Wood floors bring timeless beauty and a natural feel to living spaces, but cleaning them can be a nightmare.
Wood is highly susceptible to moisture, harsh chemicals, and abrasives, so it’s important to understand how to clean wood floors to avoid damage and maximize their appeal.
Do you need to deep clean your hardwood floors?
Hardwood floors don’t necessarily need a deep clean, as the finish protects them from damage. Hardwood floor surface finishes protect the actual wood from moisture, stains, and dirt, and even penetrating finishes prevent unwanted moisture.
As long as you’re diligent about cleaning up stains quickly, “spring cleaning” isn’t as intensive as it is for other types of floors.
But don’t just vacuum and sweep once every 1-2 weeks. Wood floor cleaners help keep your floors protected and restore the light shine that makes them so appealing.
How to decide on hardwood floor finishes
The first thing to do is figure out what kind of finish your wood floor has. There are two types:
- Surface finish: Surface finishes such as polyurethane or urethane cure on top of the wood fibers and provide a physical layer of protection. Light scratches and scuffs occur at the finish level, not the wood, and moisture and water are not absorbed through the top coat. These tend to look glossier and you won’t feel the deep grain when you run your hands through them.
- Penetration finish: Penetrating finishes, such as penetrating oil sealers and hard wax oils, penetrate the wood. It strengthens the wood fibers and helps keep moisture out, but there is no protective layer on top to prevent physical damage to the wood. It has a glossy finish similar to matte paint or eggshell paint, and the texture of the surface can be clearly felt.
Understanding the coating on your floor is important for several reasons. Wooden floors with a surface finish will better withstand more aggressive cleaning and water, while penetrating finishes require a lighter feel and minimal moisture.
Essential tools and products for deep cleaning your wood floors
As a rule of thumb, avoid harsh chemicals, products not specifically made for cleaning wood floors, and cleaning tools that contain abrasive substances.
Below is a list of products suitable for cleaning wood floors without causing damage.
- Vacuum cleaner with option to remove beater bar/brush roll
- 100% cotton or microfiber mop
- Soft and clean microfiber cloth
- Wood floor soap or natural dish soap
Some homeowners choose diluted white vinegar instead of wood floor soap, but this is not ideal since wood is sensitive to strong acids. A diluted natural dish detergent is better.
How to thoroughly clean hardwood floors step by step
Once you have gathered your materials, follow these steps to thoroughly clean your hardwood floors.
Pre-clean the steps to remove dust and surface debris
“You’ll want to vacuum the area first to remove all dust and dirt,” said Chris Willat, owner of Alpine Maze, a professional cleaning company based in Denver, Colorado.
Removing debris from your wood floors first will help you avoid scratches once you start cleaning. Therefore, it is recommended to dust after vacuuming and dry the mop to ensure that the wooden surface is clean.
Be sure to remove the beater bar on your vacuum cleaner. Brushes are abrasive and can wear away the surface finish or directly scratch the wood if your floor has a penetrating finish.
Mix and apply a safe cleaning solution
Next, you are ready to use the cleaning solution on your floor. If you mix it yourself, you need to be careful not to make the solution too thick. You can mix products like castile soap or wood floor soap with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
“Floor cleaning products must be free of ingredients such as formaldehyde, ammonia, petroleum, phosphates, phthalates, and parabens, meet EPA’s Safe Product Standards, and be Safe Choice certified,” says Stacey Gustafson, director of retail marketing for Bona, a floor care products manufacturer headquartered in Inglewood, Colorado. “For more severe stains, such as salt or deicer build-up on floors, look for a power-cleaning, oxygen-containing cleaning solution formulated for floors.”
Regardless of the product you choose, you should always pay attention to proper dilution. This helps maintain a healthy pH in the wood and prevents damage and discoloration.
Some wood floor soaps are commonly referred to as “squirt and mop” floor soaps and do not require mixing. In these cases, you can spray it directly on the floor and then spread it with a cotton or microfiber mop.
Proper mopping technique to avoid water damage
The goal of cleaning wood floors should be a wet mop, not a wet mop.
“Be careful not to overwater and saturate your hardwood floors,” Willat says. “Oversaturation can warp hardwood floors.”
Wood absorbs moisture easily, so using too much water increases the risk of it penetrating the finish. In that case, you may notice warping due to discoloration or expansion. If you’re using a spray-and-mop product, work in small areas at a time to avoid getting the cleaner into the wood in concentrated areas.
Mop with the wood grain to hide streaks, paying special attention to high-traffic areas where surface dirt is the most common.
Dealing with spots: dirt, grime, crevices
For light or stubborn stains, use a microfiber cloth for better results. Do not use steel wool, bristle brushes, or other abrasive cleaning tools. Using these tools can strip the finish or scratch the wood underneath.
It is best to gently rub especially on dirty areas. If that doesn’t work, you may need to hire a professional to lightly sand the area and touch up the finish. Avoid sanding the floor yourself. It’s likely to do more harm than good, and mismatched finishes will look bad.
Dry floors quickly to prevent warping
Even if you avoid wet wiping, moisture introduced during cleaning can cause the wood to warp or move slightly.
We recommend using a clean microfiber cloth or using a window or fan to provide ventilation and airflow to dry the floor. This is especially important for floors with a permeable finish, as the wood grain is less protected from surface moisture.
Troubleshooting common mistakes
Although cleaning is a relatively low-risk DIY project, there are still some pitfalls to be aware of when deep cleaning your hardwood floors.
- Avoid steam cleaners. Steam cleaners may seem like the ultimate low-water solution for cleaning wood, but they can quickly damage your floors. Because wood expands with heat and moisture, using a steam cleaner can cause the wood to move rapidly and cause it to warp.
- Limit water and moisture. Similarly, avoid getting the floor wet to prevent damage. Use enough water and cleaner to see the mopped area. Anything more than that can be a problem.
- Be sure to remove any debris before cleaning. Be sure to vacuum and dry out dirt, sand, dust, and other debris before mopping. This reduces the risk of damaging the floor and upper finishing materials.
- Avoid ammonia and other harsh detergents. Solutions with a pH other than neutral can discolor the wood. Never use ammonia, bleach, undiluted vinegar, or other strong detergents.
- Avoid all-purpose cleaners. All-purpose cleaners are usually safe for wood floors, but they won’t restore a bright shine to the surface like oil-based soaps or wood floor soaps, so the final product won’t look as good.
- Understand the downsides of waxing over polyurethane. It is possible to wax polyurethane-finished wood floors, but be careful as it can yellow over time, especially in areas exposed to sunlight.
At what point should you replace your hardwood floors?
According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), solid wood floors last more than 100 years, while engineered wood floors last more than 50 years.
The cost of replacing flooring is almost always less than the cost of refinishing, making refinishing the preferred option. However, your flooring may need to be replaced before its expected useful life if you notice any of the following:
- Severe stains or discoloration due to moisture or strong detergents
- deep gouges and scratches
- Cupping or warping that can lead to uneven floors or tripping hazards
- Wood rot or mold growth after extensive water damage
- Sagging floorboards indicating a structural problem
- After cleaning, the finish is clean and no longer shiny.
“A paper towel test will tell you if the finish was successful,” Willat added. “Mop the floor, then wipe the same area with a paper towel. If the paper towel is dirty, you’re done. The floor needs to be refinished or replaced.”
Hardwood maintenance frequency and long-term care tips
“Mop or mop your floors daily and vacuum, dust, or vacuum them regularly,” Gustafson advised. “High-traffic areas such as entryways and family rooms may require more frequent cleaning, especially during the winter months when snow, salt, and other wintry contaminants are regularly tracked indoors.”
Wood floors should be vacuumed or vacuumed at least once a week to remove dirt and other debris that may cause damage. If you live in a high-traffic area or have pets and are concerned about allergens, you may want to vacuum twice a week. Once every 1-2 weeks, give it a deep clean using the techniques above.
Here are some other tips to extend the life of your wood floors.
- Wipe up spills immediately, especially if they involve red wine or coffee.
- Use area rugs or runners in high-traffic areas to reduce wear and tear
- Polish your wooden floors three to four times a year.
- Plan to have your floors professionally sanded and refinished every 7 to 10 years.
- Use furniture pads under sofa, chair, and table legs to avoid scratches and gouges.
FAQ
What’s best for deep cleaning hardwood floors?
Wood floor soaps that are specifically designed to clean hardwood floors are your best option. They are non-abrasive and help restore a gentle shine to your flooring. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions for dilution and application, and always use sparingly to prevent the cleaner from penetrating the wood fibers.
How do I remove stains from wood floors?
First, sweep, vacuum, and dry mop the area. If the stain still persists, use a damp mop with a wood floor cleaner. If the problem persists, gently rub the stained area with a clean microfiber cloth to remove the stain. Do not use too much force as this may damage the floor.
Should I use Murphy’s Oil Soap on my hardwood floors?
Murphy’s Oil Soap is a reliable and safe cleaning product for hardwood floors, making it an excellent choice. Always follow package instructions for dilution and application. For a standard Murphy product, mix 1/4 cup of Murphy soap with 1 gallon of water, or 1/2 cup of soap per gallon for heavy stains. Apply using a cotton or microfiber mop to limit the amount of moisture that gets into the floor.
How can you make your engineered hardwood floors look like new again?
The best way to make engineered hardwood floors look like new again is to have them sanded and refinished by a professional flooring installer. However, if your floors aren’t scratched or dirty, a deep cleaning can also give them new life. Start by vacuuming, dry-wiping, and then mopping with wood floor soap.
What should you not clean hardwood floors with?
Do not clean hardwood floors with abrasive cleaning products such as steel wool or bristle brushes. These can directly scratch the finish and wood, increasing the risk of water and moisture damage. Also, avoid harsh chemicals and solutions with non-neutral pH. It can also degrade the protective finish and discolor the wood.
