How to Clean Oak Wood Flooring: Do’s and Don’ts

May 14, 2023

Floors are an integral part of a home, as they add beauty to your home’s interior. Oak wood possesses an undeniable charm, radiating elegance and warmth throughout any home. There are, however, some things you need to do to maintain its lustrous finish and extend its lifespan.

Proper maintenance is important if you want to keep your floors clean and in good condition. In this blog, we will discuss the dos and don’ts of cleaning your oak wood floors and some techniques for achieving a shining finish for your flooring that will leave your guests in awe.

Dos and Don’ts of Cleaning Oak Wood Floors

It’s important to clean your oak wood floors if you want to maintain their beauty and keep them in good condition. Here are some dos and don’ts of cleaning your oak wood floors.

Sweeping and Vacuuming Your Oak Wood Floors

Do: Gently Sweep or Vacuum Your Oak Wood Floor

Emphasis on the word “gentle”. When cleaning your oak wood floors, begin by gently sweeping or vacuuming them to remove loose dirt and debris. It may sound old-fashioned, but sweeping your floors daily will help keep dirt, dust, and crumbs away.

You can start by sweeping your floors using a broom. After sweeping your floors, if you find that there is still some dirt left, vacuuming can be a great way to remove them. Remember to sweep or vacuum even the hard places or hard-to-reach areas, such as under furniture. And most importantly, sweep or vacuum gently!

Don’t: Use Abrasive Brooms or Vacuums with Beater Bars

It’s important to note that oak wood is delicate and can easily be scratched. When cleaning your floors, you wouldn’t want to cause damage or scratch your floors. To avoid damaging your floors, avoid using abrasive brooms or vacuums with beater bars. Don’t use brooms that have bristles that are too rigid. Instead, use a soft-bristle broom.

Mopping Your Oak Wood Floors

Do: Use a Damp Mop

When mopping your floors, make sure to use a damp mop. You can use a microfiber mop as it is less abrasive on floors. The important thing is not to use too much water when mopping your floors.

Don’t: Put Excess Water on Your Floors

Now, mopping is a great way to keep your oak wood floors shiny and clean. But, remember that water is the enemy! So, make sure that your mop is well wrung out in order to prevent excess moisture from seeping into the wood. Excess water can cause warping and damage, and you wouldn’t want that on your floors.

So, use a damp mop, and not a soaking wet mop. Do not over-wet your floors. Additionally, you can also opt for a pH-neutral, hardwood floor cleaner, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.

Cleaning Spills on Your Oak Wood Floors

Do: Clean Spills Immediately

Accidents can happen, and sometimes we cannot avoid having spills on our floors. Spills are bound to happen in any household, as sometimes we cannot avoid spilling water or other kinds of liquid on our floors.

But it is important to clean these spills immediately. Quick action is crucial to keeping your floors in good condition. Whether it’s a spilled glass of water or pet urine, clean them immediately.

Don’t: Ignore Spills

When spills happen, don’t ignore them. Standing water can lead to stains and potential damage to the wood, so do not delay! Allowing liquid or other kinds of spills to stay on your floors can lead to irreparable damage. So, to avoid damage or permanent stains on your floors, do not ignore spills. Clean them immediately.

Proven Techniques for Keeping Your Oak Wood Floors Clean

Here are some proven techniques for keeping your oak wood floors clean and in good condition:

Regular Polishing

To restore the natural shine of your oak wood floors, periodic polishing is essential. Use a high-quality wood floor polish that is specifically formulated for oak. Apply it sparingly and buff gently with a clean, dry cloth to achieve that captivating glow.

Additionally, if you prefer to leave the cleaning and care of your oak wood floors in the hands of professionals, finding a reliable flooring company may offer you specialized services to restore and maintain their natural beauty.

Use Rugs and Mats

Prevention is better than cure! Placing rugs and mats in high-traffic areas, such as entryways or hallways, can significantly reduce wear and tear on your oak wood floors.

If you put mats and rugs at the door, you can clean off the bottom of your shoes before you walk inside, which will help protect your floors from dirt. Choose rugs with non-slip backings to avoid accidents.

Sunlight Shield

While sunlight can brighten our days, it can also fade the beauty of oak wood over time. Prevent sun damage and protect your floors by using curtains, blinds, or UV-filtering window films to block harmful rays. This simple step will help maintain the luster and color of your floors for years to come.

Implement a “No Shoes Inside” Policy

While placing mats or rugs can keep the dirt outside, you can also consider implementing a “No Shoes Inside” policy. Shoes bring a lot of dirt inside, so you can put a shoe rack outside the door so that people can leave their shoes outside before they enter the house.

Secrets for a Shining Finish

Here are some secrets for a shining finish:

Vinegar and Water Solution

Here’s a secret weapon from your pantry! Mix a ¼ cup of white vinegar with one gallon of warm water to create an effective, natural cleaning solution for your oak wood floors. This gentle mixture helps remove grime and leaves a streak-free finish.

Tea for Scratch Repair

Put two black tea bags into a cup and fill it with boiling water. Use a cloth dipped in tea to scrub away superficial scratches in your oak flooring. Tea’s tannins might make the scratch seem less noticeable and more uniform with the surrounding wood.

Use Furniture Pads

Use furniture pads to prevent damage to your oak wood floors from chairs, tables, and other heavy furniture. These small cushions create a buffer and prevent friction between the furniture and the floor. Additionally, just remember that when moving furniture, you should lift them, not drag them, in order to avoid damage to your floors.

Cleaning and Maintaining Oak Wood Flooring

Maintaining oak wood flooring is an art form that calls for both a light touch and carefully protected techniques. By following our dos and don’ts, embracing proven techniques, and applying our secrets for a shining finish, you can ensure that your oak wood floors remain a timeless masterpiece in your home.