Rubbing alcohol for cleaning hardwood floor?

11 years ago

Hi everyone, I was wondering if it is okay to use rubbing/isopropyl and water mix to clean hardwood floor (oak)? Rubbing alcohol does kill bacteria and evaporate quickly. Please advise. Thanks.

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PRO

Cancork Floor Inc.

11 years ago

The short answer: No. Please don't. It can be used to "spot clean"
(and I mean tiny spot...rinsed well with water immediately) but it is
NOT for cleaning hardwoods.

I've seen rubbing alcohol EAT THROUGH a hardwood floor finish. The isopropyl alcohol softens the finish to "scratch off with your finger nail" and then causes it to "cloud over" once it hardens again. The final result = need a completely new finish ($5/sf to refinish a hardwood floor properly).

Please find a hardwood floor cleaner that is DESIGNED for the floor/finish you have. If this is a factory finished floor, purchase the manufacturer's cleaner. If this is a site-finished floor, please contact the company that applied the finish and ask for advice.

Wood has anti-bacterial properties. No need to "over do it". Wood floors have been around for thousands of years...no need to over think this. Clean it with hardwood floor cleaner (appriopriate for your finish) and enjoy the floor.

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Comments (6)

PRO
Select Hardwood Floor Co.
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Agree with @Cancork (as usual)....

Simple rule of thumb...

For oil based spots... (tar, grease, etc.) use a soft cloth lightly dampened with MINERAL SPIRITS (not LACQUER THINNER, or nail polish remover, by the way).

For a water based spill (such as food or drink)... use a soft cloth or sponge lightly dampened with water or for stubborn spills, diluted mild dish detergent, such as Dawn... and NEVER apply more water than will dry within a few minutes.

And rinse away any residue after the fact with a damp cloth.
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PRO
Catherine Nash
9 years ago
If you have engineered hardwood with a zinc oxide finish -- rubbing alcohol may be the manufacturers recommended method to clean. There should be information in the warranty and maintenance information.

Example -- Home Legend recommends
- For moderately soiled area, use a mild solution of isopropyl alcohol and distilled water. Isopropyl alcohol is commonly referred to as rubbing
  
  alcohol and is sold in 50% to 70% concentrations. This product should be diluted by mixing one part alcohol and 2 parts distilled water.
Sara
7 years ago
I recently finished a remodel and my main kitchen guy hired someone to do touch ups to the cabinets. He got white touch up spray paint residue (lots of tiny little dots, imagine stray spray paint) all over my brand new hardwood floor. Rubbing alcohol worked to get the same stuff off our wall oven (UGH) but I'm worried about my hardwood floor finish being ruined. Thoughts on the best way to get spray paint off? Bona did not work, and I could only get large spots off with my fingernail.
Cathy M
5 years ago
Did you find a good method for removing paint from your hardwood floors? I have the same issue.
bettybelcher53
3 years ago
I just had Pergo timbercraft installed and they recommend vinegar or alcohol for cleaning the floors???