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While it is not recommended, you can mix Bon Ami with vinegar for a more powerful cleaning mixture. However, you should avoid mixing other types of powder cleaners, such as Comet and Ajax, with vinegar or with each other, as the reaction often creates a toxic gas that’s dangerous to the human body.

Before starting on a full refinishing project, determine if your floors need to be completely sanded down to the bare wood or if the damage is shallow and mostly cosmetic. Deep scratches and gouges will require you to rough sand using a drum sander or belt sander, but small surface scratches or floors that have only lost their luster don’t need a complete overhaul. Instead, you can skip the rough sanding step and sand-screen the old finish with a buffer, removing only the top layer of polyurethane.

Using too much soap or floor cleaner can leave your laminate floors looking dirty or cloudy after mopping. Only use a teaspoon of soap or cleaning solution in a gallon of water. Additionally, always be sure to sweep or vacuum laminate floors before mopping to ensure you pick up dried grit, hair, and dust that can be harder to catch with a wet mop.

To properly maintain and care for hardwood floors without damaging the finish, establish a regular cleaning routine. Sweep with a broom or microfiber dust mop daily, or vacuum weekly, to remove dirt and debris that can scratch the surface; be sure to clean in tight corners and under furniture. For a deeper clean, use a damp mop with a cleaner specifically designed for hardwood floors, but avoid using harsh chemicals or excessive water, as this can damage the wood. You can further protect your floors by placing mats at entryways to catch dirt and moisture and putting felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches. For long-term care, refinish the floors as needed to keep them looking their best.