Armstrong Wood Floor Cleaning Products Reviewed? (Explained)

Introduction: Curiosity Sparked

As someone who has dedicated years to the flooring industry, I find myself frequently talking about maintenance with my clients. Often, they ask—what’s the best way to keep their beautiful wood floors looking pristine? One name that comes up consistently is Armstrong. But are their cleaning products truly effective? That question led me to explore their offerings in-depth.

The Beginning of My Journey with Armstrong Products

Discovering Armstrong

My first encounter with Armstrong products was during a flooring installation at a family home. The clients had just installed gorgeous hardwood floors and were looking for ways to maintain their investment. They had heard good things about Armstrong but wanted a contractor’s opinion. I decided to investigate further.

Initial Research

Before diving into the actual usage of their cleaning products, I spent some time researching. Armstrong has a long-standing reputation in the flooring industry, not only for their floors but also for their cleaning solutions. Their products are designed specifically for wood floors, which piqued my interest.

Making the Purchase

After gathering some information, I decided to purchase a few of their popular cleaning products: Once ‘n Done Floor Cleaner and Hardwood and Laminate Floor Cleaner. I remember thinking: “If they’re as good as people say, this could make my life—and my clients’—much easier!”

First Impressions Matter

Unboxing Experience

There’s something satisfying about unboxing new products, isn’t there? As I took the bottles out of the box, I noticed the clear labeling and instructions. The design was straightforward, emphasizing ease of use—something I always look for in cleaning supplies.

Using Once ‘n Done Floor Cleaner

The first product I decided to test was the Once ‘n Done Floor Cleaner. Armed with a microfiber mop, I was ready to see how well it performed.

Application Process

Spraying the cleaner directly onto the floor felt intuitive. Unlike some cleaners that require mixing or diluting, this was ready to use right out of the bottle. I started in a high-traffic hallway where dirt and grime often accumulate.

Observations During Cleaning

As I mopped, I was pleasantly surprised by how easily the dirt lifted away. The cleaner didn’t have an overpowering scent—it was fresh but not overwhelming. After finishing up, I stepped back to admire my work. The floors looked rejuvenated with a lovely shine that made them pop.

Challenges Faced

Dealing with Stubborn Spots

While my initial experience was positive, not everything was smooth sailing. I encountered some stubborn spots that required a little more effort. In one instance, there was a sticky residue left from spilled juice that had dried on the floor.

Finding Solutions

To tackle this, I sprayed the cleaner directly on the spot and let it sit for a few minutes before mopping again. This extra time made a significant difference; the residue lifted away much more easily after soaking. It was a learning moment that taught me patience pays off with cleaning.

Feedback from Clients

After completing that job, I asked my clients for their thoughts on the results. They were thrilled! They noted how easy it was to maintain the appearance of their floors using the cleaner regularly.

Comparing Products: Armstrong vs. Others

Armstrong vs. Bona

Having tested Armstrong products extensively, I became curious about how they stacked up against competitors like Bona. Bona is another well-respected name in floor care.

Performance Comparison

In my experience, both products performed well on engineered hardwood. However, I found that Bona sometimes left streaks on certain finishes, whereas Armstrong’s Once ‘n Done cleaner consistently provided a streak-free shine.

Cost Considerations

From a cost perspective, both brands are similarly priced; however, Armstrong’s product sizes often offer more value per ounce compared to Bona’s smaller bottles.

Murphy’s Oil Soap: A Different Approach

I also tried Murphy’s Oil Soap during another project, as it has been a staple in many households for years. While it provides excellent deep cleaning power, it can be tricky on laminate surfaces due to its oily residue.

Personal Experience

I recall an instance where I used Murphy’s in a home with both hardwood and laminate flooring. While it worked wonders on hardwood, it left the laminate looking dull and lifeless—a stark contrast to what I achieved with Armstrong’s products.

Expanding My Cleaning Arsenal

Exploring Armstrong Hardwood and Laminate Floor Cleaner

After becoming familiar with Once ‘n Done, I decided to give the Armstrong Hardwood and Laminate Floor Cleaner a shot. This product is marketed specifically for those who want an extra layer of care for their floors.

User Experience

The first thing I noted was its slightly thicker consistency compared to Once ‘n Done. This made me feel it might adhere better to the surface while cleaning.

Performance in High-Traffic Areas

I had an apartment project where high foot traffic was a constant concern. Using this cleaner felt like pampering the floors—they looked fantastic after application! My clients were particularly impressed by how vibrant their floors appeared post-cleaning.

Practical Maintenance Tips from My Experience

Through trial and error over the years, I’ve developed some practical tips to help maintain hardwood floors alongside using Armstrong products.

Regular Maintenance Routine

Sweep Daily: Use a soft-bristle broom or vacuum designed for hardwoods.
Damp Mop Weekly: Incorporate either Armstrong cleaner weekly or bi-weekly depending on foot traffic.
Spot Clean as Needed: For spills or marks, act quickly to prevent staining or damage.

Seasonal Care Tips

In winter, salt and sand can wreak havoc on floors. To combat this:

Use mats at entryways.
Clean up any tracked-in debris promptly.

Special Considerations for Different Wood Types

Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood

While Armstrong products are effective on all types of hardwood, understanding your wood type can impact how you apply them.

Engineered Hardwood Cleaning Strategy

For engineered hardwood floors, I found that using less product yields better results. A light mist followed by mopping is often sufficient without oversaturating.

Solid Hardwood Maintenance

Solid hardwood can tolerate more moisture but still benefits from being treated gently. Ensure you’re using just enough product to avoid buildup over time.

Real-Life Anecdotes: Success Stories

Transforming a Family Home

One of my favorite projects involved an older family home with significant wear on its original oak hardwood floors. After installing new planks in the kitchen area, I recommended Armstrong products to maintain both old and new flooring.

The Result

After several months of using Once ‘n Done and Hardwood Cleaner, my clients reported back with glowing reviews about how easy it was to keep everything looking pristine. They even remarked how friends commented on how vibrant their home felt!

Challenges with Old Finishes

However, not every experience has been without its challenges. On another job with very old finishes that hadn’t been maintained properly in years, even Armstrong cleaners struggled against decades of grime.

Learning Moment

This taught me that sometimes extensive restoration work may be necessary before implementing regular cleaning habits. It highlighted how important it is to assess the state of wood floors thoroughly before recommending maintenance products.

Cost Considerations for Flooring Care

While discussing maintenance products with clients, cost remains a significant factor in decision-making.

Using FloorTally for Cost Estimation

I utilize FloorTally to create estimates that incorporate both installation and ongoing maintenance costs. This allows my clients to see the big picture regarding budgeting—an essential part of any successful project.

Example Breakdown

For instance, if a client is looking at installing 1,000 square feet of hardwood flooring:

Installation Costs: Approximately $5-$10 per square foot (depending on complexity).
Cleaning Supplies: Including Armstrong cleaners could add around $50-$100 annually based on usage frequency.

By presenting these numbers upfront through FloorTally, my clients feel informed and prepared for all aspects of their flooring investment.

Final Thoughts: A Comparative Analysis

As I reflect on my journey using Armstrong wood floor cleaning products and comparing them with others in the market, it’s clear that they have their strengths and weaknesses.

Pros of Armstrong Products

Ease of Use: Both cleaners are user-friendly.
Streak-Free Shine: Consistent results without residue.
Effective on Multiple Surfaces: Works well across various wood types.

Cons

Specific Challenges on Old Floors: May struggle with heavy grime if not maintained regularly.
Price Point: Slightly higher than generic options but worth it for quality.

Overall Recommendation

If you’re serious about maintaining your hardwood floors and want reliable results, I’d confidently recommend giving Armstrong cleaning products a try. They’ve proven effective in my experience and have left many of my clients satisfied.

Have you had any experiences with Armstrong or other cleaning products? What worked for you? Let’s keep sharing our insights!