Simple Hacks: Does Carpet Cleaner Work on Hardwood Floors?

Roger Williams November 21, 2023 Cleaning

Are you at home on the weekend and planning to clean your wooden floor but forget to collect a special dish for that job? You do not need to worry more. I think you have a carpet cleaner, that’s why you are here to find a solution from the web. And yes, you are successful in your search.

Can you use carpet cleaner for cleaning hardwood flooring? Yes, you should be glad that you can clean your floor with your Carpet Cleaner or Carpet Shampooer if it meets the demand.

What Is A Carpet Cleaner?

A carpet cleaner is a cleaning device. It is used to clean carpets and other dirty surfaces too. It applies clean water and soap or other carpet cleaning chemicals to dirty carpets from a reserved clean water tank. It helps to remove dirt and stains from your carpet.

And I have also used my carpet cleaner to clean mid-stain & dirt from my hardwood floor. Well, I am going to discuss with you more about this matter, and guide you to the bottom of the line where you can find some household items that can make your cleaning done!

Uses and Benefits of Carpet Cleaners

Well, Carpet Cleaner does not mean that it works only on carpets. There are various uses for carpet cleaners. You can use a carpet cleaner in multiple places such as-

Couches

Car upholstery
Mattresses
Ottomans

Curtains
Upholsterer chair
Children’s car seat

Large stuffed animals
Curtains and so on.

Carpet cleaners can also remove tricky spots from bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms. It always helps to keep clean your home.

How many times do you have to use carpet cleaner in these places to keep clean? It depends on how many times you use them.
Sometimes you need to clean once a day or sometimes you need to clean after every two days or after a week.

Types of Carpet Cleaners that Can Be Used on Wood Floors

Dry Powder Carpet Cleaner

Dry powder carpet cleaners are developed for sprinkling onto the carpet and then mopping up. They are commonly safe to use on wood floors. If you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid excessive moisture, you can use this on your wood floor.

Foam Carpet Cleaner

Foam carpet cleaners are formulated to create a foam base that can be pertained to the carpet and then worked into the fibers using a brush. Look for foam cleaners that are secure for application on wood floors.

Carpet Spot Cleaner

This type of carpet cleaner is available in spray or liquid form. It is perfectly organized to target specific stains or spots on the carpet. You can use these spot cleaners on wood floors.

Carpet Shampooer

You can also use a Carpet Shampooer if you have any and that shampooer meets the demand of cleaning dirty floors. You can use this type of carpet shampooer to clean your wooden floor-

Portable Carpet Shampooer
Canister Carpet Shampooer
Upright Carpet Shampooer

Dry Carpet Shampooer

Does A Carpet Cleaner Work on Hardwood Floors?

Yes, a carpet cleaner is not only used to clean carpets. Already, you know that carpet cleaners are used in mattresses, upholstery, and many other places.

The interesting thing is that you can use a carpet cleaner to clean wood floors too like Bissell or Hoover. But you have to consider some factors to do this.

Carpet cleaners use water to clean the floor. So, it probably can harm your hardwood floor if the particular hardwood floor is not water resistant.
We know that some wood floors are not water resistant. So, if a non-water-resistant wood comes in contact with water it could be cracked, swell, and possibly ruin.

Therefore, you must check the capability of waterproofness or water resistance before using a carpet cleaner on any kind of wood flooring.

Simple Hacks: Cleaning Harwood Floor With Carpet Cleaner

Are you curious how I have cleaned my wood floor using my Carpet cleaner (2 in 1)? Now I am going to show you my path of doing this matter, let’s dive.

1. Choose the Right Carpet Cleaner

Look for a carpet cleaner that has adjustable settings or attachments convenient for hard floors. Some carpet cleaners have a separate setting specifically for hard floors. This type of cleaner will prevent any damage to the wood.

2. Sweep or Vacuum the Floor

Before employing the carpet cleaner, sweep or vacuum the hardwood floor to take away loose soil, dust, and debris. It also helps to prevent any scratching or spreading of dirt during the cleaning process.

3. Dilute the Carpet Cleaner

If your carpet cleaner has a detergent or cleaning solution compartment, dilute the cleaner with water and apply a mild cleaner eligible for hardwood floors.

4. Test in a Small Area

Before cleaning your entire hardwood floor, test the carpet cleaner on a small area. This procedure assists you to ensure that the cleaner doesn’t cause any discoloration or damage. If you notice any negative effects, do not proceed with cleaning the entire floor.

5. Apply the Cleaner and Scrub Gently

You can use the diluted carpet cleaner on the hardwood floor in small sections. You can also employ it to the appropriate attachment or set it for hard floors.

After that, scrub the floor gently using the cleaner and focus on any stains or spots. But you must avoid excessive scrubbing or applying too much moisture.

6. Extract the Cleaning Solution

When you’ve scrubbed the section, use the carpet cleaner’s extraction feature to remove the cleaning solution from the floor. It helps to remove dirt, excess moisture, and any residue left behind by the cleaner.

7. Dry the Floor

When you are done cleaning each section, dry the hardwood floor quickly. Because the excess moisture can damage the wood.

Does Carpet Shampooer Work on Hardwood Floors?

Yes, you can use carpet shampooer on your hardwood floors. But carpet shampooers are not specially designed for hardwood floors. This is specifically organized for cleaning and removing dirt, stains, and odors from carpets. They work by injecting water or a cleaning solution into the carpet fibers and then extracting the dirty water.

Employing a carpet shampooer on your hardwood floors can cause damage. The excess water and cleaning solution can bleed into the wood, leading to warping, swelling, or discoloration.

Hardwood floors mandate specific care and maintenance methods, such as sweeping, and dry mopping. Again, you must apply hardwood floor cleaners which are specifically formulated for wood surfaces.

If you want to clean your hardwood floors, it’s best to use a method appropriate for wood surfaces.

Some Homemade Ways to Clean Hardwood Floors

Vinegar and Water Solution

Yes, my friend, Vinegar assists in removing dirt and grime without damaging the hardwood floor.

Mix equal parts of white vinegar and warm water in a bucket.

Dampen a mop or cloth with the solution, wring out excess liquid, and gently clean the hardwood floor.

Homemade Citrus Cleaner

First, you should combine 1/4 cup of lemon juice or orange juice with 1/2 cup of water in a spray bottle. You can create a natural hardwood floor cleaner with this.

Spray the solution on the floor and wipe it with a clean fabric or mop.

The citric acid can easily dissolve stains and leave a refreshing scent on your floor.

Baking Soda Paste

Make a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water until it forms a thick consistency. After that, apply this paste to any stubborn stains or scuffs on the hardwood floor.

Gently rub the affected area with a soft cloth or sponge.

Then rinse with clean water and let it dry quickly.
Don’t forget to mop the floor with a dry cloth or sponge after using water on the wood.

Salt and Mineral Oil Scrub

For making a cleaning paste, you should take a tablespoon of salt with a few drops of mineral oil to create a natural scrub.

Then, rub the mixture in any tough stains or sticky spots on the hardwood floor.
Once the stain is removed, wipe the area with a cloth.

Can You Use Popular Carpet Cleaners on Hardwood Floors or Not?

You will find many carpet cleaners, carpet shampooers, and carpet steamers in the market that many claim are usable for hardwood floors as well. But many people disagree about it. But I think that if you want to clean hardwood floors with a carpet cleaner exclusively then you can use Hoover, Bissell, Vax, etc.

I already told you that carpet cleaners also have different adjustment options for cleaning hardwood floors. If you want, you can choose such a carpet cleaner so that you will not have any kind of problem on your hardwood floor. If there is no such adjustment option, then remove the lower metal portion and clean the floor with a brush or soft cloth.

Related Contents:

How Do You Mop Hardwood Floors Without a Mop?

Tips: How Can You Protect Your Hardwood Floors?

Protecting your hardwood floors is essential to maintain beauty and longevity. Here are several measures that you can easily take to safeguard your hardwood floors:

Regular Cleaning

Sweep or vacuum your hardwood floors regularly to extract dirt, dust, and waste.
Employ a soft bristle broom or a vacuum cleaner with a floor brush attachment. That can prevent any scratches.

Avoid using a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar, as it damages the wood surface.

Use Appropriate Cleaning Solutions

Use pH-neutral hardwood floor cleaners. Stop applying any harsh chemicals, ammonia-based cleaners, or abrasive cleaners.
Before using any cleaning product, test it in a small, inconspicuous area to check compatibility and avoid any potential injury.

Avoid Moisture

Wipe up spills immediately to stave off water damage and warping of the wood.
Apply a damp (not wet) mop or cloth for regular cleaning. Also, ensure it’s thoroughly wrung out.
Avoid excessive moisture or steam when cleaning. That damages the hardwood floors and their finish.

Be Mindful of Sunlight

Direct sunlight can induce hardwood floors to fade and discolor over time. Manipulate curtains, blinds, or UV-protective window films to minimize exposure.
Rearrange furniture occasionally to ensure even exposure to sunlight and protect against noticeable discoloration.

Maintain Humidity

Wood is sensitive to changes in humidity. Which results in it expanding or contracting. Use a humidifier in dry seasons to maintain a consistent humidity level (around 35 to 55%).

In humid climates spread a dehumidifier or air conditioner to reduce excess moisture from the air.

Avoid High Heels and Sharp Objects

Encourage family members and guests to remove high-heeled shoes before walking on the hardwood floors. Because they can cause dents and scratches.
Keep sharp objects away from the floors to avoid any accidental damage.

Trim Pet’s Nails

Keep your pet’s nails trimmed to stop scratches on the hardwood floors.
Spot wigs or mats in those areas where your pets frequently move or rest.

Preventative Criteria

Set door mats or carpets at the entryways of your home. It is important to trap dirt and moisture before anyone reaches the hardwood floors.

You can connect felt pads or furniture protectors to the bottom of furniture legs to decrease scratches and dents.

Last Blow: Is Carpet Cleaner Good for Hardwood Floors?

No, a carpet cleaner is not really good for hardwood floors. Hardwood floors instruct a different cleaning approach compared to carpets. Because a carpet cleaner is used for deep carpet cleaning by injecting water and cleaning solution, not wood surface.

You may already know that excess water and cleaning solution can percolate into the wood causing warping, swelling, and discoloration. So, employing a carpet cleaner on hardwood floors can damage the wood. That’s why it is best to use a cleaner specifically formulated for wood floors to clean effectively.