Bona Power Plus Vs. Original: In-Depth Differences

If you’ve ever spent time scrubbing your hardwood floors only to see streaks or feel stickiness afterward, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. 

That’s exactly why I put Bona Power Plus and Bona Original head-to-head—to help you figure out which one is truly worth your money and effort. 

Whether you’re dealing with daily grime or deep-seated dirt, this article will walk you through how each formula performed in my home. 

By the end, you’ll know which Bona product suits your lifestyle and flooring needs best.

Comparison Table: Bona Power Plus Vs. Bona Original

My Experience Using Bona Power Plus and Bona Original

Before I even opened the bottles, I had high expectations. Bona is one of those brands that seems to have earned a permanent spot in every home-cleaning aisle.

The first time I tried Bona Original, it was out of convenience. I grabbed it at the store during a weekend cleanup frenzy.

I live in a house with a big dog and two active kids, which means the floors take a real beating.

The Bona Original spray did a good job keeping the dust and surface smudges in check. It left my floors looking clean without a sticky aftermath, and the scent was practically nonexistent—which I liked.

But then came the chaos of a holiday party: muddy footprints, sticky juice spills, and mystery gunk that had no business being on my floor. That’s when I decided to pull out the big guns—Bona Power Plus.

Let me tell you, the first thing I noticed about Power Plus was how different it felt during application. The solution felt more ‘active.’ You could see it foaming slightly when sprayed, which gave me a weird sense of satisfaction like it was working extra hard. I paired it with the recommended Bona Power Plus Microfiber Deep Clean Pad and got scrubbing.

The difference was immediate. Built-up grime that had refused to budge with the Original cleaner started lifting. The slightly oxygenated formula gave the whole floor a refreshed glow. And even better? The house still smelled clean two hours later.

Now, that’s not to say Bona Power Plus is perfect. It’s a bit pricier, and if you spray too much, it can leave a little bit of a cloudy residue. You have to be precise with it, unlike the Original, which is more forgiving.

In short, I now use both. Bona Original is my go-to for quick refreshers—especially midweek when the mess isn’t too intense. Bona Power Plus is my once-a-week savior, or my emergency cleaner after high-traffic events. If you want a full-spectrum solution, I honestly think using both gives the best results.

Pros and Cons of Bona Power Plus

• Superior Cleaning Strength: This is where Bona Power Plus truly shines. It’s formulated with an oxygenated blend that digs deep into the surface without damaging the finish of your wood floors. I’ve tackled everything from dried juice to embedded dirt, and it always delivers a visibly better clean than the Original version.
• Deep Penetration Action: Unlike the original formula, Power Plus uses an enhanced degreaser. That means it doesn’t just wipe away surface dirt—it lifts the kind of grime you didn’t know was still clinging to your floors. The foam activation gives a mild bubbling effect, which I find super effective during heavier cleaning jobs.
• Fast Drying Time: One thing I absolutely can’t stand is walking across a floor and leaving footprints because the cleaner didn’t dry fast enough. With Power Plus, drying time is around 10 minutes max, even in humid conditions. That’s not bad for a formula that’s more potent than standard sprays.
• Mild Scent with Lasting Effect: The scent is subtle and pleasant—nothing overpowering—but it lingers just enough to make the whole room feel freshly cleaned. The Original is almost scentless, which some people might prefer, but I personally like that “clean” smell Power Plus leaves behind.
• Residue Risk if Overused: This is the trade-off. While Power Plus does more, it also demands more care. Overuse can leave a hazy layer that needs buffing out. If you’re the type who tends to overspray, you’ll need to get the ratio just right.
• Price Point: It costs a little more than the Original, but I think it’s fair considering its enhanced capabilities. That said, I wouldn’t use it daily because that would add up quickly.
• Best for Periodic Use: I recommend Power Plus for weekly cleanings or special occasions. It’s not something I’d want to rely on daily, mostly due to cost and the need for a specific pad for best results.

Pros and Cons of Bona Original

• Perfect for Daily Use: The Original cleaner is exactly what you want for everyday messes. Quick spills, dusty footprints, pet tracks—it handles these effortlessly without needing scrubbing or extra tools.
• No Residue Left Behind: This formula is super forgiving. Even when I overdo it (which happens often), it dries clear and doesn’t leave behind any film or haze.
• Safe on Multiple Surfaces: While I’ve only used it on sealed hardwood, I’ve heard plenty of homeowners use it on tile and laminate too. It’s versatile, which is great if you don’t want multiple products cluttering your cabinet.
• Very Fast Drying: It’s dry in under 5 minutes, and I’ve never had to go back to buff or mop again.
• Extremely Gentle Formula: The water-based, pH-neutral formulation makes it an ideal cleaner if you’re worried about damaging your floor finish. I use it confidently without fear of stripping or discoloration.
• Subtle to No Scent: If you’re scent-sensitive or just prefer your house to smell like…nothing, this is your match.
• Less Effective on Deep Grime: Here’s where it falls short. For built-up dirt or sticky spills, it often takes multiple passes or leaves faint marks behind.
• Better Value for Daily Cleaning: Because it’s cheaper and more forgiving, it’s the kind of cleaner I always keep stocked in bulk for everyday use.

Maintenance Tips for Both Cleaners

• Stick to Microfiber: For either formula, avoid using generic mop heads. Stick with Bona’s microfiber pads. Power Plus especially works best with the Deep Clean pad.
• Avoid Overspraying: Less is more. Use short, targeted sprays rather than soaking an area. Power Plus is particularly potent—spraying too much can leave residue.
• Work in Small Sections: Don’t try to clean an entire room in one go. Spray and mop one small section at a time. This ensures even application and quick drying.
• Use the Right Pad: For Power Plus, you’ll want to use the Deep Clean Microfiber Pad with scrubbing zones. For the Original, a standard microfiber pad works just fine.
• Schedule Regular Deep Cleans: Use the Original weekly and Power Plus every 2–3 weeks, or more frequently if you have pets or host guests often.
• Always Store Upright: This might sound silly, but I’ve had bottles leak in storage when laid sideways. Keeping the cleaner upright also helps maintain spray pressure.
• Never Mix with Other Cleaners: Don’t use vinegar or soap-based products in between. It can mess with the finish or cause chemical reactions.

Also Read: Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner

Bona Power Plus Vs. Other Brands

• Bona Power Plus Vs. Method Hardwood Floor Cleaner

Bona Power Plus felt stronger and more purposeful than Method’s wood cleaner. While Method smells great and handles light jobs, it lacks the stain-lifting strength I need for real messes. Bona Power Plus outperforms it, especially in high-traffic zones.

• Bona Original Vs. Murphy’s Oil Soap

Murphy’s is a classic, and it’s got a reputation for rich wood conditioning. But it also tends to leave behind a residue that feels waxy. Bona Original, on the other hand, gives a cleaner finish and doesn’t attract dust the way Murphy’s sometimes does. It’s easier to use consistently without worrying about buildup.

• Bona Power Plus Vs. Swiffer WetJet Wood

Swiffer wins on convenience, no doubt. But when it comes to actual cleaning power, Bona Power Plus has more depth. Swiffer is okay for spills but doesn’t pull up grime as effectively. Plus, the cost of refills adds up fast compared to a bottle of Bona.

• Bona Original Vs. Rejuvenate Floor Cleaner

Rejuvenate tries to be both a cleaner and polish, which sounds great but leads to over-application issues. It left my floors slippery once. Bona Original keeps things simple and safer—no polishing layer, just clean.

Also Read: My Thoughts On Floor and Decor

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

If you’re like me and need both an everyday solution and a heavy-duty cleaner, you really don’t have to choose between Bona Power Plus and Original—just use both for what they’re meant to do. 

I trust Bona products in my home because they’re effective, safe, and consistent. Whether you’re cleaning after a busy day or prepping for guests, having both options makes floor care feel less like a chore and more like a win.