How to clean wooden floors: A quick guide

Wooden floors are a beautiful addition to any home and can last a lifetime when properly cared for. Keep wooden floors clean and there’s a great chance they’ll stand the test of time.

The importance of wood floor care

Whether you have engineered, hardwood or wood-effect flooring, proper wood floor care is important.

Taking care of a wood floor:

Keeps it looking good – dust and dirt can build up on a floor and make it look grubby. Cleaning keeps its natural beauty.
Makes it last longer – cleaning wood floors keeps them strong to last longer.
Can save a homeowner money – it’s cheaper to clean a wooden floor than replace it, which could potentially need to happen.

Types of wooden flooring

Wooden flooring comes in many types. Each has different features and benefits — what gets installed depends on the project needs and personal preference.

Solid hardwood

Solid hardwood flooring is made from a single, solid piece of wood, usually three-quarters of an inch thick. It comes in several types of wood, like oak, maple, cherry and walnut. It’s hardwearing and can be sanded and refinished lots of times, making it last for many years. It gives the room a classic, timeless look.

Wood-look flooring

Wood-look flooring looks like natural wood but might not have any real wood in it. It includes laminate, vinyl and wood-look ceramic or porcelain tiles. Wood-look flooring is usually less expensive than real wood. It’s also easier to clean and look after, making it good for busy rooms and homes with pets and children. It can be installed in areas with lots of moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens although there are several laminate floor installation problems to be aware of if you're thinking about new flooring.

Engineered hardwood flooring

Engineered hardwood flooring has lots of wood layers. The top layer is a real hardwood veneer, and the lower layers are usually plywood or high-density fibreboard (HDF). It comes in different thicknesses. This type of wood flooring is more stable than solid hardwood and is less likely to expand or contract. You can install it in basements and over concrete slabs. It looks like natural wood but can be cheaper and easier than caring for hardwood floors.

How often should you clean wood flooring?

How often you clean wood flooring depends on where the flooring is, its type and if there are any pets. In general, you should do the following:

Daily
Sweep or dry mop – this gets rid of loose dirt, dust and debris and stops particles from scratching the floor when walked over.

Weekly
Damp mop – a weekly damp mop removes more stubborn dirt.

Monthly
Deep clean – a monthly deep clean should be carried out if the floor is in a busy place or gets quite dirty. This could mean using special wood floor cleaning products and equipment.

Every few months
Maintenance check – pencil in a seasonal maintenance check of wood flooring to look for wear and tear, loose floorboards and squeaks. Use wooden floor polish or wax if needed.

As needed
Spot clean – remove spills and stains as soon as possible to stop more damage.

How to clean wooden floors

These steps might change depending on the flooring type and cleaning products. However, this is a good general guide to follow.

Get your supplies

These are the things you’ll probably need to have to hand:

Broom or dust mop
Microfibre mop
Wood floor cleaner
Warm water
Bucket
Wood flooring treatment
Soft, clean cloth for applying treatment
Towels or microfibre cloths for drying

Clear the area
Start by removing furniture and other objects from the area being cleaned. This gives you good access to the floor.

Dust and sweep
Before using any moisture on wooden floors, removing loose dirt, dust and debris is important. Sweep or use a dust mop to pick up these items. You could also use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to gently vacuum the floor.

Damp mop
Dampen a microfibre mop with a wood floor cleaning product and water. Wring it out so it’s only damp, not soaking wet — lots of water can damage wooden floors. Mop the floor toward the wood grain to stop it from going streaky. Work in small sections and try keep the solution from sitting on the floor too long. Dip the mop in the cleaner as needed.

Dry
After mopping, use clean, dry towels or microfibre cloths to dry the floor. This is important as too much moisture can damage the wood and its finish.

Use wooden flooring treatments
If the manufacturer recommends it or a floor needs it, you can use a wood floor polisher or treatment after cleaning. A wood floor wax can also protect the hardwood’s looks. Follow the product’s instructions carefully and use a clean, soft cloth or brush to apply it.

Wooden floor maintenance tips

When it comes to looking after wooden floors, cleaning and maintenance go hand-in-hand. These are some of the things you can do to make sure a wood floor stays in good condition.

Regularly spot clean
Clean up spills and stains straight away using a soft, clean cloth or paper towel. Be gentle to avoid scratching the finish and use a wood floor cleaner if you need to.

Use doormats, rugs and pads
Doormats at a home’s entrances will trap dirt, dust and moisture before it reaches the wood floors. Rugs and runners can be used in busy places to protect the floor from wear and tear.

Protective pads underneath feet are a good idea for heavy appliances or furniture that isn’t moved often. This helps prevent dents and damage.