How to Clean Wood Flooring

Once your wood flooring has been installed you’ll be able to feel its delightful texture underfoot and enjoy the warm sense of nature a wood finish brings to your home. However, like all natural substances, wood is susceptible to wear and tear. To ensure it always looks its best and lasts longer, here are some steps you can take to protect it…

Light Cleaning

Regular sweeping with a soft bristled broom will get rid of dust and rogue bits of grit on your wood floor which could cause damage if allowed to accumulate. You can also vacuum – ideally with a soft brush attachment to avoid scratching. Just remember that a gentle touch is the best way to clean your wood floor.

Mopping

Wetness can damage a hardwood floor so always use a well-wrung mop when cleaning, taking care to remove excess liquid immediately. We have developed a Floor Cleaner solution for safe use on wood floors. Formulated for an oiled or urethane finish, frequent use will help to maintain your floor’s lovely finish.

Despite what you might read online, do not use water and vinegar, soap-based cleaner, wax or steam cleaners on your wood floor. These can dull the floor’s finish, leave an ugly residue or subject your floor to excessive heat and water which could lead to long-term damage.

For a Deeper Clean

If you have an oiled floor, regular vacuuming and well-wrung mopping will protect its beautiful look and feel. But for a deeper clean now and again, use Woodpecker One Coat Soap. This clever product will clean your floor and form a protective film, helping to build its surface resistance over time and make your floor even easier to clean.

Floor Mats

When it comes to taking care of your wood floor, the natural place to start is at the door, and a good quality floor mat will catch dirt and grit, preventing damage further into your home. Grit underfoot is like sandpaper, scratching the floor’s finish, so consider fitting Woodpecker Coir Matting which provides a barrier to wet and dirty feet.

Rugs or Carpet Runners

We know that the last thing you want to do is cover up the beautiful texture of your natural wood floor, but sometimes prevention is better than the cure. Consider rugs or carpet runners for high footfall areas such as doorways, halls and stairs. Just make sure that the mats you choose are suitable for a wood floor as rubber-backed mats can trap moisture and cause damage.

Furniture

Never drag furniture or other objects across your wood floor – it can easily result in unsightly dents or scratches. Woodpecker offers a variety of felt protectors and castor cups that enable you to move furniture easily without marking your floor.

Shoe Rules

Avoid wearing heavy shoes or work boots when stepping onto your natural wood floor. High heels, and stilettos in particular, should be avoided. They exert a huge amount of pressure that easily dents or marks even the toughest of wood floors.

Spillages

Liquid is the enemy to your wood floor so mop up any spilled drinks and never allow water or other liquids to sit for any length of time. The odd drop may not hurt, but excessive amounts of water will cause lasting damage.

Sunlight

It’s thrilling to see the sun illuminating a wood floor, filling the room with natural light and warmth. Yet sunlight will naturally help the wood’s color to mellow, so be aware of this and move rugs, mats and furniture regularly to ensure an even maturing of color. Dark woods like Walnut are more susceptible to fading, which is worth considering when you choose your wood flooring.

Pets

Nothing’s more natural than a dog or cat curled up by the fire, asleep on your wood floor. But remember to keep your pet’s claws trimmed to prevent scratches and if there are any ‘accidents’ make sure they’re cleaned up fast.

Head to our Resources page for more handy information about wood flooring.