Can't get floors clean

[NewHomeowner]

Hello everyone, I just bought a house dated 1985, it has factory finished hardwood floors. They have never been refinished. My wife and I have spent hours, day after day trying to get these floors clean to no avail. No matter how many times we wash them, the rag still looks like it did on the first go around. I am using microfiber rags and flat mops with bona oxy hardwood floor cleaner. I want to use a polish on the floors, but want to get the floors truly clean first.

Does anyone have any tips to get it so that the floors are actually clean? I have thought about buying the Bissell crosswave but I'm worried about getting them too wet.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Floorist]

You may have to have them sanded to get rid of the grime.

 

[highup]

Someone here once had very negative comments on Bona.
Might try a different brand wood floor cleaner.
I don't have a recommendation for you. I've never cleaned a wood floor.

 

[DarisMulkin]

Have you tried mineral spirits-nonflammable of coarse. That is what installers use when installing and I do my own hardwood with that in between cleanings.

 

[highup]

Hadn't thought of that. Mineral spirits is pretty gentle stuff on most surfaces. You'd want a lot of ventilation and some rubber gloves.