How to Clean and Maintain Residential Oil-Finished Wood Floors
Oil-finished wood floors bring a touch of warmth and natural beauty to any home, but they do require special care to maintain their elegance and durability. Proper cleaning and maintenance will let you enjoy your floors' beauty for many years.
In this residential cleaning guide, we'll explain simple, effective steps to keep your oil-finished floors in top condition—from daily cleaning routines to periodic re-oiling and everything in between.
Daily Cleaning
Start by keeping your floors free of dust, dirt, and debris that can scratch or scuff the surface. Daily sweeping, vacuuming, or using a damp mop will ensure your floors stay clean and protected. Avoid using a soaking wet mop because moisture can seep into the wood and damage the finish over time. Using soft-bristle brooms or vacuum attachments will help protect the floor from scratches.
Bi-Weekly Cleaning
(Every 2 weeks)
Clean your oil-finished wood floors every two weeks with WOCA Denmark Natural Soap. This plant-based and gentle soap actually cleans the surface and protects/nourishes the wood. Once clean, the floor will have a thin, invisible protective layer on top; this prevents dirt and stains from settling inside, making further maintenance much easier.
Quarterly Maintenance
(3-4 times per year)
For deeper cleaning, reconditioning, or revitalizing the finished floor with Oil Refreshing Soap (formerly named Oil Refresher), use efficient cleaning with oil finish rejuvenation. This method rejuvenates the protective coating of your floor, renewing its sheen and extending its lifespan of beauty. The refresher oil will also keep the floor's abrasion resistance intact.
Re-Oiling Maintenance
(~5 years)
Every 3-5 years, it is required to re-oil the floors to renew the finish. Oil-finished floors require periodic re-oiling with Maintenance Oil Diamond Active (matte sheen) or Maintenance Gel (satin sheen). If the floor is factory-finished, reapplying a maintenance oil will renew the finish, giving your floors a fresh look and helping to prevent stains, dirt buildup, and moisture absorption. Follow the manufacturer's care instructions.
Additional Tips for Cleaning Residential Wood Floors
- Avoid Vinegar and Water: While vinegar is often recommended for cleaning, its acidity is too great for oil-finished wood floors, eventually damaging the finish. Always use wood-specific cleaning products for the best results.
- Sticky Residue: If your floor is sticky after cleaning, it may be due to over-cleaning or using too much soap. In this case, take a damp mop with clean water and gently wipe the surface to remove any residue.
- Removing Stubborn Stains: For more stubborn stains or spills, use WOCA Stain Remover. Follow up with a touch-up oil application to restore the protective layer and blend the stain removal seamlessly into the surrounding wood.
FAQs About Cleaning and Maintaining Oil-Finished Floors
Is it okay to clean my floor with vinegar and water?
Why is my floor is sticky after I mop with Natural Soap?
If your floors are sticky after mopping with Natural Soap, you are mopping too frequently or the soap dilution is not enough.
Damp mop with plain water to remove the sticky feeling from the floor.
I have a stain on my floor that Natural Soap can't remove. What should I do?
Can I clean my wood floor with a steam cleaner?
How to remove pet stains
Success removing pet stains varies depending on many factors. Try cleaning the affected area with Natural Soap first. Repeated cleaning with the Natural Soap may help to fade the stain with time.
WOCA Spot Remover could be successful, depending on the severity of the stain. Be sure to follow it with touch up oil to restore the oil finish.
If there is a mild black stain from pet urine, some customers have had success with treating it with Tannin Spot Neutralizer.
There are no guarantees with completely removing pet stains. The last resort would be to replace the soiled floor boards.
How to maintain oil-finished wood floors?
How should an oily floor be cleaned?
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