Cleaning and Maintaining Wood Floors

Wood floors are beautiful, but they require proper care to stay that way. Whether you have solid hardwood, laminate, or finished wood, understanding the best cleaning and maintenance practices will protect your investment and keep your floors looking their best.

Know Your Floor Type

Understanding your flooring type is crucial before choosing any cleaning method:

• Real Wood Floors: Require gentle care and minimal moisture. Avoid frequent refinishing as it removes layers of wood.
• Laminate Floors (e.g., Pergo): Typically cleaned with vinegar-water solutions and a damp mop.
• Finished Floors (e.g., Swedish or epoxy): Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines – some allow vinegar, others need pH-neutral cleaners.

Don’t Ever Wax Swedish Finish Wood Floors

Swedish finish wood is covered in an epoxy resin, that does not need and will not benefit from a wax. If using a dust mop does not shine to your Swedish finished hard wood, try using a cleaner recommended by the manufacturer.

With time and traffic, the finish will come off and the shine will become dull. Do not wax these floors, do not use wood polish. Call a specialty company and have the floor surface refinished.

Here is a true story:

My sister was the proud owner of a new home with swedish finish wood floors. When my family and I arrived to see her home, my kids went sliding and almost hit the wall because the floors were so slippery. This is not an exaggeration, this was a serious safety hazard.

After asking her what was going on with the slick surface, she disclosed that the floors were scuffed and dirty looking when she moved in and she tried every thing under the sun to make them look shiny and restore the luster. Nothing had worked, so she had finally resorted to using some kind of furniture wood polish. The oily kind that you spray on your real wood furniture.

So the oily polish on top of the epoxy made this floor worse than walking on pure ice. I explained to my sister that the wood surface was coated with an epoxy, the polish and wax would not help, and could actually harm the surface depending on whatever chemical she used.

Daily and Weekly Maintenance

Keep your floors looking great with consistent, low-impact cleaning:

• Dry Mop daily with a soft dust mop (avoid abrasive disposable cloths).
• Vacuum with care using a machine without a beater bar.
• Wear socks indoors to prevent skin oils from dulling the finish.
• Clean spills immediately to prevent staining or water damage.
• Don’t sweep – dust mop instead. Brooms can push grit that scratches the surface.

Smart Mopping Techniques

Mopping is essential but must be done carefully:

• Use a damp mop only – wring it twice to ensure it’s not too wet.
• Avoid harsh chemicals – no soaps, waxes, or detergents that can leave residue.
• Dry after mopping – shuffle a towel with your feet or wipe by hand to prevent water spots and streaks.

Approved Cleaning Solutions

• Vinegar Solution (for some floors): 1 gallon warm water + 1 capful (or 2 tablespoons) white vinegar.
• Epoxy Finished Floors: Same vinegar mix; follow up with a dry cloth.
• Unfinished Wood (Old Tip): Brew strong black tea (5–20 tea bags per 2 quarts water). Mop damply – no rinsing needed.
• Murphy’s Oil Soap: For old, unfinished hardwood only – not for sealed or finished wood.

Always use a neutral pH wood cleaner if unsure, and follow the floor manufacturer’s specific recommendations.

How to Handle Stains

Treat stains based on type:

• Crayon: Freeze and scrape with a credit card.
• Scuffs: Rub gently with mineral spirits.
• Burns: Use rubbing alcohol or a tiny bit of turpentine.
• Pet Stains: Use an enzymatic cleaner labeled safe for wood.
• Oil: Blot with towels, ice residue, and gently scrape.
• Water Spots: Try fine steel wool, then dab with clear nail polish (for small areas only).

Preventative Care Tips

Protect your floors before damage starts:

• Doormats at entrances to trap dirt.
• No shoes indoors, especially high heels or cleats that dent and scratch.
• Trim pet nails to avoid gouges.
• Use felt pads under furniture legs – and never drag furniture.
• Lay rugs in high-traffic areas to reduce wear and collect dirt.
• Avoid steam cleaners, which destroy wood finishes.
• Close blinds or curtains during peak sun hours – UV rays dry out and fade wood over time.

When to Call a Professional

For deep scratches, warping, or stubborn stains, professionals can sand, refinish, and restore your floor. But remember, sanding removes wood – so don’t overdo it.

• Waxing & Buffing: Most modern floors don’t need waxing. If yours does, hire a pro every few years to buff and wax properly – DIY can be labor-intensive and risky.

By sticking to these cleaning and care methods, you can preserve the natural beauty of your wood floors for years to come – without the need for costly refinishing or professional intervention. A little daily attention and preventive care go a long way.