Get The Best Answer – Can I Use Windex On My Hardwood Floors?

If you own a hardwood floor for your home, your house definitely looks more classically elegant and cozy thanks to these retro wooden “beauties.” Still, no everlasting charm could exist without proper protection and conservation.

Amongst those eye-catching cleaners for hardwood floors, you possibly spot the name Windex belongs to the most popular products line. Surely, you will start asking yourself or typing on the search engine the keyword “ Can I use Windex on my hardwood floors without damaging the surface?”. 

Congratulations! You have come to the right place! I have prepared this blog to help you and other people who have the same question. Let’s discover the answer to the asked question and other relevant information related to the topic now!

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Can you use Windex on floors (source)

Can I Use Windex On Hardwood Floors?

The answer here is “Yes.” You can completely use Windex cleaner to remove stains on hardwood floors.

I tried using it for my hardwood floors, and it really worked! However, there are some issues during the cleaning process that you must keep in mind in order to protect the floor surface.

Also read: Can You Use Windex on Stainless Steel? – How to Properly Clean?

How To Clean Hardwood Floors With Windex?

Even though the two types of Windex all have the same cleaning effect, they have different usage. 

To be more specific, there are two typical Windex types on the market: Ammonia-based and ammonia-free versions. I consider Windex without ammonia to be more suitable to clean the floor than the other. Why is that? Well, its pH is low in acidity that won’t affect the floor much.

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Is Windex safe on hardwood floors (source)

To better understand the usage of these two types of Windex, I will walk you through each in detail:

Ammonia-Free Windex

Ammonia-free Windex is easy to find in grocery stores around your house. After using it, you’ll find it’s very effective on stains removal, including wax. Using it also makes your floor clean without leaving any footprints.

One great thing about using this Windex is that I don’t have to dilute it with water. Still, that does not mean that I am free to use it without any protective gear. Wear gloves, and don’t let them get on your skin are some of my suggestions if you want to work with them!

In terms of use, I usually clean the floor first. Then, spray Windex directly onto the cloth used for cleaning. And now, all that I have to do is clean up!

Use a rag to wipe each area you want to clean. To keep your floor looking new, you’re best to clean it with ammonia-free Windex once a month.

Read: Can I Use Windex As Windshield Wiper Fluid: What You Must Know

Ammonia-Based Windex

I find Windex ammonia-based easier to remove stains than every cleaner I have tried before! It’s powerful enough to make even the most stubborn stains disappear quickly. However, I think you should never use this product directly on the floor. Why? Well, besides removing stains, it will destroy your floors’ surface as well.

If you don’t understand how ammonia-based can damage hardwood floors, I’ll explain it to you in detail. This type of Windex contains an extremely acidic pH content. When in contact with the floor, this acidity will cause the floor’s gloss to be reduced and dull. In some worse cases, it also causes the color of the hardwood floor to change to a different color.

So, what is the usage of ammonia-based Windex? You’d better dissolve it with water! I usually prepare a bucket of water, pour in a sufficient amount of Windex, and mix well. Then use a mop dipped in that solution and mop the floor. For difficult areas to clean, using a mop to clean thoroughly.

Are Windex Safe For People And Pets?

No, this product is not safe for humans or animals – if you come into direct contact with it. More about the risk of this Windex, it can cause skin irritation, breathing problems, and intestinal disturbances if swallowed. 

When using Windex for cleaning, my advice for you is to wear gloves and a mask. To protect your pets, you’d better keep them away from the hardwood floor during the cleaning.

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Cleaning hardwood floors with Windex

Precautions For You When Using Windex On Hardwood Floors

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has warned about the harms associated with using Windex. It can cause you some particularly serious irritations after you get in contact with them.

So, what are the specific manifestations of irritation when using this cleaner? I used to work with it for a long time without wearing a mask. Then I developed a cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, and other breathing problems. 

Direct skin contact with Windex will cause skin burns, rashes, and rashes. The worst situation is when you accidentally get Windex in the eye. It will cause your eyes to blur, sting, and cause many serious problems.

In case of accidental ingestion, you will likely experience vomiting and stomach pain for a long while. How terrible it is!

With all of the above harms, you must be extremely careful when using this cleaning product. After that accident, I always use gloves and avoid direct contact with Windex. My advice is to keep it out of reach of children and pets, as well.

In case of accidental contact, quickly clean the contact area with clean water. If irritation persists, seek medical help immediately. If ingested, you must see a doctor as this is the only option to protect your health.

Our Final Thoughts

Can you use Windex on hardwood floors? Yes, you can, but with carefulness! As mentioned above, the product is powerful enough to quickly remove all the toughest stains on the floor, which can harm your health and the floor surface as well. 

The beauty of the hardwood floor will be long-lasting if you know how to take good care of it. However, be mindful of all the safety advice we have mentioned above during the cleaning process for the best protection and result!

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