Bamboo floors are simple and beautiful, but maintenance can be difficult if you are unaware of how to keep the material shiny and clean. In most cases, if the bamboo has been sealed, you can use specialized hardwood treatments to eliminate scuffs and stains. But finding the right product can be a difficult task without help. This guide demonstrates the best cleaners for bamboo floors, as well as essential information on how to choose a product.
Cleaners for Bamboo Floors – Buying Guide and FAQs
Bamboo floors are simple and beautiful, but do have some requirements when it comes to finding the right cleaner. For example, you need to avoid using traditional soap and water, as these can be absorbed by the hardwood and cause warping and discoloration.
In general, it is best to stick to neutral, environmentally friendly options that keeps the surface of the bamboo clean and free of toxins. These cleaners can also help you prevent streaking and ensure the structural integrity of the floor remains intact.
How to Clean Bamboo Floors
Bamboo floors are the easiest to clean once the wood has been properly sealed. You can then follow a couple of basic steps to ensure you have a luxurious floor that is clean, shiny and even resistant to future stains and spills.
To get the best results, follow these simple steps.
- Sweep the floor with a soft-bristled brush or broom to remove dust and debris
- Run over the surface with a dry microfiber mop to pick up any dust left behind
- Clean the surface using a neutral pH cleaner and a soft mop. Use broad, even strokes and avoid applying too much pressure to the mop
These steps result in a good shine and avoid damaging the floor.
There are also many things you should NOT do if you want your bamboo to be clean and also undamaged. Avoid these behaviors as they can permanently dent, damage or warp your floor.
- Do not use a vacuum, as the pressure can cause permanent cracks and dents
- Avoid using water as it can warp the floorboards. If you have a cleaner that needs to be diluted, use as little water as possible and always thoroughly wring your mop before cleaning
- Do not use cleaners with ammonia, vinegar or acidic ingredients since these can discolor the bamboo
How to Avoid Streaking
Streaking is one of the most common problems when trying to keep a bamboo floor clean. To avoid this issue, follow these simple steps.
- Before mopping, use a broom and duster to remove hair, dirt and other particles Avoid multi-surface and oil-based cleaners
- Rinse your mopping pads or rags before cleaning
- Clean the floor in broad, even strokes to avoid missing spaces
- Do not spray an excessive amount of cleaner
These steps help you avoid frequent problems, like hair disrupting the finish, oil remaining behind on the surface of the floor and uneven mopping.
In addition to these tactics, using the right cleaner can also create a smooth finish. Aim for plant-based ingredients and simple formulas for the best results.
Why Choose Plant-Based Ingredients?
When someone invests in bamboo floors, it is often to take advantage of the environmentally friendly material. Bamboo grows rapidly and matures in only 5 to 7 years, while most other hardwoods take 50 to 60 years. Harvesting also does not kill the bamboo plant or take food away from the endangered panda, making it an easily replenished choice for the environmentally conscious.
Someone who has this style of floor might enjoy plant-based ingredients in their cleaners because there are no toxic environmental effects. When using traditional chemical cleaners, a residue is often left behind. The liquid also evaporates, releasing small toxic particles into the air. Plant-based cleaners do not have these negative side effects and can keep a bamboo floor looking newer longer.
Can Vinegar Be Used to Clean Bamboo?
Many people swear by vinegar solutions to eliminate stains and improve the shine of their hardwood floors. Unfortunately, while bamboo is classified as a hardwood and is supposed to be non-porous, vinegar actively injects acid into the wood. This means the vinegar can penetrate the bamboo and cause discoloration and warping.
If you want to use a cleaner that you have around the house, you will find your options limited. Water, vinegar and other home solutions are actually bad for bamboo and can leave permanent marks and scars on your beautiful floor. Instead, go for a simple, plant-based cleaner that is designed not to permeate bamboo and will, instead, leave behind an extra layer of shine and protection.
The Best Cleaner for Bamboo Floors
The top best product
- 1 How to Clean Bamboo Floors
- 2 How to Avoid Streaking
- 3 Why Choose Plant-Based Ingredients?
- 4 Can Vinegar Be Used to Clean Bamboo?
- 5 Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner
- 6 Method Squirt + Mop Hardwood Floor Cleaner
- 7 Weiman Hardwood Floor Cleaner
- 8 Better Life Naturally Dirt-Destroying Floor Cleaner
- 9 Begley’s Best Earth Responsible Hardwood Floor Cleaner
- 10 Can you use vinegar and water to clean bamboo floors?
- 11 Can you use Murphy’s Oil soap on bamboo floors?
- 12 Does Bona floor cleaner leave a residue?
- 13 Does the Roomba work on hardwood floors?
Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner
Bona’s formula is water-based, leaves behind no residue and does not contain enough moisture to warp bamboo boards. It is safe for unwaxed or unoiled floors and works well on polyurethane in addition to bamboo, making it a great all-purpose cleaner. The packaging contains clear instructions and the cleaner is easy to use.
All-purpose hardwood cleaner
Neutral pH
Low moisture content
Great for unwaxed bamboo floors
No sticky residue
Creates a slippery surface
May not remove non-oil stains
Not good at removing stains
Method Squirt + Mop Hardwood Floor Cleaner
Method uses a basic shower nozzle to limit the spread of the cleaner and make it easier to clean bamboo without streaks. The formula has a pleasant, almond scent and does not leave residue. The packaging is simple, straightforward and includes all of the instructions necessary for proper use.
Biodegradable ingredients
No rinsing required
Organic and non-toxic
Pleasant scent
Requires no water or dilution
Not good for eliminating deep stains
Weiman Hardwood Floor Cleaner
This formula is designed to remove scratches by filling in and becoming solid on patches of damaged finish. The primary ingredients are safe to have around children and pets, and the formula leaves behind a pleasant citrus scent. No mixing or diluting is necessary, so you can spray the cleaner directly on the floor.
Kid and pet-friendly formula
Cleans, polishes and restores
Great at removing stains
Produces a clear shine
Restores patchy finish
Can leave a tacky residue
Requires multiple steps
Better Life Naturally Dirt-Destroying Floor Cleaner
This particular cleaner is great for daily stains and touching up shine before having guests over. It leaves behind a pleasant scent and uses non-toxic ingredients without petroleum, surfactants or harmful VOCs. There is no residue left behind, and the packaging provides clear instructions for use.
Leaves no residue
Uses organic ingredients
Leaves a citrus mint scent
Great for daily stains
Does not trigger allergies
Requires more mopping than other formulas
Does not produce much shine
Begley’s Best Earth Responsible Hardwood Floor Cleaner
This product leaves no streaks or residue. It can be used with a variety of tools, like microfiber mops, and is safe to use in homes with kids, pets and plants. The formula is made in the United States and works well on finished and unfinished bamboo. The pH is neutral, so it leaves no discoloration or stains.
Biodegradable
Leaves no streaks or residue
Non-toxic evaporation
Can be used for spot or deep cleaning
Safe to use around children and pets
Touches up finish
Has a strong scent
Becomes tacky if not wiped properly
Cleaner for Bamboo Floors – FAQs
Can you use vinegar and water to clean bamboo floors?
In general, it is best to avoid vinegar and water. Vinegar is acidic and can cause discoloration, while water might be absorbed by the bamboo and cause permanent warping.
Can you use Murphy’s Oil soap on bamboo floors?
While Murphy’s Oil soap is marketed for hardwood floors, it leaves behind a dull residue on bamboo that only worsens with each subsequent application. Use another cleaner to avoid this problem.
Does Bona floor cleaner leave a residue?
Bona floor cleaner is designed for bamboo and will not leave a residue like more traditional hardwood soaps.
Does the Roomba work on hardwood floors?
The Roomba does work on hardwood floors – be sure to adjust the settings so they are on low and make sure there are no brush rolls. Brush rolls can create permanent scratches or scuffs that cannot be buffed with a mop.
Conclusion
Choosing the right cleaner for bamboo floors does not need to be difficult. The key features to look for are a formula that does not require dilution or rinsing, neutral ingredients and no caustic chemicals. Combined, this style of cleaner eliminates stains without warping or discoloring the delicate bamboo.
The best product currently on the market is Begley’s Best Earth Responsible Hardwood Cleaner, but there are several other great options available. Just remember to dust your floor before application and make sure you know whether or not the bamboo is sealed.
