Helpful Hints for Cleaning Your Hardwood Floor

Wooden floors are beautiful to look at, but they take a bit of work to keep them that way. Dirt, grit, and pet hair build up fast on wooden flooring, particularly in high-traffic areas. Apart from making the floor look dirty, these particles can scratch your floor’s beautiful wood surface if you don’t address them quickly.

The good news is that wooden floors don’t need professional help or expensive products for maintenance. Regular cleaning with the right techniques will keep your timber looking great for years to come. 

Here at Quicksand Flooring, we know what it takes to keep timber floors looking their best. We’ll give you the inside scoop on proper wooden floor care – from mopping techniques to some common mistakes to avoid.

How Often and When to Clean Wooden Floors

As a general rule, wooden floors require cleaning once a week, but it all depends on how much activity your floor sees. Busy areas with more foot traffic accumulate dirt, hair, and grime faster than other areas, so you might want to clean them more often. 

Daily care makes a big difference. Clean up spills as soon as they happen, and do a quick sweep or vacuum to get rid of all the fine grit and dust that can scratch and wear on wooden floors. 

For your weekly maintenance, add in a microfibre mop, but be careful not to saturate your floors. Make sure you wring out moisture from your mop before getting to work, since excess moisture can also damage wooden flooring. 

Every few months, do a more thorough check of your floors, keeping an eye out for signs of wear, scratches, and areas where the finish seems thin. Look for:

• Visible footprints or sticky patches
• Dull or faded spots that regular cleaning doesn’t fix
• Rough texture when walking

These signs show you need a deeper clean.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Wooden Floors Safely

A clean wooden floor starts with good preparation. You need to clear the area by moving furniture and other items to reach every part of your floor.

1. Remove loose dirt

Start by sweeping or vacuuming to remove dust, grit, and debris that could scratch the surface.

2. Choose the right cleaner

Use a pH-neutral or natural wood floor cleaner. Harsh chemicals or acidic solutions like vinegar can strip protective finishes and damage your floor.

3. Use a damp mop 

Lightly dampen a mop, wringing out any excess moisture. It should feel barely wet, not dripping. 

4. Clean in sections

Mop with the grain of the wood, working in small sections. You should rinse and wring the mop regularly.

5. Dry the floor

Let the floor air dry, or wipe with a clean dry cloth to prevent moisture sitting on the surface for a streak-free finish. 

Stubborn spots need a soft cloth with a gentle timber-safe cleaner instead of hard scrubbing. Spills require immediate attention – blot them with an absorbent cloth to stop moisture from seeping into the wood.

Extra Tips For Long-Term Care 

Stains

Quick action is the best defence against stubborn marks on wooden floors. Most spills need immediate blotting with a clean, absorbent cloth that stops stains and water damage. 

But some things will naturally slip through the cracks. If you find a stubborn stain, try a gentle cleaner made for timber floors, staying away from harsh chemicals and ammonia-based products that can damage your floors. 

Streaks

Those annoying streaks usually come from leftover residue when you use the wrong cleaners or dirty mop pads. Your best bet is to use microfibre pads and clean them well after each use. You can also get better results by drying your floors immediately after mopping with a clean cloth. 

How to prevent scratches 

Furniture pads protect your floors in the long run. Felt pads under chair legs stop unnecessary scratches and scuffs. Good-quality mats at every entrance catch dirt and grit before they reach your floors.

Does Your Wooden Floor Need Some Extra Care?

Wooden floors bring a sense of warmth and elegance to your home, but they need thoughtful care. It doesn’t have to be complicated – just follow these simple tips and make your timber floors part of your regular cleaning routine. 

But over time, everything from pets and kids to furniture accidents can take their toll on your wooden floors. If a simple vacuum and mop isn’t doing the trick anymore, your flooring might need some professional attention. 

As Melbourne’s timber floor specialists, Quicksand Flooring can breathe new life into your timber floors. We put over 25 years of experience to work sanding and polishing your floors to deliver a stunning finish that lasts for decades. 

If you think your wooden floors are looking a little tired, get in touch with our team for a free estimate.