Care For Unfinished Wood Floors
Unfinished wood floors need special care. They lack a seal and are more sensitive to dirt, water, and scratches. To keep them in good condition, clean them regularly using gentle tools like a soft-bristled broom, vacuum, and a damp (not wet) cloth. Daily sweeping or dusting prevents scratches. Weekly vacuuming removes dirt from cracks. When mopping, use minimal water to avoid damage, and always dry the floor right away with a soft towel. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can harm the wood. To protect the floors, use area rugs, add felt pads to furniture legs, and keep the room’s humidity level steady. Sometimes, floors may need a deep cleaning or restoration. This is true if they become dull or scratched. DIY solutions like baking soda for water stains or mineral spirits for grease can help with small issues. Unfinished wood floors can stay beautiful for years with regular care and protection.
Why Do Unfinished Wood Floors Need Special Care?
Unfinished wood floors differ from regular wood floors because they don’t have a seal or finish to protect them. This means they’re more sensitive to dirt, dust, water, and stains. Your floors can look dull, stained, or scratched without the right care.
But don’t worry! Cleaning unfinished wood floors doesn’t have to be hard. You can ensure your floors stay in great condition with gentle tools and regular cleaning.
What You’ll Need To Clean Unfinished Wood Floors?
Gathering a few simple tools before you start cleaning is helpful. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A soft-bristled broom or microfiber mop
- A vacuum with a hardwood setting
- A damp cloth (not soaking wet)
- A mild wood cleaner or a mix of vinegar and water
- A buffing pad for extra shine
These tools are all gentle on unfinished wood, so you can clean your floors without worrying about damaging them.
The Best Way To Clean Unfinished Wood Floors
1. Sweep Or Dust Daily
Because unfinished wood floors don’t have a finish to protect them, it’s important to sweep or dust them daily. This keeps dirt and dust from building up and scratching the wood. You can use a soft-bristled broom or a microfiber mop for this job.
Daily dusting can help avoid scratches and ensure smooth and clean floors.
2. Vacuum Once A Week
Vacuuming your unfinished wood floors at least once a week can help you pick up dust and dirt from deep in the cracks. But make sure you’re using the right kind of vacuum! Some vacuums have hard bristles that can scratch the wood, so it’s best to use a special hardwood floor setting or a soft attachment.
Combining daily dusting with weekly vacuuming will free your floors of dirt and scratches.
3. Mop With Care
Unfinished wood is very absorbent, so you must be super careful when mopping. If you use too much water, the wood can soak it up, causing it to warp or stain. That’s why you should always use a damp (not wet) mop or cloth.
You can use plain water or mix a bit of mild wood cleaner with water. If you prefer a natural cleaner, mix white vinegar and water (about 1 cup of vinegar to 1 gallon). Just wash your mop or cloth well before using it on the floor!
4. Buff The Floor Dry
After mopping, it’s important to dry the floor right away. Use a soft towel or buffing pad to rub the floor gently until dry. This helps remove any moisture that could harm the wood and gives the floor a nice shine.
Buffing can also help your floor look shinier if it looks dull.
What do you think you should avoid when cleaning unfinished wood floors?
Knowing what not to do when cleaning unfinished wood floors is just as important. Here are a few things you should avoid:
- Using too much water: Unfinished wood easily absorbs water, which can cause the floor to swell or even develop mold. Always make sure your mop is damp, not soaking wet.
- Using harsh chemicals: Strong cleaners like bleach or ammonia can damage the wood. Stick to gentle cleaners like water, vinegar, or a mild wood cleaner.
- Skipping regular cleaning: Dirt and dust can act like sandpaper on unfinished wood, causing small scratches over time. Make sure to sweep or dust daily to prevent this.
When To Call A Professional
Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, your unfinished wood floors may need a deeper cleaning than you can handle. If your floors have tough stains or scratches or look dull after cleaning, it may be time to call a pro.
Professional cleaners use special tools and products to clean and restore unfinished wood without damaging it. If your floors are in rough shape, they can also provide hardwood floor restoration services, which can help bring your floors back to life.
DIY Solutions For Tough Stains
Accidents happen! If you spill something on your unfinished wood floors, don’t panic. There are simple ways to clean up spills and stains.
Here’s a quick guide to handling different types of stains:
| Type of Stain | DIY Cleaning Solution |
| Water Stains | Dry the area with a towel, then rub a mix of baking soda and water onto the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it clean. |
| Grease/Oil Stains | Dab a bit of mineral spirits onto a soft cloth and gently rub the stain. Then, wipe with a clean cloth. |
| Dark Spots | Lightly sand the area with a fine-grit sandpaper. Be gentle to avoid damaging the wood. |
| Scratches | Rub a walnut or crayon over the scratch to help hide it. The oils or wax can fill the scratch, making it less noticeable. |
These DIY tips can help you fix problems without needing floor cleaning services. However, calling a professional might still be the best option if the stain or damage is severe.
How To Protect Your Unfinished Wood Floors?
Cleaning is important, but preventing damage is just as crucial. Here are a few ways to protect your unfinished wood floors and keep them looking beautiful:
1. Use Area Rugs And Runners
Unfinished wood floors are sensitive to dirt and spills. To protect them, place rugs or runners in high-traffic areas, like hallways. Could you clean under the rugs often, as dirt can still get trapped underneath?
2. Add Felt Pads To Furniture
Furniture legs can scratch your floors when they’re moved. Attach felt pads to the bottom of chairs, tables, and other furniture to prevent this. This way, it won’t scratch the wood even if the furniture is moved.
3. Keep The Room Humid
Wood naturally expands and contracts with changes in humidity. If the air in your home is too dry, your wood floors might crack. If it’s too humid, the wood could swell. Keeping the room at a consistent humidity level (30-50%) can help prevent this.
4. Schedule Regular Professional Cleaning
While daily and weekly cleaning will go a long way, scheduling professional cleaning occasionally can help maintain your floors. Professional cleaners have tools and techniques that can reach deep into wood. They remove dirt and grime that normal cleaning might miss.
How Hardwood Floor Restoration Can Help?
Sometimes, unfinished wood floors look worn or damaged, even with regular cleaning. If your floors have deep scratches or look dull, hardwood floor restoration might be the solution.
During restoration, a professional sands the surface of the wood, removing any scratches or stains. Then, they apply special oils or waxes to protect the wood and bring back its natural shine. Restoration can make old floors look almost new again!
The Long-Term Care Of Unfinished Wood Floors
Caring for unfinished wood floors may take more effort, but the results are worth it. You can enjoy their beauty for many years with regular cleaning and gentle care.
Recap: Cleaning Unfinished Wood Floors
- Sweep or dust daily to keep dirt and dust from building up.
- Vacuum once a week to remove dirt from cracks and crevices.
- Mop carefully using only a damp cloth or mop to avoid soaking the wood.
- Buff the floor dry to remove moisture and give the floor a nice shine.
- Call a professional for deep cleaning or restoration when needed.
Following these steps, you can keep your unfinished wood floors clean, shiny, and beautiful for years! Whether you clean them or hire pros, your floors will always be a beautiful part of your home.
Taking care of your unfinished wood floors may seem like a lot of work, but with these simple tips, you’ll be able to easily maintain their beauty and charm. Enjoy your beautiful, natural wood floors!
