August 3rd, 2021 by Sarah Miles

Frequently asked questions about keeping your wood floor looking good

Real wood floors look and feel wonderful in our homes but some worry that they are high maintenance or can damage easily. Here are all the questions we are commonly asked about caring for a wood floor:

What rooms are wood floors suitable for?

Wood floors look good in any room, but they are less practical in spaces that are most likely to encounter spills and leaks, such as bathrooms and kitchens. This is because water can really damage them and something like an overflowing bath or washing machine flood would be really undesirable. Wood floors work especially well in living rooms and hallways.

How do you clean a wood floor?

There are a couple of aspects to cleaning a wood floor. Firstly, it is best if you remove as much dust and dirt as possible daily through sweeping or vacuuming, though do so with care (see ‘How can I minimise scratching a wood floor?’ below).

To keep it hygienically clean, it’s best to wash it with water and a suitable detergent weekly. However, minimise the amount of water as much as you can as it can seep into the wood and cause lifting, warping, and staining. Dry the floor as thoroughly as you can after cleaning.

It goes without saying that you should always wipe up spills as soon as they happen.

What cleaning products can I use on a wood floor?

It’s best to avoid all harsh chemicals and cleaning products. Never use household products like bleach or anything abrasive. Instead, choose products that are either specifically formulated for wood or state that they are suitable for wood on the packaging (such as our Surface Cleaner and Disinfectant). Also avoid things like furniture polish, even though they are intended for use on wooden furniture. They can leave residues on the floor and create slip hazards.

Can you steam clean a wood floor?

This is a controversial one. Some say you shouldn’t use them because of the moisture they create and the steam that can penetrate the wood. However, many steam cleaner manufacturers state that their products are suitable for wood floors and, actually, they use very little water compared to mopping. Just check that yours is appropriate to use, move over the floor quickly and don’t linger in any one area for long, and only use detergents in it that are suitable for wood floors.

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How can I avoid scratching a wood floor?

Despite its finish (sealant, oil, varnish, stain and so on) wood can become scratched but there are plenty of measures you can take to minimise the risk.

Use protective pads under the feet of furniture and secure items like doormats (which can be abrasive) with fixing pads.

Regular sweeping/vacuuming will help, as dirt particles moving over the surface of the floor can scratch, and refrain from wearing outdoor shoes inside (especially heels).

Only use soft brushes to sweep and always make sure the vacuum is set to hard floor mode which will protect it from the brush motion. If you have pets, keep their nails clipped to an appropriate length.

What is the most common damage to a wood floor?

We have covered some of the main culprits already: water, food and drink spills, scratches, and inappropriate cleaning methods/products. Another one to watch out for is sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause fading and even cracking. Minimise this by closing curtains and blinds at the hottest parts of the day, applying UV filtering film to the windows in summer (this will also protect curtains and soft furnishings from fading), and use rugs where practical.

How often should you clean a wood floor?

This will depend on usage, but it’s recommended to sweep or vacuum every day and wash weekly (see ‘How do you clean a wood floor?’). Clean spills and stains up immediately.

Do you need to sand and refinish a wood floor?

You will need to do this periodically but don’t look at it as a chore, see it as an opportunity to get your existing floor looking like new again at a minimal cost. Taking the top layer off will remove superficial signs of damage (small scratches and stains). Just take care to refinish properly to maintain the look continue to give it the protection it needs. Remember, this is not something you can do with laminate, as this only has a thin top layer of wood.