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I've had wood floors in every home I've ever lived in. Whether it's old, broken-in oak or brand new laid maple floorboards, it's important to know how to limit scratches, reduce water damage, and keep them clean.
Simply put, clean floors last longer and look better.
We've adopted a few smart habits (and the right tools) to make it easier. As such, cleaning wood floors can be a quick, routine chore that keeps the floorboards looking great and preventing expensive repairs.
Pay Attention to What Damages Your Hardwoods
Wood is durable, but it's no friend to moisture, friction, and harsh chemicals. "Hardwood floors are a timeless investment in any home that require proper care and preventative maintenance to keep them looking their best," highlighted Stacey Gustafson, Bona Cleaning and Flooring Expert. "With the right cleaning habits and maintenance approach, homeowners can preserve their floors’ natural shine and keep them looking beautiful for years to come.”
Dirt is also a leading enemy; it acts like sandpaper under shoes. Too much liquid can soak into seams.
1. Choose a Safe Cleaner
Strong cleaners can dull or strip the finish.
“Use a water-based cleaner specifically formulated for wood floors," recommends Gustafson as she highlights Bona’s pH-neutral Hardwood Floor Cleaner, a product I've used for over a decade (even in my iRobot mop).
If you're shopping around, remember to look at the ingredients: "Avoid cleaners with harsh ingredients like ammonia, petroleum, phosphates, phthalates, and parabens, and steer clear of DIY solutions with vinegar, acetone or bleach, which can damage the floor’s finish.”
2. Use the Right Mop (PSST, It's Microfiber)
“Ditch the traditional string mop and opt for a microfiber mop instead," shared Gustafson. "Great examples include Bona’s Premium Hardwood Spray Mop and Multi-Surface Sweep & Clean Mop."
Why microfiber? Microfiber is much better than traditional string mops at lifting stubborn dirt and grime. They're also easier to wash and reuse; the washable mop head I use claims that it can be laundered 500x, and I'd bet it'll last longer than that.
Microfiber mops also use less water which helps maintain your floors and protect them against damage like warping or water stains.
3. Avoid Over-saturating Your Floors
“Excess moisture can be your wood floor’s worst enemy," reminds Gustafson. "Avoid using too much cleaner or large amounts of water when cleaning, as oversaturating your floors can also cause the floor’s finish to become dull over time, and can even lead to swelling, warping or cracking.”
Pro tip: Use a spray mop. It'll be much easier to limit the amount of liquid on your floors so you can make them shine without over-saturating or causing streaks and spots.
How to Clean Wood Floors on a Regular Basis
Consistency beats deep cleaning. An easy routine keeps dirt from building up underfoot and scratching the surface.
- Dust mop or sweep every day. We know this sounds excessive, but focus on entryways and the rooms you're in the most. A daily sweep is enough to remove grit, crumbs, and pet hair.
- Use a microfiber or spray mop weekly. Keep your mop filled with a wood floor cleaner so you're ready to go.
- Spray cleaner directly onto the mop pad or floor, not into a bucket. Spray mop FTW. The cleaner needs to hit the floor and collect on the mop pad quickly.
- Mop in the direction of the boards/wood grain for a more even clean.
- Let floors air-dry; they should dry within minutes. If they don't dry quickly, you've used too much moisture.
Cleaning Spills and Sticky Spots
Spills happen, and reaction time matters. A few tips to keep in mind:
- Wipe liquid right away with a soft, dry cloth.
- For sticky residue, use a damp microfiber cloth with a small amount of wood floor cleaner.
- Never (ever) scrape with metal tools or scrub pads.
- If something dries hard, let the cleaner sit briefly to loosen it, then wipe gently.
Prevent Damage on Wood Floors Over Time
Cleaning helps, but prevention does more of the heavy lifting:
- Scratches can't be reversed! Place felt pads under chair and table legs! Trim your pet's nails!
- Use doormats at entrances to catch grit and moisture. Shout-out to our favorite doormats! And/or, remove your shoes so you aren't tracking in dirt.
- Keep indoor humidity steady to limit wood movement. If it's too humid, they could begin cupping.
Can You Fix Water Damage Wood Floors?
Light water damage, like small stains or minor cupping, can sometimes be fixed once the area dries fully. Improving airflow and lowering humidity often helps boards relax back into place.
Deeper damage, like buckling or dark stains that sink into the wood, usually require refinishing, and if you're not up to trying that yourself, you'll need to hire a pro.
If the damage was caused by a burst pipe or other unavoidable peril, remember to photograph the evidence and see if your homeowners insurance will cover repairs.
Can steam mops be used on wood floors?
Don't do it! Steam forces heat and moisture into seams and the finish. Over time, that can cause dulling, warping, or cracking. Most flooring manufacturers advise against steam on wood surfaces.
