The Bona hardwood floor cleaner refill is one of the most purchased hardwood floor care products in North America, and for good reason. Bona’s water-based formula is recommended by more hardwood flooring manufacturers than any other brand. But with multiple refill sizes, concentrate options, and similar-looking products on the shelf, choosing the right one can get confusing.
We have used Bona products on client floors for over two decades and stocked them in our showroom the entire time. This guide covers everything you need to know about refilling your Bona spray mop, getting the best value per use, and whether the alternatives are worth considering.
Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner Product Overview
Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner is a water-based, pH-neutral formula that cleans polyurethane-finished hardwood floors without leaving residue, streaks, or dulling buildup. The formula is GREENGUARD Gold certified for low chemical emissions and is safe for homes with children and pets once dry.
The cleaner is designed for the Bona Premium Spray Mop system but works equally well applied with any flat microfiber mop. It dries fast, typically within a few minutes, and does not require rinsing. This makes it practical for quick daily cleaning without the risk of over-wetting your hardwood.
Bona’s formula has remained largely consistent over the years, which speaks to its effectiveness. It contains no wax, ammonia, or harsh detergents. The cleaner works on all types of unwaxed, polyurethane-finished hardwood including solid and engineered. It should not be used on wax-finished, oiled, or unfinished wood floors.
Refill Options and Sizes
The Bona hardwood floor cleaner refill comes in several sizes and formats to fit different cleaning needs and budgets.
Ready-to-Use Refill Cartridge (34 oz)
This is the standard refill cartridge that snaps directly into the Bona Premium Spray Mop. No measuring or mixing required. Simply pop the old cartridge out and insert the new one. Priced at $8 to $10 per cartridge. Each cartridge covers approximately 1,000 to 1,200 square feet of cleaning.
Ready-to-Use Refill Bottle (128 oz / 1 gallon)
The gallon refill jug is the most popular option for homeowners who clean frequently. Use it to refill the spray mop cartridge or apply with a separate microfiber mop. Priced at $18 to $24 per gallon. One gallon provides roughly 4,000 to 4,500 square feet of cleaning coverage.
Ready-to-Use Refill Bottle (36 oz)
A mid-size bottle for those who do not want to store a full gallon. Priced at $7 to $9 and covers about 1,100 square feet. This size is convenient but offers the worst per-ounce value.
Bona PowerPlus Hardwood Floor Deep Cleaner (160 oz)
This is Bona’s heavy-duty formula for deep cleaning, not the same as their regular cleaner. It has a stronger concentration for removing built-up dirt, grime, and old polish residue. Priced at $22 to $28. Use this for periodic deep cleaning, not for daily maintenance.
Bona Concentrate Hardwood Floor Cleaner (4 oz)
The concentrate is mixed with water to create your own ready-to-use solution. One 4-ounce bottle makes approximately 128 ounces (1 gallon) of cleaner. Priced at $5 to $7, making it the most economical option per gallon of cleaning solution.
Concentrate vs Ready-to-Use
This is the most important decision when buying a Bona hardwood floor cleaner refill. Both clean equally well, but cost and convenience differ significantly.
Ready-to-use is pre-mixed at the correct dilution. Pour it in your mop cartridge and start cleaning. No measuring, no mixing, no chance of getting the concentration wrong. The gallon jug is the best value in ready-to-use form. Ideal for homeowners who want zero hassle.
Concentrate saves money but requires mixing. You add the concentrate to water in the correct ratio and shake to combine. Getting the dilution right matters because too much concentrate leaves residue and too little reduces cleaning effectiveness. The cost savings are substantial at roughly 40 to 50 percent less per gallon of finished cleaner compared to buying ready-to-use.
Our recommendation for most homeowners: buy the gallon-size ready-to-use refill. It offers a good balance of value and convenience. If you clean your floors more than twice a week or have a large home over 2,000 square feet, the concentrate offers meaningful savings that justify the minor extra effort of mixing.
Cost Per Use Breakdown
Understanding the true cost per cleaning session helps you choose the most economical Bona hardwood floor cleaner refill option.
34-oz refill cartridge: At $9 per cartridge covering 1,100 square feet, the cost per cleaning of a 300-square-foot room is about $2.45. For a 1,000-square-foot floor area, one cartridge covers roughly one full cleaning at $9 per session.
128-oz gallon jug: At $21 per gallon covering 4,200 square feet, the cost per cleaning of a 300-square-foot room drops to about $1.50. This represents a 39 percent savings over the cartridge refill.
4-oz concentrate: At $6 per bottle making 128 ounces of cleaner covering 4,200 square feet, the cost per cleaning of a 300-square-foot room is roughly $0.43. That is an 82 percent savings compared to the cartridge.
Over a year of weekly cleaning, a homeowner with 1,000 square feet of hardwood spends approximately $468 using only cartridges, $252 using the gallon jug, or $72 using concentrate. The annual difference between the most and least expensive options is nearly $400, making the concentrate a worthwhile choice for frequent cleaners.
Where to Buy Bona Refills
Bona products are widely available both online and at brick-and-mortar retailers. Here are the best places to find competitive prices on Bona hardwood floor cleaner refills.
Amazon typically offers the best prices, especially on the gallon jug and multi-packs. Subscribe and Save discounts add another 5 to 15 percent off. Prime members get free shipping on all sizes.
Home Depot and Lowe’s stock the full Bona lineup in store and online. Prices are generally at or near MSRP but buying in store avoids shipping costs and lets you grab a refill same day.
Target and Walmart carry the most popular sizes (cartridge and gallon) at competitive prices. Walmart often matches or beats Amazon pricing on individual bottles.
Bona.com sells direct and occasionally runs promotions or bundles not available at retailers. Their site also offers the widest selection including specialty formulas.
Avoid buying Bona products from unknown third-party sellers at heavily discounted prices. Counterfeit Bona products have been reported, and a knockoff formula can damage your hardwood finish. Purchase from authorized retailers to ensure you get the genuine product.
Proper Dilution for Concentrate
If you choose the concentrate, getting the dilution right ensures proper cleaning performance and prevents residue buildup on your hardwood floors.
The standard dilution ratio is 1 part Bona concentrate to 32 parts water. For the 4-ounce concentrate bottle, mix the entire contents with 128 ounces (1 gallon) of clean water. Use room-temperature or cool water, not hot, as hot water can affect the formula’s performance.
Mix in a clean gallon container. An empty, thoroughly rinsed milk jug or the original Bona gallon refill jug works well. Add the water first, then the concentrate, and shake gently to combine. Label the container clearly to avoid confusion.
Do not add extra concentrate thinking it will clean better. Over-concentrated solution leaves a sticky film on your floors that attracts dirt and dulls the finish. If the standard dilution is not cutting through heavy soil, use Bona’s PowerPlus deep cleaner for that specific cleaning session rather than increasing the regular cleaner’s concentration.
Mixed solution has a shelf life of about six months. Make only what you will use within that timeframe. Store the mixed solution in a cool, dark place with the lid tightly sealed.
How to Refill Your Bona Spray Mop
Refilling the Bona spray mop cartridge from a larger jug is straightforward and saves money over buying individual cartridges.
Step 1: Remove the empty cartridge from the mop by pressing the release button and sliding it out of the handle mount.
Step 2: Locate the fill cap on the top of the cartridge. On newer Bona cartridges, this is a screw-off cap. On older models, you may need to pry off a small plug with a flathead screwdriver.
Step 3: Rinse the empty cartridge with clean water before refilling. This removes any residue and prevents buildup inside the cartridge that could clog the spray mechanism.
Step 4: Fill the cartridge with Bona ready-to-use cleaner or properly diluted concentrate. Use a small funnel to avoid spills. Fill to about 90 percent capacity to leave room for the liquid to move when the mop is tipped.
Step 5: Replace the fill cap securely and wipe the outside of the cartridge dry. Snap it back into the mop and test the spray trigger to confirm proper operation.
Each cartridge can be refilled 10 to 15 times before the spray mechanism wears out. If the spray becomes uneven or weak, replace the cartridge with a new one. Replacement cartridges are available empty from Bona for about $5.
Bona Alternatives Worth Considering
While Bona is our go-to recommendation, several alternatives perform well and may better suit certain preferences or budgets.
Method Squirt + Mop Wood Floor Cleaner ($5 to $8): A plant-based, non-toxic formula with a pleasant almond scent. Cleans well and dries without residue. A good budget alternative, though it does not clean quite as thoroughly as Bona on heavy soil.
Murphy Oil Soap ($4 to $7): A classic wood cleaner that has been around for generations. The concentrate version is extremely economical. However, Murphy’s can leave a slight film over time if used excessively. Use it monthly rather than weekly on hardwood.
Black Diamond Wood and Laminate Floor Cleaner ($10 to $14 per gallon): A professional-grade cleaner that rivals Bona in cleaning performance at a slightly lower price. Ready-to-use formula with no residue. Less widely available in stores but readily found online.
Rejuvenate Floor Cleaner ($7 to $10 per 32 oz): Pairs well with Rejuvenate’s polish products. Effective cleaner that does not interfere with future polish applications. Slightly more expensive per ounce than Bona but worth it if you use the full Rejuvenate system.
Whichever product you choose, stick with one brand. Switching between cleaners with different chemical bases can cause buildup, streaking, or compatibility issues on your hardwood finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean hardwood floors with Bona?
For most households, cleaning with Bona hardwood floor cleaner once a week is sufficient. High-traffic areas like kitchens and entryways may benefit from cleaning twice a week. Between wet cleanings, sweep or dust mop daily to remove grit and prevent scratches. Over-cleaning with any wet product can dull the finish over time, so stick to a reasonable schedule.
Can I use Bona hardwood floor cleaner on engineered hardwood?
Yes, Bona hardwood floor cleaner is safe for all engineered hardwood with a polyurethane finish. It is also safe on bamboo, cork, and laminate floors. Do not use it on wax-finished floors, unfinished wood, or oiled wood floors, as the formula is designed for sealed surfaces only.
Does Bona cleaner leave a residue on hardwood floors?
When used at the correct dilution, Bona hardwood floor cleaner leaves no visible residue. If you notice a film or dullness after cleaning, you are likely using too much product per spray, over-concentrating the solution, or not wringing out the mop pad enough. Use a light mist and a damp (not wet) microfiber pad for the best results.
Is the Bona concentrate the same formula as the ready-to-use?
Yes, the Bona concentrate produces the same formula as the ready-to-use product when diluted correctly. The cleaning agents, pH level, and surfactants are identical. The only difference is that you add the water yourself rather than buying pre-mixed solution. Performance is the same as long as you follow the 1:32 dilution ratio.
Can I put vinegar or other cleaners in my Bona spray mop?
Bona does not recommend using non-Bona products in their spray mop system. Vinegar and other acidic cleaners can corrode the spray mechanism and damage the mop’s internal components. More importantly, vinegar can dull polyurethane finishes on hardwood floors over time. If you prefer a different cleaner, use it with a separate mop rather than through the Bona spray system.
Prefer to explore on your own?
See how new flooring looks in your actual room in seconds — free, no signup.
Try the free Floor Studio →
