Contents
- The Top 8
- Top 8 Hardwood Floor Cleaners Reviewed in Detail
- 1. Top Pick
- 2. Best for Pets
- 3. Best Budget
- 4. Best Premium
- 5. Best Heavy-Duty
- 6. Runner-Up
- 7. Best Compact
- 8. Most Versatile
- Hardwood Floor Cleaners Compared Side by Side
- How to Choose Hardwood Floor Cleaners
- How We Reviewed
- Frequently asked questions
- What to look for
Finding the best hardwood floor cleaner for pets can be tough. The top choice is Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner Spray, which is a 32 fl oz spray that dries fast and leaves no residue. For a value option, try Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner Refill, a 128 fl oz size that offers less convenience with a refillable system. Many buyers face the choice between ease of use and cost. This article provides insights to help you make the right decision.
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The Top 8
Top 8 Hardwood Floor Cleaners Reviewed in Detail
Here are some of the top hardwood floor cleaners that work well for pet owners.
1. Top Pick
Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner Spray – 32 fl oz
- Residue-free, fast drying solution that removes dust, dirt and grime to reveal the floor’s natural shine
- Quick and easy to use. Just spray, mop, and refill
- Refill with any economy-size Bona floor cleaner refill or Bona concentrate packet
- Protect your floor from discoloration and harm with our pH-neutral formulation. Safe for all unwaxed, unoiled, polyurethane finished wood floors
- Formulation contains 95% USDA certified biobased content. Meets the U.S. EPA product standards and is Safer Choice Certified
- Bottle is made of 30% post-consumer recycled content
- For best results, use with a Bona Microfiber Mop and Cleaning Pad
- Packaging may vary
Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner Spray is an effective choice for cleaning hardwood floors. Its 32 fl oz size makes it easy to handle. The formula is residue-free and dries quickly, perfect for homes with pets. Compared to other options, it stands out for its fast drying and safe pH-neutral formulation. However, the limited size may require frequent purchases, which some might find inconvenient. Overall, it’s an excellent choice for pet owners looking for a reliable cleaner.
Pros
- Residue-free solution leaves floors shiny
- Fast-drying formula for quick use
- pH-neutral to protect hardwood surfaces
Cons
- Only available in a 32 fl oz spray
- Requires additional refills for regular use
Best for: Those needing a quick and effective cleaner. Not ideal for: Users who prefer bulk purchases.
An excellent choice for busy pet owners.
2. Best for Pets
Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner Refill – 128 fl oz – Unscented
- Easily refill any Bona floor cleaner spray bottle or mop cartridge
- Residue-free, fast drying solution that removes dust, dirt and grime to reveal the floor’s natural shine
- Splashless technology and a wide handle provide extra control for a smooth pour
- Protect your floor from discoloration and harm with our pH-neutral formulation; Safe for all unwaxed, unoiled, polyurethane finished wood floors
- Formulation contains 95% USDA certified biobased content; Meets the U.S. EPA product standards and is Safer Choice Certified
- Bottle is made of 30% post-consumer recycled content
- Packaging may vary
Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner Refill is the ideal choice for pet owners who want value. The 128 fl oz size allows for many refills, making it economical. Its fast-drying and residue-free formula ensures a clean finish. While it does require a separate spray bottle for use, it offers a budget-friendly option for regular maintenance. This cleaner is perfect for those who already have a Bona spray bottle. The tradeoff is that you lose convenience with a ready-to-use cleaner.
Pros
- 128 fl oz refill size offers great value
- Fast-drying and residue-free solution
- Compatible with all Bona spray bottles
Cons
- Requires a separate spray bottle for use
- Less convenient for immediate cleaning
Best for: Budget-conscious pet owners. Not ideal for: Those looking for a ready-to-use cleaner.
A smart choice for cost-effective cleaning.
3. Best Budget
ZEP Ready-to-Use Hardwood and Laminate Floor Cleaner, Clear
- CLEANS & RESTORES SHINE: Pro formula removes stains & scuffs while maintaining a shine
- FAST DRYING: Formula is fast drying and does NOT require rinsing. Spray and wipe surface with dry mop or towel
- For use on: varnish, acrylic and polyurethane-finished wood and laminate floors, baseboards, cabinet doors and crown molding
- Not for use on: tile or floors with grout, oil finished wood floors and floors that require waxing
- FORMULA CAN BE USED WITH MOST REFILLABLE SPRAY MOPS
- Floor cleaner
- Professional strength
- Mild detergent formulation
- Gently cleans hardwood and natural flooring
- Fresh scent
ZEP Ready-to-Use Hardwood and Laminate Floor Cleaner is a powerful cleaner designed for tough stains. Its formula effectively removes dirt while restoring shine. This cleaner is fast drying and does not require rinsing, making it convenient for busy households. Compared to other options, its cleaning power stands out. However, it lacks pet-friendly ingredients, which may be a concern for pet owners. The strong chemical smell can also deter those seeking a more natural product.
Pros
- Highly effective formula for tough stains
- Fast drying with no need to rinse
- Versatile for other surfaces like baseboards
Cons
- Not focused on pet-friendly ingredients
- May have a strong chemical smell
Best for: Users needing heavy-duty cleaning power. Not ideal for: Pet owners sensitive to chemicals.
Great for tough spots but not pet-safe.
4. Best Premium
method Hardwood Floor Cleaner, Squirt + Mop Design, Almond, 25 fl oz
- Contains 1 – 25oz bottles of Method Squirt + Mop Hard Floor Cleaner, Almond.
- Brings your wood back to life without leaving residue or buildup.
- Inviting almond fragrance.
- Made from naturally derived fibers.
- 100% wax free.
Method Hardwood Floor Cleaner is a gentle option for cleaning hardwood floors. This 25 fl oz cleaner uses naturally derived ingredients and has a pleasant almond scent. It’s effective in removing dirt without leaving residue or buildup. However, its smaller size means more frequent purchases. This cleaner may not work as well on tough stains compared to stronger formulas. It’s a great choice for those who prefer natural products and care about their pet’s safety.
Pros
- Made with naturally derived ingredients
- Pleasant almond fragrance
- No residue or buildup left behind
Cons
- Smaller 25 fl oz size
- May be less effective on tough stains
Best for: Users who prefer natural cleaning products. Not ideal for: Those needing heavy-duty cleaning solutions.
A gentle yet effective cleaner for wood floors.
5. Best Heavy-Duty
Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner Refill – 128 fl oz – Lavender Thyme Scent
- Easily refill any Bona floor cleaner spray bottle or mop cartridge
- Residue-free, fast drying solution that removes dust, dirt and grime to reveal the floor’s natural shine
- Splashless technology and a wide handle provide extra control for a smooth pour
- Protect your floor from discoloration and harm with our pH-neutral formulation; Safe for all unwaxed, unoiled, polyurethane finished wood floors
- Formulation contains 95% USDA certified biobased content; Meets the U.S. EPA product standards and is Safer Choice Certified
- Bottle is made of 30% post-consumer recycled content
- The scent contains essential oils of lavender, thyme and lemon, and blends of lavender, light citrus, pure eucalyptus and herbaceous thyme
- Packaging may vary
Weiman Hardwood Floor Cleaner and Polish Restorer Bundle is designed to clean and restore floors. This bundle effectively removes dirt and scuffs while leaving a fresh citrus scent. Its scratch-resistant shield technology helps minimize surface scratches. However, it may be more expensive than purchasing individual products. While it works well for general cleaning, it’s not specifically formulated for tough pet stains. This option is best for users looking to maintain their wood floors’ beauty.
Pros
- Cleans and restores shine in one step
- Scratch-resistant shield technology
- Citrus scent adds a fresh aroma
Cons
- Bundle may be more expensive than single cleaners
- Not specifically formulated for pet stains
Best for: Users who want to restore wood floors. Not ideal for: Those focused solely on pet safety.
A solid choice for floor restoration and shine.
6. Runner-Up
Weiman Hardwood Floor Cleaner and Polish Restorer Bundle, Citrus Scent
- Clean, Shine & Restore: Professional hardwood floor cleaner and polish bundle removes dirt, grime, and scuffs while restoring the natural beauty of finished wood floors without leaving a sticky residue.
- Scratch-Resistant Shield Technology: Advanced floor polish helps minimize the appearance of surface scratches while creating a protective layer that resists future wear and tear.
- Safe on Multiple Floor Types: Suitable for finished hardwood, engineered hardwood, laminate, and vinyl flooring.
- Safe for Family & Pets: Ready-to-use formula is designed for everyday home use and can be used around children and pets when used as directed.
- For High-Traffic Floors: Ideal for busy households, entryways, kitchens, hallways, and other heavily used areas that need enhanced shine and protection. Leaving your floors with a streak-free shine!
Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner Refill in Cedar Wood Scent is a versatile choice for various surfaces. Its 128 fl oz size offers plenty of product for regular use. This cleaner effectively removes dirt without requiring rinsing, making it convenient. However, it is not specifically designed for pet messes, which may be a limitation for some buyers. If used improperly, it may leave streaks on the floor. This option is great for those who want a cleaner for multiple surfaces.
Pros
- Generous 128 fl oz size
- Cleans effectively without rinsing
- Works on a variety of surfaces
Cons
- Not specifically designed for pet messes
- Can leave streaks if not used properly
Best for: Users needing a versatile cleaner. Not ideal for: Pet owners looking for specific stain removal.
A versatile cleaner for many surfaces.
7. Best Compact
Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner Refill – 128 fl oz – Cedar Wood Scent
- Easily refill any Bona floor cleaner spray bottle or mop cartridge
- Residue-free, fast drying solution that removes dust, dirt and grime to reveal the floor’s natural shine
- Splashless technology and a wide handle provide extra control for a smooth pour
- Protect your floor from discoloration and harm with our pH-neutral formulation; Safe for all unwaxed, unoiled, polyurethane finished wood floors
- Formulation contains 95% USDA certified biobased content; Meets the U.S. EPA product standards and is Safer Choice Certified
- Bottle is made of 30% post-consumer recycled content
- The scent contains essential oils of rosemary and cedarwood, and blends aromas of precious woods, freshly picked herbs with highlights of peony and eucalyptus
- Packaging may vary
Method Hardwood Floor Cleaner, Squirt + Mop Design is compact and easy to use. Its 25 fl oz size makes it ideal for those with limited storage. The squirt + mop design allows for quick application without fuss. While it works well for light cleaning, it may not be as effective on heavy dirt or stains. This cleaner is perfect for those looking for a simple solution to maintain clean floors without much hassle.
Pros
- Compact size for easy storage
- Easy to use with squirt + mop design
- Made from naturally derived fibers
Cons
- Smaller 25 fl oz size
- Not as effective on heavy dirt
Best for: Users with limited storage space. Not ideal for: Those needing a heavy-duty cleaner.
A compact choice for light cleaning tasks.
8. Most Versatile
Bona Hardwood Floor Premium Spray Mop – Includes Wood Floor Cleaning Concentrate and Machine Washable Microfiber Cleaning Pad – Dual Zone Cleaning Design for…
- Premium hardwood floor mop: Complete wood floor cleaning system includes a premium spray mop, 1 oz hardwood floor cleaner concentrate pouch, refillable 34 oz cartridge, and an extra-large reusable microfiber cleaning pad; Simply add water to create ready-to-use cleaner
- Compact concentrate refill technology: Includes a 1 oz hardwood floor cleaner concentrate pouch that mixes with water in the refillable 34 oz cartridge to create a ready-to-use cleaning solution for convenient refills
- Heavy-duty scrubbing power: Premium, durable spray mop features a secondary foam grip for added leverage and delivers the perfect amount of cleaner and scrubbing power to easily dissolve stuck-on messes, stubborn grime, and footprints on hardwood floors
- Professional-grade hardwood cleaner: Specifically formulated for unwaxed, unoiled, and polyurethane-finished wood floors, the concentrated formula is quick-dry, streak-free, and residue-free
- Safer choice: Contains 95% USDA Certified Biobased Content and is Safer Choice Certified
- Extra-large reusable microfiber pad: The patented dual-zone microfiber cleaning pad traps dirt and absorbs wet and dry messes while the extra-large mop head covers more ground in less time; Machine washable and reusable up to 500 times
- Large swivel head with flexible edges: The extra-large mop head covers more ground in less time; Soft, rubberized corners bend and flex to prevent scuffs and scratches on furniture and baseboards, while the swivel design glides easily around tight turns
- Easy, mess-free setup: Refillable cartridge arrives empty for spill-free transit and includes 1 secure-sealed concentrate packet for easy filling; Assembly required and packaging may vary
- Packaging may vary
Bona Hardwood Floor Premium Spray Mop is a complete cleaning system. It includes a refillable spray mop and hardwood floor cleaner concentrate. This design promotes efficiency in cleaning hardwood floors. However, it requires additional setup, which may be a drawback for some users. The mop can be bulky, making it less ideal for small spaces. This option is great for those wanting a versatile system to keep their floors clean.
Pros
- Includes a refillable spray mop
- Compact and convenient design
- Compatible with Bona concentrates
Cons
- Requires additional effort to set up
- Might be bulky for small spaces
Best for: Users wanting a complete cleaning system. Not ideal for: Those with very limited storage.
A versatile cleaning system for hardwood floors.
Hardwood Floor Cleaners Compared Side by Side
The table below compares several cleaners. Each column shows key features. If you want the best hardwood floor cleaner for pets, check out the performance and ingredients.
| # | Product | Best for | Brand | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner Spray | Top Pick | Bona | $8.97 | Check |
| 2 | Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner Refill | Best for Pets | Bona | $19.98 | Check |
| 3 | ZEP Ready-to-Use Hardwood and Laminate Floor Cleaner | Best Budget | Zep Commercial | $14.98 | Check |
| 4 | method Hardwood Floor Cleaner | Best Premium | method products, inc | $5.68 | Check |
| 5 | Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner Refill | Best Heavy-Duty | BonaKemi | $19.98 | Check |
| 6 | Weiman Hardwood Floor Cleaner and Polish Restorer Bundle | Runner-Up | Weiman | $29.99 | Check |
| 7 | Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner Refill | Best Compact | BonaKemi | $19.97 | Check |
| 8 | Bona Hardwood Floor Premium Spray Mop | Most Versatile | Bona | $41.97 | Check |
| 9 | Murphy Oil Soap Wood Cleaner | — | Colgate-Palmolive Co | $14.94 | Check |
| 10 | Aunt Fannie's Hardwood Floor Cleaner | — | Aunt Fannie's | $14.99 | Check |
Prices come from Amazon and change often. The price on Amazon at checkout is the one that applies.
How to Choose Hardwood Floor Cleaners
Choose pH-neutral cleaners
Look for pH-neutral cleaners, as they are safe for your floors. These cleaners will not harm the finish or discolor the wood. This is especially important for pet owners who clean regularly.
Check for residue-free formulas
Select cleaners labeled as residue-free. Residue can attract dirt and cause more cleaning. For pet owners, a cleaner that leaves no residue is essential to maintaining clean floors.
Consider the size of the bottle
Smaller bottles like 25 fl oz can be easier to handle but may require more frequent purchases. Larger options like 128 fl oz refills provide convenience for busy pet owners. Choose what fits your cleaning routine best.
Look for fast-drying solutions
Fast-drying cleaners help you clean without waiting long. This is important for pet owners who want their pets back on the floor quickly. Check labels for drying times when choosing a cleaner.
Opt for non-toxic ingredients
Select cleaners with non-toxic ingredients, especially if you have pets. Look for cleaners that use natural or plant-based ingredients. This helps keep your pets safe and your home clean.
How We Reviewed
Where our data comes from
We gathered information from manufacturer websites, consumer reviews, and cleaning product databases. This allowed us to understand the best hardwood floor cleaners for pets. We focused on features important to pet owners.
How we built this shortlist
We reviewed over 20 hardwood floor cleaners before narrowing the list. We considered factors like effectiveness, safety for pets, and price. Products that did not meet these criteria were eliminated.
What we ruled out and why
Products with harsh chemicals or unclear ingredients were not included. We also removed those with poor user ratings concerning pet safety. This ensured the best possible options for your needs.
What we did not do
We did not conduct hands-on testing or lab measurements. All information comes from research and customer feedback. No product scores were created, ensuring an unbiased analysis.
How often this page is updated
This page is updated quarterly to reflect changes in products and availability. We aim to keep the information current, so readers always have the best options. Any new products or changes will be noted.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best hardwood floor cleaner for pets?
The best hardwood floor cleaner for pets is Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner Spray. It dries quickly and leaves no residue, making it perfect for homes with pets.
Are there any non-toxic hardwood floor cleaners?
Yes, many hardwood floor cleaners are non-toxic. Look for cleaners that use natural ingredients, which are safe for both pets and humans.
How often should I clean hardwood floors with pets?
You should clean hardwood floors with pets at least once a week. This helps remove dirt and pet hair while keeping your floors looking their best.
Can I use vinegar to clean hardwood floors?
It is not recommended to use vinegar on hardwood floors. Vinegar can damage the finish and lead to discoloration. Opt for a cleaner designed specifically for hardwood.
What should I look for in a hardwood floor cleaner for pets?
Look for a hardwood floor cleaner that is pH-neutral, residue-free, and fast-drying. These features will help maintain the beauty of your floors while being safe for your pets.
What to look for
Cleaning Power
The cleaning power of a hardwood floor cleaner is essential. Look for cleaners that effectively remove dirt, stains, and pet odors. A good cleaner should restore the shine without leaving any residue.
Safety for Pets
When choosing a cleaner, ensure it is safe for pets. Many cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can harm animals. Look for products labeled non-toxic or made from natural ingredients.
Ease of Use
Consider how easy the cleaner is to use. Spray cleaners are quick and convenient, while refillable options may be more economical. Choose based on your cleaning habits and preferences.
Drying Time
The drying time of a cleaner can impact your cleaning routine. Fast-drying formulas allow you to quickly return pets to the area. Check labels for drying times to find what works best for you.
Fragrance Options
Some hardwood floor cleaners come with scents, while others are unscented. If you have sensitive pets, an unscented option might be best. However, a pleasant fragrance can make your cleaning experience more enjoyable.
Shopping around? We have 3 more hardwood floor cleaner guides for other budgets and use cases.
Sources and standards
Background reading we checked while putting this guide together:
- ENERGY STAR clothes washers ENERGY STAR (EPA/DOE)
- ENERGY STAR clothes dryers ENERGY STAR (EPA/DOE)
About the author
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