A viral cleaning hack that uses dishwasher tablets has prompted a warning from an expert, who says the method could cause costly damage to wooden flooring.
The hack, popular on social media, involves dissolving a dishwasher tablet in hot water and using the solution to clean items such as ovens and skirting boards. While it may remove grease in the kitchen, the cleaning agents are not designed for timber surfaces, according to Lucas Lar, director and wood technology engineer at Made of Wood.
Dishwasher tablets too strong for timber
Lar said the method should never be used on wooden floors. He explained: "Dishwasher tablets are designed to remove grease and stains inside a dishwasher. They're powerful cleaning products, but they're not supposed to be used on wooden floors."
He added that many tablets contain ingredients stronger than needed for floor cleaning. "Repeated use could gradually dull or weaken certain finishes, leaving the floor looking tired long before its time."
Wooden flooring depends on its protective finish to resist everyday wear and tear. Harsh cleaning products can strip away that protection, potentially resulting in expensive maintenance or refinishing work.
Lar said: "With most wooden flooring, the protective coating is what you're maintaining. Whether it's lacquer, oil or hardwax oil, that finish acts as a barrier against everyday wear. Using harsh cleaning products can reduce its lifespan, meaning the floor may require maintenance or refinishing sooner than expected."
Water and moisture risks
Water is another concern. The online hack typically recommends mixing the tablet with a bucket of hot water, but excessive moisture can damage wooden flooring over time.
Lar warned: "Many online hacks recommend dissolving a dishwasher tablet in a bucket of hot water, but excessive moisture is one of the biggest enemies of wooden flooring. If too much water is left sitting on the surface or works its way into joints between boards, it can contribute to swelling, warping or movement over time."
The safe way to clean wooden floors
Instead, Lar recommends using a cleaner made specifically for wooden floors. He said: "A pH-neutral cleaner designed for wooden floors is usually the safest choice because it removes dirt without unnecessarily affecting the floor's protective finish. It's also important to use a well-wrung mop rather than soaking the floor."
He added: "Wood flooring is designed to last for decades when it's cared for properly. So before you try any cleaning hack you've seen online, remember that a single dishwasher tablet may seem like a cheap and clever trick, but if it affects the finish of your flooring, it can end up being a very expensive mistake."
