The Best Way to Clean Wood Floors

Wood floors can add warmth and beauty to any home. However, keeping them looking their best requires regular cleaning and care. There are many methods for cleaning wood floors, but not all are equally effective. Here we will discuss the best practices for keeping your wood floors clean, protected, and shining.

Why Regular Cleaning is Essential

Daily cleaning is crucial for wood floors for a few key reasons:

It prevents buildup of dirt, dust, and debris that can scratch the floor over time. Small particles of grit act like sandpaper on the floor’s surface.
It stops stains from setting in. Spills that are wiped up quickly are less likely to leave a permanent mark.
It maintains the floor’s shine and luster. Regular mopping with the proper cleaning solution will keep floors looking like new.
It deters damage from footsteps. The oils from bare feet and shoes can dull the finish over time without routine cleaning.

Regular dust-mopping and mopping, along with immediate attention to spills, are the best ways to keep wood floors in excellent shape.

Supplies Needed for Cleaning Wood Floors

Having the proper supplies will make cleaning wood floors quick and effective. Here are the must-haves:

Microfiber Mops and Pads

Microfiber mops and pads are highly recommended over string mops for cleaning wood floors. The ultra-fine fibers grab and hold dirt and dust without leaving lint or scratches behind. Look for a mop with a swiveling head to reach corners and under furniture.

Dust Mop

A dry microfiber dust mop is ideal for quick daily dusting and dirt removal between full mopping. Choose one with a extendable handle to reach ceilings and ceiling fans.

Vacuum Cleaner

Use a vacuum with soft bristle or felt attachments designed for hard floors. Turn off the beater bars to avoid causing scratches. Handheld vacuums are useful for stairs, corners, and edges.

Cleaning Solution

Look for a wood floor cleaner specifically formulated for the finish you have. Oil-based soaps, vinegar solutions, and other generic cleaners can damage many wood floor types. Never use wax or acrylic finishes as cleaners.

Soft Rags and Old Socks

Have lint-free cotton cloths or microfiber cloths on hand to spot clean marks. Turn old clean socks into dusting pads.

Cleaning Methods and Frequency

With the right tools, techniques, and regular schedule, you can keep wood looking pristine. Follow these best practices for cleaning routine.

Daily Dry Dust Mopping

Use the microfiber dry dust mop or dry cloth to wipe up dust, dirt, hair, and other debris.
Get into corners, under furniture, and along edges.
Pay special attention to high traffic areas.
Dust mopping helps prevent particles from grinding into the finish.

Weekly Damp Mopping

Fill mop bucket with warm water and add a small amount of cleaning concentrate per label directions.
Working in sections, dip microfiber pad in the solution, wring out well, and mop floors.
Rinse pads frequently as they pick up dirt. Refill bucket as needed to keep water clean.
Allow floors to fully dry before walking on them.

Monthly Deep Cleaning

Vacuum floors thoroughly with hard floor attachments. Get into corners and crevices.
Fill mop bucket with warm water and cleaning concentrate. Use a higher concentration of cleaner than normal.
Mop floors section by section with very damp microfiber pad. Scrub any stubborn marks or stains.
Rinse the pad frequently and change water often to remove all residues.
Allow extra drying time after deep cleaning. Avoid walking on floors until completely dry.

As Needed Spot Cleaning

Promptly wipe up spills, muddy prints, grease spots, and other marks to prevent stains and slip hazards.
Spray cleaner solution directly on the mark to lift dirt. Blot spot with clean, soft cloth.
Avoid excessive rubbing to limit dulling the finish.
Rinse area with clean damp mop to remove cleaner residue which can attract more dirt.

Helpful Floor Cleaning Tips

Follow these additional pointers for keeping wood floors spotless:

Sweep or vacuum floors before wet mopping to remove gritty dirt and debris.
Use only cleaning products made specifically for wood flooring. Avoid multipurpose cleaners.
Test cleaners in inconspicuous areas first to ensure compatibility with finish.
Change mopping water often to prevent redepositing dirt and grime back on the floor.
Use two buckets – one for cleaner solution, one for rinse water.
Work in sections and rinse pads frequently for best results.
Always wring mops and pads very well before applying to floor.
Allow floors to fully dry after cleaning before walking on them with shoes.
Open windows or use fans to accelerate drying time.
Place walk-off mats at entrances to reduce tracked-in dirt.
Add floor protectors to furniture legs to prevent scuffing.
Maintain proper humidity levels in the home to minimize wood movement.
Don’t use rubber-backed mats which can discolor wood over time.
Avoid stepping on floors with dirty shoes. Take them off at the door.

The Best Way to Clean Different Floor Finishes

The cleaning method should be tailored to the specific finish on the wood floors to prevent damage to the coating. Here are some tips:

Unfinished Wood

Use mild soap and water solution and damp mop. Avoid excessive water.
Vinegar and water also helps remove grime. Mix 1 cup vinegar per gallon of water.
Oil soaps can help condition unfinished wood but don’t over-apply.
Allow unfinished wood to fully dry after cleaning.

Polyurethane Coatings

Use cleaners specially formulated for polyurethane finish.
A few drops of dish soap in water can be used for damp mopping.
Avoid oil soaps or acrylic finishes which can damage the protective coating.

Stain and Wax Finishes

Use a wood floor cleaner made for wax finishes.
Damp mop only. Avoid excessive moisture which can dull the shine.
Re-apply wax per label directions when floor loses luster.

Lacquered Floors

Use a wood floor cleaner specifically for lacquered finishes.
Adding a small amount of white vinegar will help cut through dirt.
Rinse pads frequently to remove all soap residues which can dull the shine.

Laminate and Engineered Wood

Use cleaner formulated for laminate or engineered wood floors.
Avoid excessive water which can seep into seams and damage flooring.
Vinegar solutions may damage laminate surfaces, so test in an inconspicuous spot first.

No matter the specific finish, be sure to read all manufacturer’s recommendations for proper cleaning and care. Performing routine maintenance is the key to keeping all wood flooring looking like new.

Common Wood Floor Cleaning Mistakes

It’s important to avoid some common mistakes that can lead to a dull, scratched floor. Be aware of these big don’ts:

Using excess water that causes swelling and warping.
Applying wax or acrylic coatings meant as sealers, not cleaners.
Mixing together cleaning products that contain ammonia and bleach creating toxic fumes.
Allowing spills and stains to set before wiping them up.
Failing to rinse floors thoroughly after cleaning leaving soap residue.
Using vacuums with beater bars or hard plastic attachments that mar the finish.
Skipping dust mopping which allows gritty dirt to grind into the surface.
Using rubber-backed mats or placing wet carpets on the floor leaving discoloration.
Not cleaning spills promptly leading to deep stains and slip hazards.

By being aware of proper techniques and avoiding these common mistakes, you can safely clean to reveal the natural beauty of your wood floors.

Extra Tips for Cleaning Wood Floor Types

Certain wood floor varieties have specialized cleaning needs. Follow these extra tips:

Engineered Wood

Use low moisture mopping. Excess water can damage adhesive and cause planks to lift.
Vinegar and water solutions may damage laminate surfaces. Test first.
Fill separations with wood filler, not wax which can discolor planks.

Bamboo Flooring

Damp mop only. Bamboo can easily be oversaturated causing warping.
Apply floor wax once or twice a year to protect bamboo’s grass fibers.
Vinegar solutions can cause light bamboo floors to yellow.

Hardwood

Dust mop aggressively to remove abrasive particles stuck in the grain.
Remove heels or shoes with metal taps that can gouge hardwood.
Clean any pet urine accidents immediately to prevent discoloration.

Maple and Beech

Add a touch of olive oil to wood soap solution to condition and protect.
Beware of dark finishes that can show fine scratches easily.

Cherry and Birch

Use a wood cleaner specifically for cherry or birch floors.
Test other products first, as some woods are prone to spotting.

With a proper routine suited to your floor type, you can keep all varieties of wood floors looking stunning.

Best Cleaners and Polishes for Wood Floors

Using the proper wood floor cleaners and polishes helps maintain protection and shine. Here are top options:

Cleaners

Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner – Gentle formula cleans without dulling finish. Great for polyurethane, wax, and lacquered floors.
Method Wood for Good Polish – Plant-based cleaner that adds shine and protection. Almond scented.
Orange-Glo Hardwood Floor Cleaner – Mild yet effective cleaner fortified with vitamin oils. Leaves a gleam without buildup.
Armstrong Once ‘n Done Resilient & Wood Floor Cleaner – Concentrated wood soap formula infused with lemon oil.
Zep Natural Wood Floor Cleaner – Non-toxic and earth-friendly pine scented cleaner.

Polishes and Conditioners

Bona Hardwood Floor Polish – Water-based formula to protect and enhance shine.
Howard Restor-A-Finish – Easy mop on wax polish to restore luster.
Orange-Glo Hardwood Floor Revive – Light polish leaves a glossy finish with Brazilian carnauba wax.
Method Wood for Good Polish – Natural polish from plant oils that conditions wood.
Clark+Kensington Floor Polish – Olive oil-infused polish nourishes and protects.

Be sure to check that the cleaner and polish formulas are compatible with your specific floor finish. Using the wrong products can lead to a hazy, dull, or scratched floor.

When to Call in a Professional

While routine cleaning can be done yourself, some situations call for hiring an expert:

Sanding and refinishing worn or damaged floors.
Deep cleaning badly soiled floors. Professionals have industrial machines.
Dealing with pet stains or water damage that seeped deep into boards.
Repairing Split, warped, or buckling floorboards.
Replacing missing or cracked pieces of flooring.
Installing new hardwood floors and finishes.
Assessing floor damage or improper installation issues.

Don’t take chances on damaging your floors with DIY fixes. Flooring professionals have specialized equipment and expertise. They can also advise on the best products and maintenance routine for your specific floors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Wood Floors

Get answers to common questions about keeping wood floors clean:

How often should you mop wood floors?

Dry dust mop daily.
Damp mop weekly.
Deep clean monthly.
Spot clean as needed.

What’s the best way to clean old wood floors?

Sweep or vacuum to remove loose dirt first.
Use a wood floor cleaner formulated for traditional wax or oil finishes.
Apply new coats of wax polish to restore luster.

Can you use vinegar and water to clean wood floors?

Yes, vinegar is OK for unfinished, polyurethane, and some laminate floors.
Mix 1 cup white vinegar per 1 gallon of warm water.
Rinse floors thoroughly to avoid vinegar residues which can yellow over time.

What removes stubborn stains from wood floors?

Rub stains with toothpaste or baking soda paste with a soft cloth.
Use a wood stain marker to camouflage spots.
Sand out deep stains and re-finish the boards.

How do you clean stained wood floors that are old and dull?

Sweep then use a deck restoration cleaner and brightener product.
Lightly sand to remove top layer of grime.
Apply new layers of stain and polyurethane finish.

Can you steam mop engineered wood floors?

Check manufacturer guidelines, as some don’t recommend steam mops.
Use lowest steam setting and dry microfiber pad only.
Avoid getting moisture in seams which can damage adhesive.

Conclusion

The best way to clean wood floors involves quick daily dry dusting, weekly damp mopping, and occasional deep cleaning. Using the proper tools and cleaners formulated for the specific floor finish will remove dirt without damaging the surface. Stop stains in their tracks and avoid common mistakes like over-wetting. With routine care, your beautiful wood floors will shine for years to come! Implement these cleaning best practices to maintain gorgeous wood flooring throughout your home.