https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 30 Apr 2026 07:49:55 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/boring-house-question-wood-floors-always-dirty-despite-constant-cleaning/page/2#post-2846842 Sat, 22 Sep 2018 05:29:38 +0000 wrkbrk 2846842@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: I did . The shoes really are not dirty! I’m thinking it’s construction dust getting in from outside because now that I think of it it’s teally only the main room downstairs (lower level is living room and open kitchen combined) and we have the back door open a LOT for our dogs. We are going to try the dry mop cleaning people suggested here! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/boring-house-question-wood-floors-always-dirty-despite-constant-cleaning/page/2#post-2846721 Fri, 21 Sep 2018 09:00:10 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2846721@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Fascinating thread! @wrkbrk: did you rule out his shoes? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/boring-house-question-wood-floors-always-dirty-despite-constant-cleaning#post-2846659 Thu, 20 Sep 2018 15:16:18 +0000 BadgerMom 2846659@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@wrkbrk: I agree with the dust/pollution hypothesis. Have you checked your furnace filters? Do they need to be replaced? Maybe try a filter that traps smaller particles? I know a lot of newer furnaces suck air from outside so it definitely could be dust from construction that's making its way past your furnace filter. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/boring-house-question-wood-floors-always-dirty-despite-constant-cleaning#post-2846616 Thu, 20 Sep 2018 12:06:30 +0000 mrswin 2846616@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@wrkbrk: When we first moved into our new construction town house we used to have similar problems and our DD was crawling so it grossed me out totally. We did a couple things that seemed to help.<br /> 1. Is the same technique that @Iced Tea: mentions - specifically wiping the floor with paper towel until they were coming out white<br /> 2. Bought he cheapest furnace filter on the market and changed the filter once a week until the construction in our area was done.<br /> 3. Took the screens out of the windows and power washed them... the grossness caked on them was amazing even though they didn’t actually look dirty </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/boring-house-question-wood-floors-always-dirty-despite-constant-cleaning#post-2846608 Thu, 20 Sep 2018 11:40:05 +0000 Mama Bird 2846608@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yeah, it could be something coming in from outside.. we recently moved into a place next to two large parking lots, and the amount of black grime I wipe off the windows is unreal. The floors also get dirty ridiculously fast. It doesn't help that they're dark brown with a finish that highlights every speck of dust, but it's not just the finish - they really are dirty.</p> <p>FWIW my parents had the same problem when they moved into a house near a major highway. It went away completely in a year or two when they let the tree next to the house grow out. So if it's an air quality problem, a plant screen may help.</p> <p>Oh, and we had some work done before we moved in that involved trenching into the concrete walls. So. Much. Dust. We wet wiped everything, even the walls and ceilings, before moving in, and several times after. But it's been a year so I don't think that whatever is causing our dust problem is coming from that... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/boring-house-question-wood-floors-always-dirty-despite-constant-cleaning#post-2846588 Thu, 20 Sep 2018 09:43:39 +0000 wrkbrk 2846588@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PinkElephant: Yeah, they did that right before we moved in. But I think there is something to the construction in the air on our street coming in the house. Like others, it is only downstairs in the main room that this is an issue. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/boring-house-question-wood-floors-always-dirty-despite-constant-cleaning#post-2846587 Thu, 20 Sep 2018 09:42:35 +0000 PinkElephant 2846587@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@wrkbrk: haha! One other thought - have you had the place deep cleaned? Sometimes when new wood floors are finished, a layer of dust -a lot of it!-settles on everything (so door/window frame tops, crown molding, on top of cabinets) and falls down over time. This happened to us when we rented a brownstone where they’d had st redone floors and took a long time to get it fully clean. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/boring-house-question-wood-floors-always-dirty-despite-constant-cleaning#post-2846583 Thu, 20 Sep 2018 09:27:51 +0000 wrkbrk 2846583@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PinkElephant: Oh it's bad. I will try to take one tonight! Haha. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/boring-house-question-wood-floors-always-dirty-despite-constant-cleaning#post-2846582 Thu, 20 Sep 2018 09:27:41 +0000 wrkbrk 2846582@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PinkElephant: Thank you for your thoughts! We will investigate the seals on the windows and doors! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/boring-house-question-wood-floors-always-dirty-despite-constant-cleaning#post-2846579 Thu, 20 Sep 2018 09:24:18 +0000 Dahlia 2846579@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree it's probably the construction in the area. We live in an area that is prone to forest fires, and during smoke season it is nearly impossible to keep the floors clean. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/boring-house-question-wood-floors-always-dirty-despite-constant-cleaning#post-2846577 Thu, 20 Sep 2018 09:12:24 +0000 avivoca 2846577@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have this problem in our new house too. I'm really not sure what to do about it, I sweep a lot and I could also probably be better with a mop, but I also know that the previous owners weren't the cleanest people. I'm working on fall cleaning and will try to deep clean our wood floors along with the vinyl and tile. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/boring-house-question-wood-floors-always-dirty-despite-constant-cleaning#post-2846533 Wed, 19 Sep 2018 21:30:54 +0000 Iced Tea 2846533@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>A couple of times now I have moved into a home in this condition. It didn't significantly improve until I did a three step mopping: mop, rinse the mop with clean water, then dry the floor with paper towels (sometimes repeat until paper towels were white). I know that sounds crazy. Once the floors were clean, it wasn't too hard to maintain. We let the roomba run every other day and microfiber mop once a week. I think the roomba makes a big difference for us. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/boring-house-question-wood-floors-always-dirty-despite-constant-cleaning#post-2846529 Wed, 19 Sep 2018 21:14:52 +0000 PinkElephant 2846529@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with others who are saying it's dust/grime/pollution of some sort settling on your floors. Rather than asking your builder about a flooring issue, in your shoes I might be wondering about the seals on your windows/doors. If you've been having them open a lot, maybe try closing them, cleaning the floors, and seeing if the problem persists? I know one room in our house (the family room) gets WAY dirtier than the rest of the house because we have two sets of double doors that open to a patio where we grill, have a fire pit, etc., in the summer, and a fireplace we use in the winter. So that room just needs more attention.</p> <p>Also, my DH and I have the same discussion you and your DW have :) - it's not that I think his bare feet CAUSE the dirt, but I do think the sweat/oil dampness from bare feet attracts, gathers and spreads dirt somewhat more than the dry bottom of a pair of indoor sandals or slippers. That and the dampness attracts all the dirt to the feet, making the floor seem dirtier than it probably is! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/boring-house-question-wood-floors-always-dirty-despite-constant-cleaning#post-2846507 Wed, 19 Sep 2018 20:20:18 +0000 pachamama 2846507@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You sound much cleaner than us with our 2 dogs, messy backyard, and guests who wear shoes (🙄) and we have clean feet in the house. It does sound odd...Maybe the sealer? How black is black?? Take a pic </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/boring-house-question-wood-floors-always-dirty-despite-constant-cleaning#post-2846479 Wed, 19 Sep 2018 19:05:42 +0000 wrkbrk 2846479@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MsMini: Maybe there’s something to that!! He was supposed to have cleaned the vents 🤨 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/boring-house-question-wood-floors-always-dirty-despite-constant-cleaning#post-2846478 Wed, 19 Sep 2018 19:05:39 +0000 lamariniere 2846478@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@codeitall: I think this is probably it. We have our windows and balcony door open pretty much all the time unless it is raining. The floors (all hardwood or tile) are mopped twice a week and I randomly spot vacuum a few times a week. We don’t wear shoes in the house and my feet get black nearly every day. Le sigh...I just deal with it and wash my feet when I need to. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/boring-house-question-wood-floors-always-dirty-despite-constant-cleaning#post-2846470 Wed, 19 Sep 2018 18:40:39 +0000 MsMini 2846470@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our (new construction house) was SO dusty until all of the house within a couple blocks were done and landscaped! The bare dirt and digging put SO much dirt in the air! Did your builder also clean the vents before you moved in? They can hold a lot of construction dirt/debris. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/boring-house-question-wood-floors-always-dirty-despite-constant-cleaning#post-2846380 Wed, 19 Sep 2018 12:34:21 +0000 wrkbrk 2846380@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrsbells: We are switching to dry mopping asap!!!!! And yes we need to be better about wearing indoor shoes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/boring-house-question-wood-floors-always-dirty-despite-constant-cleaning#post-2846373 Wed, 19 Sep 2018 12:30:59 +0000 Mrsbells 2846373@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@wrkbrk: my guess is shoes in the house and dust. We take shoes off as soon as we get home. And we don't let them walk barefoot on hard floors since they transfers dust the most.they have indoor slippers. I wouldnt use water on your wood floor that could be part of your problem. Wood floor should only be kept clean with vacuuming, sweeping and dry mopping. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/boring-house-question-wood-floors-always-dirty-despite-constant-cleaning#post-2846364 Wed, 19 Sep 2018 12:21:00 +0000 wrkbrk 2846364@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@codeitall: Really! My mom said it could be from neighborhood house construction!? Same idea. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/boring-house-question-wood-floors-always-dirty-despite-constant-cleaning#post-2846345 Wed, 19 Sep 2018 11:39:00 +0000 codeitall 2846345@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just coming in here to say that it may be pollution/smoke settling in on your floors. We've been close to some fires and the smoke has been pretty bad and it literally creates a new layer of dust every other day. We're getting an air purifier today to hopefully help out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/boring-house-question-wood-floors-always-dirty-despite-constant-cleaning#post-2846342 Wed, 19 Sep 2018 11:29:17 +0000 KT326 2846342@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@wrkbrk: Just don't use too much at once, it can make the floors extremely slippery... We found that out the hard way! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/boring-house-question-wood-floors-always-dirty-despite-constant-cleaning#post-2846341 Wed, 19 Sep 2018 11:28:14 +0000 wrkbrk 2846341@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@KT326: Thanks for the advice! We are going to switch. I will look up Endust! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/boring-house-question-wood-floors-always-dirty-despite-constant-cleaning#post-2846340 Wed, 19 Sep 2018 11:26:15 +0000 KT326 2846340@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@wrkbrk: We have hardwood floors and our landlord said to absolutely never use water on them unless it is to spot clean. We use a microfiber mop with Endust sprayed on it to clean and shine the floor. I have a Dyson cordless vacuum and that picks up so much dust and whatever else is on our floor. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/boring-house-question-wood-floors-always-dirty-despite-constant-cleaning#post-2846335 Wed, 19 Sep 2018 11:14:02 +0000 wrkbrk 2846335@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@muffinsmuffins: Yes, I think we will. I called my DW and told her about the dawn/swiffer/wet mop method our builder recommended maybe NOT being the best and we are going to switch to water and vinegar! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/boring-house-question-wood-floors-always-dirty-despite-constant-cleaning#post-2846334 Wed, 19 Sep 2018 11:13:14 +0000 wrkbrk 2846334@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ineebee: Yes, but not as bad as his. Maybe his are sweaty? Haha. I usually always have socks on so I dont notice mine that often. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/boring-house-question-wood-floors-always-dirty-despite-constant-cleaning#post-2846333 Wed, 19 Sep 2018 11:12:47 +0000 wrkbrk 2846333@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jape14: Actually yes he does! I never thought of this - I will check next time he wears them! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/boring-house-question-wood-floors-always-dirty-despite-constant-cleaning#post-2846329 Wed, 19 Sep 2018 10:28:38 +0000 muffinsmuffins 2846329@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don’t have hardwood at home but I do at work and I’ve always noticed the swiffer wet leaves a weird film or something on any type of floor. No matter if I sweep super well and spot clean any stickier spots, if I look in the light, there’s marks where the mop went. I would switch to something like the vinegar and water and maybe not as wet and see if that helps. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/boring-house-question-wood-floors-always-dirty-despite-constant-cleaning#post-2846326 Wed, 19 Sep 2018 10:18:43 +0000 ineebee 2846326@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@wrkbrk: Does the same thing happen to your feet when you’re barefoot around the house? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/boring-house-question-wood-floors-always-dirty-despite-constant-cleaning#post-2846320 Wed, 19 Sep 2018 10:06:21 +0000 MamaBear87 2846320@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Elizabear: i finally bought one of the spin mops and it's so so much better than a swiffer. You can spin it to get it really dry, I feel it cleans better and causes way less waste than a swiffer </p>