I’ve worked with hardwood floors for more than ten years. Over time, I’ve seen how small cleaning habits—ones that seem harmless—can ruin beautiful wood flooring. One of the worst offenders? Baking soda. That soft white powder in your kitchen seems safe. It’s cheap, natural, and useful on many surfaces.
But when it comes to wood floors, it’s a big no. I’ve seen it cause dull spots, worn finishes, and in many cases, the need for full refinishing.
If you’re asking, “Can I use baking soda on wood floors?” — my honest answer is no. And I’ll explain why.
Why Baking Soda Sounds Safe (But Isn’t)
I’ve had many clients tell me they used baking soda on their floors. Most were just trying to clean up after pets or freshen up a high-traffic area. And it’s easy to see why—they were told baking soda is natural and gentle. But here’s the thing: wood isn’t like tile or laminate. Baking soda is a mild abrasive, and abrasives scratch. On tile, that’s not a big deal. On wood, it’s a real problem.
Each time you use it, those tiny particles act like fine sandpaper. The floor might look clean, but underneath, it’s being scratched. That slowly removes the sealant that protects your wood, exposing it to wear, water, and stains.
How Hidden Damage Builds Over Time
One of my clients used a baking soda paste to clean dog stains on her oak floors. It worked—at first. But within three months, the floor had cloudy patches and was dull in several spots. The issue wasn’t just visible wear.
Dirt was sticking to the tiny scratches, making it nearly impossible to clean with regular products. Baking soda can cause micro-scratches and wear down sealants, giving wood a lifeless, dull look (Source: Better Homes & Gardens). The sealant is there for a reason—it shields the wood from water, dust, and foot traffic. Once it’s gone, the floor becomes vulnerable fast.
What Happens When You Add Vinegar
Some people try mixing baking soda with vinegar. It fizzes and looks like it’s deep cleaning, but this combo is even worse. I’ve had to restore floors in three different homes where this mix was used weekly.
Why is it harmful? Vinegar is acidic. Baking soda is gritty. Together, they break down polyurethane, which is the topcoat used on most hardwood floors.
As Homemade Simple confirms, using vinegar or baking soda on wood “damages and dulls the polyurethane.” It strips the protection layer, which leads to faster wear and tear. What looks like a “natural solution” actually creates long-term problems that are expensive to fix.
If you’re curious about the safety of vinegar on wood floors alone, we’ve covered the details in our guide on whether cleaning hardwood floors with vinegar is safe—and why you should think twice.
The Truth About “Mild Abrasives”
I once helped a homeowner in Surrey who had been using baking soda to remove scuffs. She couldn’t figure out why the floor felt rough. When sunlight hit it, the wood looked faded.
Using a magnifier, I found fine scratches everywhere. These tiny etchings were spreading light in different directions, making the surface look worn—even though the wood itself was fine underneath.
Mr Sander® explains it well: even though baking soda is mild, its gritty texture still wears down protective layers when scrubbed in. It’s not just cleaning—it’s sanding in slow motion.
Wood Furniture Isn’t Safe Either
This doesn’t stop with floors. I’ve seen damage to tables, dressers, and cabinets too. A client once used baking soda to clean her oak dining table. She thought it would remove stains. Instead, it scratched the polished surface. Southern Living warns about this too: baking soda can scratch wood furniture, especially polished finishes. It may remove surface dirt—but it also removes shine.
What Cleaning Experts Say
It’s not just professionals like me. Even major cleaning sources have issued warnings. Tom’s Guide says baking soda is too rough for wood. It damages sealants and can even warp hardwood when mixed with moisture.
I’ve seen this in homes with cherry wood, maple, and oak floors. Once the sealant is gone, even small spills can seep in and cause cupping or bending. And in some cases, you’ll need full sanding and refinishing just to fix it.
Other Common Mistakes People Make
Baking soda isn’t the only thing to watch out for. Here are a few more cleaners that can cause just as much harm:
- Vinegar – it’s too acidic and wears away finish quickly
- Steam mops – they push moisture deep into the wood seams
- Scrubbing pads – even “non-scratch” types can damage the surface
- Oil soaps – they leave a residue that builds up and dulls the shine
I always tell my clients—if it’s not labelled for sealed wood, don’t use it. Always go with gentler options.
The Safe Cleaning Methods I Recommend
There are many safe, easy ways to clean your wood floors without damaging them. Here’s what I recommend:
Stick to These:
- Use a dry microfibre mop – it traps dust and protects the surface
- Wipe spills quickly – use a soft, damp cloth, not a soaked one
- Use pH-neutral wood floor cleaners – these protect the sealant
- Dust and sweep regularly – dirt and grit act like sand underfoot
If you’re using engineered wood, the approach is slightly different. You can follow this complete guide to cleaning engineered hardwood floors for safe, effective tips.
Want to make your own cleaner at home? Check out these homemade hardwood floor cleaner ideas that are wood-safe and easy to prepare.
If there’s something sticky, blot instead of scrubbing. And always test new products on a small area first.
Final Thoughts from a Floor Specialist
After years of working in homes, I’ve seen that most damage isn’t caused by big accidents—it’s from well-meaning people using the wrong products. Baking soda is great for some things. Tile? Perfect. Inside the fridge? Go for it. But on wood? Never.
If you want your floors to stay smooth and shiny for years, don’t scrub them with anything abrasive or acidic. Stick with products made for hardwood.
Your floor—and your wallet—will thank you. So next time you spot a scuff and think of baking soda, ask yourself: “Is this worth ruining the finish I’ve worked hard to protect?” Spoiler: it’s not.
