The Best Way to Clean Hardwood Floors: Expert Tips & Solutions (2025)

October 24, 2025

Hardwood flooring is one of the most timeless design choices for homes, valued for its warmth, character, and durability. Yet even the finest wood floors need regular care to preserve their natural beauty. Cleaning hardwood floors the right way protects their finish, enhances their longevity, and keeps them looking immaculate for decades.

At Nordic Homeworx, we believe that proper maintenance of hardwoods floors begins with knowledge. In this comprehensive guide, we share the best way to clean hardwood floors, practical advice from global experts, and methods that align with our philosophy of sustainable care and enduring craftsmanship.

Understanding Hardwood Floors

Before diving into the best way to clean hardwood floors, it’s important to understand what makes them unique. Hardwood floors are crafted from natural materials that respond to their environment. They expand, contract, and age gracefully with time.
Why Cleaning Matters
Dust, grit, and moisture are hardwood’s main enemies. Regular cleaning prevents surface scratches, dullness, and long-term damage to the finish. When done correctly, cleaning not only enhances the floor’s appearance but also extends its lifespan.

Common Types of Hardwood Finishes

Each floor finish has its own cleaning requirements. Recognising the type you have ensures you use the right method.

Surface-Sealed Floors

These floors are coated with polyurethane, urethane, or lacquer that creates a durable barrier against water, dirt, and stains. Lacquered wood floors fall under this category and are easy to maintain using gentle, pH-neutral cleaners and a slightly damp mop.

Penetrating-Seal or Oil-Treated Floors

These finishes soak into the wood grain, creating a natural, matte look. They require cleaners specifically made for oil-treated surfaces to preserve depth and texture.

Waxed Floors

Waxed floors need dry cleaning methods only. Avoid moisture, as it can dull or discolour the wax layer and reduce the floor’s natural sheen.

Moisture-Cured Floors

This highly durable finish resists moisture and wear, making it ideal for high-traffic spaces. Use a microfibre mop and mild cleaner, avoiding ammonia or strong chemicals that can damage the surface.

Shellac Floors

Shellac finishes create a warm, rich tone but are sensitive to heat, water, and alcohol. Clean using a soft, dry cloth or a slightly damp one for light dusting. Avoid liquid cleaners, as they can cloud or damage the finish.

Varnished Floors

Varnish provides a glossy, durable surface that enhances the wood’s natural grain. Maintain it by sweeping regularly and using a damp mop with a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid abrasive pads or wax-based products, which can dull the shine.

Daily and Weekly Cleaning Practices

Maintaining your hardwood floors doesn’t need to be time-consuming. A consistent routine using the right tools and products keeps them looking beautiful while protecting their finish for years.

Step 1: Dry Clean First

Dry cleaning is the best way to clean hardwood floors. Start by removing dust, pet hair, and debris that can cause micro-scratches. Use a soft-bristled broom or microfibre dust mop for daily cleaning, and a vacuum with a hardwood attachment for a deeper weekly clean. This habit prevents fine grit from wearing down the surface over time.

Step 2: Use the Right Cleaner

When your floors need a more thorough clean, use a pH-neutral solution designed for wood surfaces. For hardwood, we recommend Kährs Cleaner, either diluted in water or as the ready-mixed Kährs Spray Cleaner.

Apply the solution using a damp, well-wrung mop or cloth; the surface should dry within a minute if you’ve used the right amount. Avoid harsh products containing vinegar, ammonia, or strong solvents, as these can damage the finish.

Step 3: Mop in the Grain’s Direction

Always mop with the wood grain to maintain a uniform, streak-free finish. Work in small sections and dry each area immediately using a clean microfibre cloth. Use smooth, even strokes to achieve consistent results without dulling the surface.

We encourage regular, gentle cleaning as the foundation of floor care. Whether you’ve chosen wood or LVT, these simple steps reflect the best way to clean hardwood floors while maintaining their original beauty and durability.

Caring for Floors in Homes with Pets

Pets bring warmth and joy to a home, but their claws, fur, and occasional spills can challenge even the best-maintained floors. With the right approach, you can keep your hardwood flooring looking flawless while making it safe and comfortable for your pets.

Protect High-Traffic Areas

Place washable rugs or mats in areas where pets spend the most time, such as entryways, feeding spots, or under water bowls. This prevents scratches and moisture damage, particularly on oiled or lacquered wood floors.

Manage Pet Claws

Keep your pet’s claws trimmed to minimise scratches on the floor’s surface. Regular maintenance prevents deep marks, especially on oiled or lacquered wood floors. However, excessive scratching of your pet can sometimes indicate an underlying health concern, such as discomfort or anxiety. Visit a veterinary clinic for a proper check-up, as it helps protect both your dog’s wellbeing and your floors.

Control Pet Hair Shedding

Hair shedding of pets can be a hassle, so make regular visits to a veterinary clinic or professional groomer to keep it under control. For daily upkeep, use a microfibre mop or a vacuum designed for pet hair to collect loose fur that gathers along skirting boards and corners. This simple routine helps maintain clean, polished floors and a tidier home environment.

Prevent Odours and Stains

Accidents can happen, so act quickly. Blot spills with a dry cloth and clean the area using a mild, enzyme-based cleaner safe for hardwood flooring. This removes odours without stripping the protective coating or affecting the finish.

Choose Pet-Friendly Floor Options

If you’re planning new flooring for a pet-friendly home, choose LVT or hardwood with a durable finish, such as lacquer or polyurethane. These surfaces resist scratches, moisture, and stains far better than untreated wood, making them a practical and stylish choice for households with pets.

Monthly Deep Cleaning Routine

Even with regular maintenance, your floors benefit from a monthly refresh. This ensures dirt buildup, residues, and scuffs don’t accumulate over time.

Step 1: Inspect and Prepare

Move lightweight furniture carefully and inspect high-traffic areas. Look for dull patches, scratches, or minor water spots.

Step 2: Deep Clean with Microfibre Mo

Use a high-quality microfibre mop and a specialised wood cleaner. Spray lightly onto the mop head or floor surface and clean methodically. Avoid soaking the floor.

Step 3: Buff for Natural Shine

After cleaning, use a dry, soft pad to buff the surface. This brings back the floor’s natural lustre without the need for polish or wax.

Step 4: Maintain Consistency

Repeat this deep-cleaning process every few weeks for homes with pets or high activity. Consistency prevents long-term wear and preserves the wood’s finish.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Cleaning Hardwood Floors

Do:

• Use a vacuum with a floor-brush attachment.
• Clean spills immediately using a slightly damp cloth.
• Follow manufacturer-recommended cleaning solutions.
• Maintain indoor humidity between 40% and 60% to reduce movement in the wood.

Don’t:

• Use steam mops. Heat and moisture can damage the finish.
• Apply wax or polish on surface-sealed floors unless advised.
• Let water sit for more than a few seconds.
• Use abrasive cleaners or tools like scouring pads.

These small steps represent the best way to clean hardwood floors safely and efficiently, protecting your investment and comfort.

Restoring and Refreshing Hardwood Floors

Even with excellent care, floors may eventually lose their sheen. When that happens, you can revive them without a full replacement.

Recoating

A recoat involves lightly sanding and applying a fresh layer of finish. This restores shine and strengthens protection. It’s usually recommended every 5-7 years, depending on use.

Refinishing

For older or heavily worn floors, refinishing may be necessary. This process involves sanding the top layer to remove imperfections before applying a new finish.

It’s better to consult an expert who can evaluate your floor’s condition and recommend the most suitable treatment.

Best Cleaning Tools and Products for Hardwood Floors

Choosing the right tools is as essential as technique. Here are products we trust and recommend based on proven results from our projects.

Cleaning Tools

• Microfibre mop: Captures dust and residue without scratching.
• Vacuum cleaner with a hardwood setting: Removes dirt from corners and joints.
• Soft cotton cloths: Ideal for wiping and buffing.
• pH-neutral cleaners: Maintain the finish without stripping natural oils.

Optional Enhancements

• Wood floor refresher: Adds shine between professional recoats.
• Protective pads and rugs: Prevent furniture marks and wear.
• Entryway mats: Trap debris before it reaches your floors.

When selecting any cleaner or tool, always check compatibility with your floor’s specific finish or consult your flooring supplier.

Why Hardwood Floors Deserve Proper Care

Hardwood floors aren’t just a design statement, they’re an investment in craftsmanship and quality. Proper maintenance enhances both their appearance and the emotional feel of your space, bringing warmth, tranquillity, and refinement to your home. Knowing the best way to clean hardwood floors ensures this natural beauty lasts for years, not just seasons.

If your floors show signs of dullness or minor wear, now is the perfect time to refresh your care routine. Small changes in cleaning habits can renew their look, protect them from long-term damage, and preserve the value and elegance of your investment before minor issues become costly repairs.

Warm Regards,

Pauline Madani

Founder & Managing Director Nordic Homeworx