Posted on: Friday, January 28, 2005

HOME HANDYMAN
Squeaky-clean floors are good thing

By Glenn Haege

Q. We have hardwood flooring with a polyurethane finish. The installer recommended washing it with a vinegar-water solution. After the most recent washing, there is an annoying squeak from our shoes when we walk on it. What can we do to get rid of this squeak?

A. You just got the floor squeaky clean. That's a good thing. Time and grime will cure the problem. Here are some hardwood floor cleaning tips: For light cleaning, use a Swiffer Wet (www.swiffer.com), or unammoniated window cleaner and a damp sponge.

Dirty floors may require a solution of 2 or 3 ounces of a good organic cleaner such as Simple Green by Sunshine Makers, to a gallon of water plus a bucket of rinse water. Keep the floors as dry as possible.

Moisture can deform wood. Scuff marks are easily removed with a waterless hand cleaner such as Gojo.

Glenn Haege writes for the Detroit News. Reach him at Ask Glenn, Master Handyman Press, P.O. Box 1498, Royal Oak, MI 48068-1498 or at askglenn@masterhandyman.com.