How to Use Bleach on Hardwood Floors

Generally, Clorox® Bleach is suitable for disinfecting floors made of hard surfaces like ceramic tile, vinyl and linoleum — not marble or other porous surfaces.

Wood is porous and typically we only recommend bleaching exterior, finished wood surfaces, not interior hardwood floors.

Depending on your floor, a one-time-only bleach treatment might be OK. You would need to test a less visible section first so you know how the treatment will affect the floor.

It’s also important to note that you should always dilute Clorox® Bleach before using it. Never use it full strength for cleaning any hard surface or fabric.

If your floor is safe for bleach, follow these steps for disinfecting with Clorox® Bleach:

1. Mix

   Mix 250 ml of Clorox® Bleach with 5 L of water.
2. Mop

   Mop or wipe surface with the disinfecting solution.
3. Wait

   Allow the solution to stay on surface for at least 10 minutes.
4. Rinse

   Rinse and air dry.

You may also use Pine Sol Cleaner as a recommended alternative for cleaning wood floors*. Use ¼ cup of Pine-Sol® per gallon of water. For tough jobs, use full strength and rinse immediately. For no-wax floors, only use diluted and rinse.

*Finished, painted or sealed wood. Do not use on wood that is unfinished, unsealed, unpainted, waxed, oiled or worn.