Knowing how to clean and maintain a wood floor properly will keep it looking its best for many years and avoid the need for expensive refinishing work. Wood floors are durable and long-lasting, but they do require some care — and using the wrong products or methods can cause more damage than neglect.
Routine Cleaning
The most important element of wood floor maintenance is regular, light cleaning. Fine grit and dirt particles tracked in from outside act as an abrasive underfoot, gradually scratching and dulling the surface finish. Sweeping or dry-mopping daily in high-traffic areas removes this grit before it can cause damage.
Use a soft-bristle broom or a dry microfibre mop for daily cleaning. Avoid stiff brushes, which can scratch the surface, and never use a vacuum with a beater bar or rotating brush head on a wood floor — the mechanical action can mark and scratch even a lacquered surface. If you use a vacuum, ensure it is set to the hard floor setting so only the suction function is active.
For a more thorough clean, use a wood floor cleaner specifically formulated for your floor's finish type. Products designed for lacquered floors differ from those for oiled floors, and using the wrong cleaner can leave residue, strip the finish, or cause discolouration over time. Apply the cleaner sparingly to a slightly damp microfibre mop — never pour liquid directly onto the floor and never use a soaking wet mop.
What to Avoid
Several common cleaning practices that work well on other floor types can harm wood floors significantly. Understanding what not to do is as important as knowing the right approach:
- Never use steam mops — the heat and moisture penetrate the wood and can cause irreversible swelling, raised grain, and finish damage
- Avoid general-purpose floor cleaners, washing-up liquid, or bleach — these can dull the finish and leave residue that is difficult to remove
- Do not use wax polishes on lacquered floors — they create a slippery surface and interfere with future refinishing
- Avoid abrasive cleaning pads or scourers — even gentle scrubbing can scratch the surface finish
- Never allow standing water on a wood floor — wipe up spills immediately and dry the area thoroughly
Protecting the Floor
Prevention is far more effective than cure when it comes to wood floor maintenance. A few simple protective measures can dramatically extend the life of the surface finish and the floor beneath it.
Place entrance mats at external doors to capture grit and moisture before they reach the floor. Felt pads fitted to the legs of all furniture — chairs, sofas, tables, beds — prevent the scratches and dents that occur when furniture is moved or rocked. Replace felt pads regularly, as they accumulate grit and become abrasive over time.
High heels concentrate significant force onto a very small area. Stiletto heels in particular can leave dents even in hardened lacquered floors. While it is not practical to ban shoes in a home, keeping stilettos away from wood floors where possible will preserve the surface considerably.
If you have pets, keep their nails trimmed. Dog nails on a wood floor create a distinctive pattern of fine scratches that accumulate quickly and dull the finish. Placing a mat or rug under food and water bowls for pets prevents splashing and pooling around those areas.
Seasonal Care
Wood floors respond to changes in seasonal humidity. In centrally heated homes during winter, humidity levels can drop significantly, causing boards to shrink slightly and gaps to appear between them. In humid summer conditions, boards may expand and press together. These seasonal movements are normal and do not indicate a problem.
Maintaining a stable indoor humidity level — ideally between 40% and 60% relative humidity — minimises seasonal movement and reduces the stresses placed on the floor. A humidifier in winter and adequate ventilation in summer help to keep conditions stable. Avoid directing heating vents directly onto the floor surface, as this creates localised drying that can cause cupping or cracking.
