Hardwood floors are some of the most amazing touches you can add to a home. It's also versatile in that it can be used both inside and out with little to no problems. Not to mention, wood floors also come with several different benefits that one would ever expect. To name a few of the many benefits of wood floors, some include longevity, durability, and even contributes to healthier air quality. Not to mention, it adds an aesthetic look that is unmatched by any other flooring.
However, one of the main things to consider with hardwood floors is maintenance. Without the proper upkeep, especially in the case of unfinished flooring, you risk costly damages that are a hassle to deal with. That being said, there are solutions on how to properly clean and maintain your floor. With all of this in mind, let's take a look at ten tips to clean unfinished wood flooring.
1. Have A Cleaning Schedule
In the case of unfinished wood flooring, it is important to have a cleaning schedule prepared. The main reason for this is because unfinished wood has a unique way of trapping dirt and muck in a way other floorings don't. That said, cleaning the floor regularly will allow you to be on top of trapped dirt.
2. Use Dependable Cleaning Solutions
Use cleaners with a track record of success. Don't try something that nobody has tested before, you could risk damaging your floors. (We suggest this cleaner by Black Diamond) Using any off-brand solutions can result in staining or similar problems as a result of bad chemicals in the product. A good way around this issue is to use natural solution cleaning products.
3. Use A Variety Of Cleaning Tools
Being able to use a variety of cleaning tools is far more beneficial than only one. Whether it is using a mop and vacuum combo, or any for that matter, this method will allow for a double layer of cleaning and protection. Also, it helps reduce the number of small damages that can happen such as scratches or staining. It might even be a better idea to use at least three different cleaning tools. This method is made even better when it is used in combination with trusted solutions such as mineral spirits.
4. Don't Be Too Harsh When You Clean
One of the main differences between a wood floor and any other floor can be seen with deep cleaning. While other wood floors can handle harsh and tough cleaning even with good solutions like mineral spirits, the opposite is the case for wood floorings. Not only can doing this give the floor a bad look, but it can also cause irreversible damages that might require a new floor altogether. You have to be gentle with wood floorings.
5. Take Your Time When You Clean
Given the fact that wood floorings were designed with patience and technique, the same characteristics should be applied when cleaning. In other words, it is important to take the time to clean your unfinished hardwood. Also, you need to make sure that the way you clean fully getting the job done. Make proper use of solutions such as mineral spirits by cleaning slowly.
6. Go Over The Wood More Than Once In One Cleaning
Not only is it a good idea to clean your unfinished hardwood slowly, but it is also beneficial to go over it more than once. The main reason for this is that initial cleanings rarely get every single speck of dust. In most cases, a second cleaning is required to get full cleaning coverage. Depending on how big your floor is, you might need more than one pass in the first place.
7. Use An Electric Blower To Dust Clean
After the wet cleaning process, you'd be surprised how much dust and dirt is still around. For this reason, your floor might require the use of an electric blower. Quite obviously, this is more for wood floorings that are fitted outdoors. However, in the case of indoor wood floorings, a hardwood vacuum will work just as good.
8. Use A Non-Scratch Cloth For Drying The Wood
As mentioned before, scratching is one of the most common problems with wood floors. They can happen at a moments notice from even the smallest of accidents. It can even happen from improper cleaning. As far as cleaning is concerned, make sure to use a non-scratch cloth in the drying process of your unfinished wood. This is where most of these scratches can occur.
9. Consider Sanding Areas If Needed
Sanding wood floors is one of the last things to consider when it comes to cleaning unfinished wood floors. However, in some cases, it might end up saving the look of your floor. Worth noting, be prepared with the proper tools as this method will almost certainly scratch your floor. Nonetheless, this method should only be used in extreme cases such as deep stains on your floor.
10. Consider Re-staining Your Wood Floor For A Cleaner Look
The absolute last thing to consider when it comes to cleaning unfinished wood floors is re-staining it. In the case that you have tried every cleaning solution available to you, this might be the only way to prevent you from having to buy an entire new floor. Having said that, if this method is done correctly, it can make your floor seem as if it is brand new.