Is Swiffer wood floor cleaner good?

Swiffer is a popular brand of cleaning products made by Procter & Gamble, known for their convenient disposable pads that attach to reusable handles. Swiffer offers several solutions specifically formulated for cleaning hardwood and laminate floors, including their WetJet wood floor cleaner and WetJet Extra Power wood floor cleaner. But is Swiffer’s wood floor cleaner actually a good choice for keeping your floors looking their best? Here’s a detailed look at how Swiffer WetJet performs on hardwood floors.

How Swiffer WetJet Wood Floor Cleaner Works

The Swiffer WetJet system consists of a reusable spray mop handle that attaches to disposable, pre-moistened cleaning pad refills. To use it, you simply attach a new pad, spray the cleaning solution onto the floor by pulling the trigger on the mop handle, then wipe and scrub the floor with the Swiffer pad.

Swiffer offers two different solutions for wood floor cleaning: the original Swiffer WetJet wood floor cleaner and Swiffer WetJet Extra Power wood floor cleaner. The original formula contains water, propylene glycol n-propyl ether, and alcohol ethoxylates. The “Extra Power” version has a similar ingredients list but also contains a small amount of bleach for extra cleaning power.

The Swiffer cleaning pads feature a layer of absorbent material on one side to pick up dirt and a soft scrubbing layer on the other side to get floors clean. As you mop, the pads pick up and lock in dirt, so no dirty water gets left behind. When you’re done cleaning, you simply toss the pad in the trash and attach a new one for next time.

The Pros of Using Swiffer on Wood Floors

There are a few benefits that make Swiffer WetJet a convenient and user-friendly choice for wood floor cleaning:

• It’s very easy and quick to use – Just spray, wipe, and toss when you’re done.
• The disposable pads mean you don’t have to rinse dirty mop heads.
• It does a decent job picking up surface-level dirt and dust.
• The solution dries quickly without leaving floors overly wet.
• Swiffer is affordable and widely available at most grocery and big box stores.

Many people appreciate the simplicity and ease of the Swiffer WetJet system. The disposable pad system eliminates the need to launder dirty mops or wring out excess water, making cleanup much simpler compared to a traditional string mop. The Swiffer spray trigger allows you to easily control the amount of solution you apply to floors, while the scrubbing pad lifts up light dirt and dust.

The Cons of Using Swiffer on Wood Floors

However, there are also some downsides to using Swiffer WetJet cleaner for hardwood floors:

• It does not deep clean floors or remove significant built-up grime and dirt.
• The disposable pads tend to push around larger debris rather than picking it up.
• Some report the solutions leave behind a sticky residue.
• It may dull the shine of floors over time with regular use.
• Not eco-friendly due to disposable pad waste.
• More expensive over time than reusable mops and solutions.

While convenient, the Swiffer system is designed for very light, routine cleaning rather than periodic deep cleaning. The thin pads cannot absorb and pick up a lot of dirt in one pass. Many users note that larger grains of dirt, sand, and crumbs tend to get pushed around their floor instead of lifted up into the Swiffer pad. Some have also reported the Swiffer solutions leave a slightly sticky, dulling residue on their wood floors after the moisture evaporates.

Is Swiffer Safe for Wood Floors?

When used properly, Swiffer WetJet wood floor cleaners are generally safe for sealed hardwood, laminate, and vinyl floors. However, there are a few precautions to keep in mind:

• Don’t overwet floors – Only use as much solution as needed.
• Avoid unfinished, waxed or oiled wood floors – Swiffer can strip off protective coatings.
• Spot test first – Check for any dulling or damage to finish.
• Rinse floors after cleaning to remove residue.
• Wipe up spills immediately to avoid water damage.

The biggest risk when using Swiffer or any damp mopping method is over-wetting floors. Too much moisture can warp wood floors and seep between cracks, causing permanent damage over time. Be very careful not to apply excess solution and make sure floors are drying completely after cleaning.

On finished hardwood floors, most manufacturers recommend only damp mopping instead of wet mopping. Swiffer WetJet is designed to lightly damp mop floors, but you still need to be careful not to over-saturate the floors. Test Swiffer in an inconspicuous area first and check for any signs of dulling or damage to the floor’s finish.

How to Use Swiffer WetJet on Wood Floors

If you choose to use Swiffer WetJet cleaner for your hardwood floors, follow these tips for best results:

• Vacuum or sweep floors first to pick up any loose debris and dirt.
• Use only as much solution as needed – don’t saturate pads.
• Work in small sections so floors don’t get overly wet.
• Rinse floors with clean water and allow to dry completely when done.
• Attach a new pad as soon as one gets too dirty for effective cleaning.
• Clean any spills or stains immediately to prevent damage.

Always check the floors for streaks, sticky spots, and haze after drying. If necessary, give floors a secondary wipe down with damp microfiber mop or cloth to ensure no residue is left behind.

Best Practices for Cleaning Wood Floors

While Swiffer WetJet is convenient, it may not be the best for deep cleaning wood floors or protecting their finish over many years. Here are some best practices for keeping wood floors looking beautiful:

• Dry mop, sweep, or vacuum regularly to prevent buildup of grit that can scratch floors.
• Only damp mop floors when needed using minimal water.
• Deep clean floors periodically with a wood-safe cleaner and microfiber mop.
• Consider refinishing floors if the finish appears worn or dull.
• Use floor mats, area rugs and furniture leg covers to prevent scratches.
• Maintain humidity levels in the home between 30-50%.
• Wipe spills immediately and avoid exposing floors to excess water.

With proper care, high-quality hardwood floors can stay looking great for decades. Avoid excessive moisture, abrasive cleaners, and grit buildup. Deep clean as needed with wood floor cleaner and be gentle with daily mopping.

Swiffer Alternatives for Wood Floors

There are many great options for cleaning sealed hardwood and laminate floors besides Swiffer WetJet, including:

Cleaner	Benefits
Microfiber mops	Gentler on floors; reusable and washable pads
Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner	Specifically designed for finished wood
Vinegar and water	All-natural; helps remove residue
Castile soap and water	Natural cleaner that’s gentle on floors

Look for wood floor cleaners that are residue-free and pH neutral formulas. Microfiber mops glide easily across floors with reusable pads that can be washed hundreds of times. For deep cleaning, try an oxygenated cleaner made for hardwood.

Conclusion

Swiffer WetJet is a convenient option for quick and easy dry mopping of hardwood floors. However, the disposable pad system has limitations in its cleaning power and ability to get floors truly clean. With regular use, Swiffer could potentially dull floors over time. For optimal care, stick to recommended wood floor cleaning best practices and products designed specifically for finished hardwood.