Introduction
Timber floors can make any room feel warm, adding a stylish but functional touch to your space. Although timber floors are a durable option, they are challenging to maintain. It collects dirt and dust over time, so it needs regular cleaning. Moreover, it needs to be cleaned the right way to keep up its appearance and prevent any damage.
But you may wonder, "How to clean a timber floor?" Don't worry, this blog has you covered. In this comprehensive guide, you will explore different methods for cleaning timber floors and maintaining their shine for years to come.
What is Timber Flooring?
Timber flooring, sometimes also referred to as wood flooring or hardwood flooring, is a type of floor made from real wood. It gives a warm, sophisticated look to any room. Timber floors are popular because they look great and last for many years when you take care of them properly.
This flooring comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some of the most common types of timber flooring are:
Solid Timber Flooring
This type is made from a naturally cut single piece of wood. Solid timber flooring is a timeless choice, popular since 1600 due to its durability and long life. It is a great choice if you are looking for something that has a natural and earthy vibe. It can be sanded and polished many times to revive its shine.
Engineered Timber Flooring
Engineered timber has a two-layer veneer finish on top, along with multiple layers of other materials like plywood below. The veneer top makes it look just like solid timber. However, it is often more stable and can handle changes in temperature and moisture better. It is also easier to install.
Polished Timber Flooring
Polished timber flooring can be either solid or engineered, but the wood is finished with a polish or protective coating. This gives the floor a shiny, smooth surface and helps protect it from scratches and stains.
How To Clean Timber Floors? A Step-By-Step Guide
Cleaning timber floors is tricky, but it's actually pretty simple once you know the right steps. The first step in cleaning floors is to gather all the supplies and make sure to follow the instructions below to clean your timber floors and keep them looking fresh.
Avoid using any harsh chemicals that are acidic in nature, like vinegar and lemon, as they are harmful to timber floors. With the right tools, you can keep your floors looking fresh for a long time.
Material Required
- Vacuum
- Floor cleaner
- Water
- Microfiber mop
- Bucket
- Dry cloth
Step 1: Mop or Vacuum the Floor
The first step for cleaning the timber floors is to remove dust, dirt, and debris using a soft broom. You can also use a vacuum with a brush attachment. This helps prevent scratches when mopping.
Step 2: Prepare the Cleaning Solution
Take a bucket with warm water and mix a few drops of a mild timber floor cleaner. A few drops of dish soap mixed in water also work well. You can use natural cleaners to clean timber floors, but commercial cleaners are also available for tougher stains. However, avoid strong chemicals as they can damage the wood.
Step 3: Damp Mop the Floor
Take a mop and dip it into the cleaning solution. Wring it out and mop it in sections on the floor. Mop the floor gently, going with the grain of the wood. Make sure the mop is damp but not wet, as water can infiltrate the timber floor, damaging the sealants. Therefore, wring out excess water.
It is recommended to use a microfiber mop as it soaks up water well and has soft and dense fibers that prevent scratches and protect the floor's surface. You can also use an electric spray mop to apply cleaning solutions, as it lets you spray just the right amount of cleaning solution in a controlled manner.
Step 4: Rinse the Floor
After mopping, rinse the floors. For this, take a bucket of clean water and mop one more time with clean water. This step is important as it removes the residue solution so it doesn't cause streaks on the floor.
Step 5: Dry the Floor
After mopping and rinsing, it is time to dry the floor. Avoid using the space when the floor is wet and don't move the furniture back until the floor is completely dry, as it can damage the floor. You can also use a sponge mop for drying the floor as the sponge head effectively absorbs moisture without damaging the wood surface.
Step 6: Polish the Floor (Optional)
To bring back the shine, you can use a timber floor polish. Read the product instructions and follow them carefully while applying the polish. This is an optional step, and you can polish once every few months so the floors do not look dull.
How to Clean Engineered Timber Floors?
Engineered timber is more resistant to moisture and temperature changes as it is made of multiple layers of different materials. But just like any wood surface, they still need proper care to stay beautiful. Don't worry, it's easy! Here's how to clean engineered timber floors without damaging their finish.
Step 1: Clean the Surface
Sweep or vacuum the floor daily to remove all the dirt, dust, and debris to prevent scratches and wear before it's too late. While vacuuming, use hard floor or bare floor settings, as a rotary brush can damage the floor surface.
Step 2: Use a Cleaning Solution
Fill a bucket with warm water and add a few drops of ph-neutral cleaner that is safe for engineered wood. Avoid using too much water as engineered timber is made of multiple layers of different materials that can get damaged if soaked. Also, don't use a steam mop as heat can get into the layers, causing swelling.
Step 3: Dry the Floors
Before putting the furniture back and using the floor again, make sure to rinse and dry the floor completely. Use a clean, dry towel or cloth to quickly dry any leftover moisture after mopping.
How to Clean Polished Timber Floors?
Cleaning polished timber floors is tricky, as you must be fully confident of what kind of polish the floor has because different polishes and laminates require specialized cleaning methods.
To clean a timber floor with polyurethane coating, you can safely use a mixture of vinegar solution and some mild detergent with water.
For timber floors with shellac coating, mix a mild soap in the water and apply with a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid using oil soaps that contain alcohol, as they can damage the shellac surface.
For waxed timber floors, it is recommended to use organic products as wax is made from beeswax, linseed, paraffin, and other natural extracts. Avoid using vinegar or chemical cleaners as they can be damaging to the wax finishes.
How to Remove Water Spots and Rings from Timber Floors?
Water spots or rings are a common occurrence on timber floors. They are formed when water or moisture is left sitting for too long. To remove them, you can use:
- Dry cloth and heat: If the ring is white and cloudy, it means the water has not penetrated deep enough. Place a soft, dry cloth over the spot and use a hairdryer on low heat or a warm iron (no steam) for a few seconds. Heat helps draw out the moisture trapped in the polish.
- Apply a paste of baking soda: Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of water to make a soft paste. Rub it gently on the water ring using a soft cloth in a circular motion. Then wipe with a damp cloth.
- Use a non-gel toothpaste: Apply a small amount of white, non-gel toothpaste to the stain. Rub it gently with a soft cloth until the mark fades. Then wipe with a clean, damp cloth.
How to Remove Stains from Timber Floors?
Removing stains from timber floors is challenging because there is a chance that while removing dried stain, wood will also be removed. Moreover, for different stains, different methods are used:
For Food or Drink Stains
To remove food and drink stains from a timber floor, take a mix of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Gently rub the spot in a circular motion. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth and dry the area right away.
For Oil or Grease Stains
Oil and grease stains are very hard to remove, but there are some home remedies that can be used to remove these tough stains.
Baking soda or Cornstarch: Take some baking soda or cornstarch and sprinkle it on the stain. Let it sit for a few hours to absorb the oil. After that, wipe it off with a dry cloth.
White Vinegar: You can also mix equal parts of white vinegar and warm water and rub the stain with this mixture. However, do not use vinegar on the polished surface.
Hot Treatment: If no cleaner works, cover the stain with a dry cloth and rub it with a hot iron for 2-3 seconds. Then, dampen the cloth with rubbing alcohol and iron over the stain for a few seconds.
For Ink or Dark Stains
Ink and dark stains are usually hard stains and difficult to remove. You need something strong, like a small amount of rubbing alcohol or a few drops of white toothpaste (non-gel). Gently rub with a soft cloth. However, test in a hidden area first to make sure it doesn't damage the finish. After resting it for a few minutes, wipe it with a clean, damp cloth and dry it.
How to Fix Scratches on Timber Flooring?
If you are a pet owner and have timber flooring, then scratches on the floor are unavoidable. You can fix the minor scratches easily.
- You can fill the scratch using the wood floor repair marker. Touch up surface scratches with a wood stain marker.
- For deeper marks, use a wax stick.
- Lightly sand the scratched area with fine sandpaper and then seal with polish for protection.
For future protection, it is advisable to place rugs and mats on the floor.
Tips to Maintain Timber Floors for Longer
To keep timber floors looking their best for years, a little regular care goes a long way. Maintaining timber floors doesn't have to be difficult, you just need to be mindful of a few everyday habits.
Start by keeping your floors free of dust and dirt. Tiny particles can act like sandpaper under your feet, scratching the surface over time. Always clean up spills right away, timber doesn't like water, and even small spills can cause stains or warping if left too long.
When it comes to cleaning, avoid harsh chemicals or soaking the floor. Just remember to use a damp mop, not a wet one. Furniture can be another source of wear and tear. To prevent scratches, add felt pads to the bottom of chairs and tables, and lift heavy items instead of dragging them.
A few extra tips to make your timber floors last longer:
- Place rugs in high-traffic areas to reduce wear.
- Use curtains or blinds to protect the floor from direct sunlight, which can fade the wood.
- Avoid wearing high heels or heavy shoes indoors.
- Keep the nails of your pets trimmed to avoid scratches on the floors.
Finally, polish your timber floors every few months to keep their natural shine, and consider professional recoating every few years if they start to look dull or worn.
How Often to Clean Timber Floors?
Daily sweep
Sweep the floor daily to remove dust and debris. This daily activity can help prevent scratches and maintain the floor's appearance. Dry mops are effective in removing dust and small particles without using water or cleaning agents.
Weekly maintenance
Vacuum the floors with a floor-brush attachment to pick up fine dust once a week. Also, mop the floors with an all-purpose timber floor cleaner on a weekly basis. Use a microfiber mop and make sure it is lightly damp to avoid excess moisture seeping into the hardwood planks.
Monthly deep clean
Every month, deep clean the timber floor. Remove all the furniture and rugs to clean the area. For a monthly deep clean, you can use a slightly stronger cleaner that is safe for timber floors. For a deep clean, a rotating flat mop will work well as it can efficiently remove stains from tile cracks and other surfaces.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Timber Floors
Timber flooring needs special care as compared to other floors to protect its shine and make it last longer.
- Using the wrong cleaners on your timber floors can damage the top layer. Harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, and oil-based products can strip away the floor's finish, leading to discoloration or warping. Therefore, use mild pH-neutral cleansers designed specifically for timber flooring.
- Using acidic cleaners that have ammonia, bleach, or 100% vinegar can damage the finish and discolor the wood. Therefore, opt for mild cleaners specifically designed for hardwood floors.
- Using abrasive tools like steel wool for rubbing stains can leave marks on the timber floors. This damages the floor's appearance and protective layer.
Make Your Timber Floor Sparkle with Yocada
Timber floors add warmth and beauty to any home, but they need to be cared for. Now that you know how to clean timber floors, with all the methods mentioned above in the guide, you can keep them shining and scratch-free for years to come. By taking precautionary measures and using the right cleaning solutions and gentle cleaners, your floors will stay looking as good as new.
If you are looking for quality, premium cleaning tools, Yocada is your go-to partner. With our versatile cleaning tools, you can maintain any floor type and increase its lifespan.
FAQs
How to Clean Timber Floors with Vinegar?
Always use vinegar in diluted form. Mix 1/2 cup of white vinegar with 4–5 liters of warm water. Dampen a microfiber mop in the solution and gently clean the floor. Dry the surface with a clean cloth afterward. Avoid using vinegar too often, as it may dull the finish over time.
Can I Use A Steam Mop On My Timber Floor?
A steam mop is generally not recommended for timber floors because steam can break down the finish, allowing water to infiltrate the floor and damage the wood surface.
How Do You Make Timber Floors Shine Again?
To make timber floors shine again, clean them thoroughly with a microfiber mop and a mild wood floor cleaner. Once dry, apply a timber floor polish or restorer suitable for your floor type.
