Products:

Using diluted oils sparingly can help maintain the shine of wood products. However, applying too much oil can make hardwood floors dangerously slippery and challenging to remove. If you're unsure about the amount of oil to use or want to err on the safe side, it's best to avoid products with oil altogether.

Glass Cleaners:

While glass cleaners are effective for windows, they can contain abrasive ingredients that damage wood or strip paint and finishes. It's not recommended to use glass cleaners on hardwood surfaces.

Wet Mops: Using wet mops on wood floors can ruin the finish and eventually damage the wood due to water absorption. Avoid using cleaning products that require traditional mops and buckets, as they may harm the wood over time.

Steam Cleaners:

Similar to wet mops, steam cleaners introduce moisture to wood floors, which can be absorbed by the porous wood. Avoid using steam cleaners on wood surfaces to prevent damage.

Instead, consider using the following safe alternatives for cleaning wood:

Pine-Sol: Mix ¼ cup of Pine-Sol with a gallon of water and spray the mixture lightly on the floor for clean and fresh-smelling results. Ensure the floor is only dampened and not overly wet.

Castile Soap and Water:

Mix a small amount of Castile soap with water and use a damp cloth to wipe down wood cabinets and furniture. Castile soap is a natural and gentle concentrated soap that is safe for wood surfaces.

Mayonnaise: Full-fat mayonnaise can be surprisingly effective in removing stains from wood. Apply mayonnaise to the stain, leave it on for 15 minutes, and then wipe it off with a damp cloth.

Remember to always test any cleaning product on a small, inconspicuous area of the wood surface before applying it more extensively. Additionally, use a microfiber mop or cloth for regular cleaning to protect the wood products in your home over the long term.