Hi, I am seeking cleaning advice for pet output and polyurethane coated floors. I have a cat with digestive issues and we have early morning bile upchucks - the thick clear liquid. I have engineered hardwood floors with 7 layers of polyurethane, so you would think this isn't an issue, but - when I put the floors in 5 years ago, I just used a tiny bit of mild disinfectant with water. Then, when it appeared it caused buildup, just hot water. Now, I realized, that even wiping immediately, there is a trace of upchuck on the floor, and using my terrycloth mop spreads it as a white film throughout the house, which you don't see til it dries. Same problem with any output, urine, diarrhea, etc. If the pet output leaves traces, I have to assume that other dirt is still there as well....Aaarraggh. Hands and knees only gets a facsimile of clean. So - anyone with polyurethane coating - what do you use to clean your floors that doesnt dull the poly, or cause buildup, but gets all the pet output and other dirt up and leaves it nice and shiny clean????

thanks,
Terry, tired of the hand mopping with poor results....

This message has been edited. Last edited by: tesschron,

I have 2 dogs. When either of them has an accident, I first wipe down using a product called Kid's N' Pets. Then I use Bona Kemi with a microfiber cloth.

Not sure if I have the same thing, builder put it in. I was told it was 3/4" polyurethaned oak hardwoods, finished in the factory and then installed in our house. They have some decorative tiny V shaped grooves where the boards meet on the long sides. It is very glossy and beautiful, even after living on it 11 years with two kids and a kitty that gets sick often like yours--he's very old.

I fill a bucket with warm water and a good splash of white vinegar. I clean up the mess with a dry paper towel, use another paper towel wet with the vinegar water, throw it away and then go over the whole area with a micro fiber cloth and the vinegar water. I do my whole floor at least twice a year with the vinegar water, working in small areas and wringing the micro fiber cloth very well so it just makes the floor damp. For once a week care, I use the Bruce Hardwood Floor cleaner for polyurethane coated floors. You spray it on, wipe it with a damp cloth. The biggest worry I have is too much liquid (or pet output!! ) seeping between the boards.

Bruce also sells a product to renew the finish on your floors. Never tried it but am thinking about using it under and around the kitchen table. It and the regular cleaner are available at Lowe's and Home Depot. Never found it in the discount stores. Cleaner costs about $9 and comes in a spray bottle. It makes my floor shine!