The best hardwood floor cleaners for 2025, recommended by experts

Size: 32 oz. | Formula: Spray | Scent: Unscented

Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner comes recommended by several of the experts I spoke to for its gentle ingredients and cleaning abilities.

"Bona has built a reputation for being one of the most trusted names in hardwood floor care," says Robin Murphy, president of Maid Brigade. "This pH-neutral cleaner is designed to clean effectively without leaving any residue or streaks behind. It’s safe for regular use on all types of hardwood floors, keeping them looking shiny and fresh."

Danny Seo, editor-in-chief of Naturally, Danny Seo magazine and chief lifestyle contributor to The Drew Barrymore Show, shares that he likes to use the unscented version on his wood floors at home, adding that "any watermarks on the floor are literally buffed away with this cleaner."

Even hotels use Bona. Afi Anifrani, executive housekeeper at Thompson Savannah, says, "It dries quickly and is formulated with 95% bio-based ingredients. It's also Safer Choice-certified, meaning it meets the EPA's environmental and health standards.

For large areas and refills, you can buy the same formula in a 128-ounce bottle. Cleaning more than hardwood? Opt for Bona's multi-surface spray for tile, stone, laminate and luxury vinyl.

Size: 25 oz. | Formula: Liquid | Scent: Almond

For a liquid hardwood cleaner, consider this spiffy squirt bottle from Method, which Murphy describes as cleaning "quickly and efficiently, leaving behind a fresh, pleasant [almond] scent without any sticky residue."

She notes that the solution is especially helpful for tackling light dirt or pet prints, "perfect for a quick once-over after busy days or entertaining guests."

I've used this formula on my hardwood floors and, like Murphy, I appreciate the soft, slightly nutty fragrance. It also leaves behind a subtle sheen, as if it's polishing as it washes. 

The squirt-style cap makes it easy to apply as you go (you don't need to dilute the formula, so there's no need to carry a bucket of soapy water around) and you get 25 ounces of formula for under $6. Not bad! 

Size: 32 oz. | Formula: Liquid | Scent: Citronella oil

Murphy's concentrated wood cleaner is a classic and a budget-friendly pick that Rozalyn Early, director of housekeeping at Conrad New York Downtown, says is her "trusted choice for preserving the natural beauty of wood furniture and flooring."

Early explains that she applies the formula, which has a citronella scent, to furniture using a damp microfiber cloth — and to hardwood floors with a well-wrung mop — to ensure "a streak-free finish while protecting the wood’s natural sheen."

Adds Eva Rowles, owner/operator of Dirty Desert Cleaning: "It cleans the wood and treats it at the same time. It's a protectant that can be used on many wood surfaces, not just floors. The best part is it doesn't leave a residue behind."

As Murphy's Oil Soap is a concentrate, the formula will need to be diluted. The brand recommends a ¼ cup of soap for every gallon of water (or double the amount of soap for tougher cleaning jobs).

Size: 32 oz. | Formula: Spray | Scent: Unscented

This cleaner from Ecolab comes highly recommended by experts and customers alike for an effective spray that brings floors back to life without breaking the bank.

According to the brand, the top-rated, pH-neutral formula is safe for not only wood, but also laminate, marble and vinyl.

"It effortlessly lifts dirt and grime without the need for rinsing," says Kristen Little, senior cleaning merchant at The Home Depot. As someone who's used this formula, I can vouch its cleaning abilities and confirm that it's truly unscented for those who try to avoid using strong fragrances in their house.

"Using the right products like this helps prevent damage," Little adds — but she also points out that refinishing your floors every decade or so can help prolong their life (keep scrolling for more on proper floor care).

Size: 32 oz. | Formula: Spray | Scent: Citrus

Looking to combat pet messes? Experts say a spritz of Simple Solution's spray — which not only works on hardwood but also sealed stone, linoleum and brick — could make all the difference.

"This hard floor stain and odor remover helps eliminate stains such as urine, feces or vomit," says Dr. Teresa Manucy, a veterinarian who works with Chewy. The secret to its grime-busting abilities is an enzyme-based formula that eats away at organic messes (and their accompanying smells) so your pup doesn't mark the spot again. 

Manucy also likes that it "comes equipped with a multifunctional three-in-one nozzle sprayer with foam, mist and stream settings" for getting the application just right. 

Size: 33.8 oz. | Formula: Liquid concentrate | Scent: Unscented

For a natural concentrate that can be used to clean hardwood floors and more, Dr. Cynthia Barrett, founder and CEO of Wellness Couture, says she uses "Branch Basics throughout the house for basically everything!" 

In addition to being Made Safe certified (a designation for products made with ingredients that won't harm humans and the ecosystem), this cleaner is free from fragrances and dyes. "It's safe for my sensitive skin, but still tough on dirt and grime," says Barrett.

Because it's a concentrate, this product costs more upfront, but according to the brand, a single bottle, once diluted, can make three bottles each of hand soap, all-purpose/floor cleaner, bathroom cleaner and streak-free cleaner — with enough left over for 64 loads of laundry! Just make sure to pay attention to the directions on the back for how to dilute it for your desired formula.