That's because hardwood floors aren't all finished the same way, and each type of finish requires an entirely different method of cleaning. In order to clean your floors the right way, you need to figure out what finish is on your floor! And here's how you do that easily:

1. Apply a couple drops of water to an inconspicuous spot on the floor.
2. Wait 10-15 minutes.
3. Check the spot. Does it leave behind a cloudy or white residue spot?

YES - then most likely the surface has a "WAX FINISH" (aka a "Penetrating Finish"), meaning that your floor has been treated with some form of deeply penetrating varnish, and then coated with wax. Most older real hardwood floors were finished this way, and if your floor is more than 30 years old, this is most likely what you have.

NO - then the floor most likely has a "SURFACE FINISH", meaning that your floor has been sealed with some type of urethane, polyurethane or polyacrylic. This is the newer and more preferred modern method of sealing floors, as they are easier to maintain and clean than wax finishes.

You can also identify Surface Finishes by scraping the finish a bit with a sharp blade, or even a sharp fingernail (again, in an inconspicuous area). If a small amount of clear material scrapes up from the finish, it is probably a "surface finish".

Wax Finishes can also be identified by running your hands over the floor. If you can feel the wood grain, or if your fingers leave a smudge, then you probably have a penetrating finish. http://www.hardwoodinfo.com/display_article.asp?ID=279 http://www.colgate.com/app/MurphyOilSoap/US/EN/AboutWood/WoodFinishes/IdentifyingYourFinish.cwsp

1. Soft-bristled broom
2. Vacuum with soft-bristled attachment (special hardwood floor attachments are available)
3. Soft towels or microfiber cloths
4. Dry mop
5. Apple Cider Vinegar (for "surface" finishes)
6. Walnut or pecan oil (for "waxed" finishes)
7. Liquid wax/cleaner product for hardwood floors, NOT water-based (for "waxed" finishes only)

Floors with Surface Finishes

1. Once a day, sweep your wood floors with a soft-bristled broom, especially in high-traffic areas.

2. Every 1-3 weeks, depending on wear, mop your floor with a just slightly damp mop (make sure it's not too wet!). Use a cleaning solution of 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar mixed with 1 gallon of warm (not hot) water. Mop along the grain of wood. Dry thoroughly with a soft rag. Never let the floor get too wet, or air dry.

3. After each mopping, buff the floor by hand using a soft cloth. Rub the floor very gently using a circular motion. (TIP: Cloth diapers can be great for this job because of their softness!)

4. When cleaning no longer brings back a nice shine to the floor, recoat with the surface finish appropriate for your floor. (Never wax your "surface-finished" floor!)

Floors with Wax Finishes

1. Regularly vacuum, dry mop, or sweep your wood floors with a soft-bristled broom, especially in high-traffic areas. Make sure your vacuum has a special bare floor attachment to avoid damaging the wood.

(Do NOT mop floors with penetrating finishes.)

2. Every 6-12 months use a liquid wax (labeled for use on hardwood floors), applying evenly, and following product instructions. Make sure the wax you pick is not water-based. Once the floor is dry, buff the floor to achieve a luster and eliminate minor scratches.

3. From time to time, strip old layers of wax off of the floor to reach deep-down dirt. Clean thoroughly with soft, dry cloths (and fine steel wool if necessary) and then apply new wax and buff.

http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/more-techniques/clean-hardwood-floors-00000000002197/ http://www.woodflooringdesign.com/h_maint.html http://www.merrymaids.com/cleaningtips/#wood

1. • Use a dry rag to mop up spills as soon as they happen. Using the soft cloth, work your way from the outer edges of the spill in toward the center to minimize spreading.
2. Continue wiping the spill spot until it feels completely dry to the touch.
3. If the spill has dried, use a very sharp, thin blade to remove the substance. Use very carefully, to avoid scratching the wood. You may need to then wipe the spot with a mildly damp rag, drying it with a soft cloth immediately afterward. Re-waxing may be necessary afterward on "wax finished" floors.

• Gum - Remove as much as you can by hand, and then "freeze" the gum off with some ice placed in a zipper baggy. Once the gum is frozen, scrape it off with a credit card (but don't use any tool that is sharper or likely to scratch the wood surface).

• Crayon - Apply a little toothpaste and rub the spot with a slightly damp cloth. One the crayon is removed, be sure to wipe up any toothpaste residue and dry the floor thoroughly.

• Water or Urine Stains - Although some commercial cleaners may eliminate water stains, it may also be necessary to remove what finish is left on your floor to get at the spot. Once the finish has been stripped from that isolated area, clean the spot with No. 2 steel wool and a form of wood cleaner (working along the grain). Then cleanse the spot with regular vinegar, allowing it to soak for 3-4 minutes. Re-finish the affected floor spot once dry.

• Heel Scuffs and Marks - For "wax" finishes, use a fine steel wool to rub out the mark, along with a wood floor cleaner. Make sure to wipe the spot completely dry, once clean. Re-wax the area. For "surface" finishes, most marks can be taken up with a commercial hardwood floor cleaner (use as directed).http://www.hardwoodinfo.com/display_article.asp?ID=280

http://www.life123.com/home-garden/housekeeping/cleaning-hardwood-floors/tips-for-cleaning-hardwood-floors.shtml

• DO use throw rugs and carpets to shield floors from heavy traffic.
• DO vacuum often so dirt doesn't work its way deep down into the grain of the wood.
• DO clean up spills and messes as soon as they happen.
• DO use a dehumidifier or humidifier to keep the humidity at about 30-50% for the optimal moisture levels for your wood.
• DO always check with floor manufacturer guidelines for caring for and repairing your floor.
• DO keep your pets' nails trimmed to prevent scratching.

• DON'T use damp or wet cloths to wipe up messes (especially on floors with penetrating finishes).
• DON'T wear shoes with pointed or hard heals or soles that can scratch or scuff the wood finish.
• DON'T allow damp rugs or mats to sit on your wood floor. Remove them immediately and dry the area with a soft cloth as best you can.
• DON'T use any dust cleaners or rubber/vinyl-backed mats without checking the floor manufacturer's recommendations. Some of these may harm the floor's finish.
• DON'T use undiluted ammonia on your floor.
• DON'T drag furniture across the floor unless they have soft pads underneath to shield the floor from scuffs and scratches.
• DON'T use any wood oils or furniture sprays on your floor, as they will likely leave the surface slippery.
• DON'T wax a floor with a "surface" (ie urethane) finish!http://www.finishingwoodfloors.com/technical_help/maintenance.htmlhttp://www.hardwoodinfo.com/display_article.asp?ID=278http://home.ivillage.com/cleanandorganize/cleaning/0,,s7km-2,00.html