How to Clean and Maintain Your Wooden Floor

Before we delve into the cleaning and maintenance process, it’s important to understand the finish of your wooden floor. There are generally two types: lacquered or natural oiled.

• Lacquered Floors: These have a matt or shiny, smooth finish, akin to a plastic film, that forms a protective layer over the wood, making them resistant to stains and spills.
• Natural Oiled Floors: These have a natural, matt oiled finish that penetrates the wood, offering protection from within. They require more regular maintenance and can be more susceptible to scratches.

Preventive Measures

It is recommended to fit tables and chairs with felt pads from the start to avoid unnecessary scratches. If chairs have casters, appropriate protection underlays are required. Installing doormats and boot scrapers at the door can trap dirt, which can otherwise act like sandpaper on the flooring surface. Removing your shoes before entering is one of the simplest, yet most effective tips for good wooden floor maintenance. However, remember that no hardwood floor can withstand the pressure of high heel shoes.

Standard Dry Cleaning

• Sweep Regularly: Use a soft-bristle broom to sweep away dust and dirt. Doing this daily prevents particles from scratching your wooden floor.
• Vacuum Weekly: A weekly vacuum with a soft brush attachment can help remove the dirt and debris that a broom might miss. Avoid using a vacuum with a beater bar as it could damage the floor.
• Clean Spills Immediately: Wood and water do not mix well. If liquid spills on your floor, clean it up as soon as possible with a dry or slightly damp cloth.

Standard Wet Cleaning

To remove adhering, water-soluble dirt, wipe the parquet flooring with a cleaning cloth or mop dampened with a suitable cleaner for lacquered or oiled floors. Lacquered wood floors should be cleaned with synthetic cleaner (with no grease content) whereas oiled floors should be cleaned with soap (containing grease). Always wring out the cloth and wipe the floor subsequently with a dry cloth. The floor should never be submerged, as the wood can swell and might be seriously damaged.

Recommended cleaners for wooden floor:

Lacquered floor:              BOEN Parquet Cleaner

Natural oiled floor:          BOEN Floor Soap

Deep Cleaning

For a deeper clean, use a product specifically designed for wooden floors. Avoid using water and vinegar, soap-based cleaners, or steam cleaners on your wooden floors as they can dull the finish and damage the wood.

After applying the cleaning product, use a damp mop to clean the floor. Remember, the mop should be damp, not soaking wet.

After mopping, use a clean, dry towel to wipe the floor dry. Leaving too much water on your wooden floor can damage it.

Additional Maintenance Tips

Wooden floors can react adversely to extreme humidity levels. Aim to maintain your home’s humidity levels within a range of 50% to 65%.

Refinish When Necessary

Over time, your wooden floor may need to be refinished, especially for natural oiled floors, which should have their surface polished regularly. Choose a polishing product that is right for you. Wooden floor polishes provide protection to your floor and restore its appearance.

Recommended polishing products for wooden floor. Please consult with your specialist before use.

Lacquered floor:              BOEN Parquet Refresher

Matt lacquer floor:          BOEN Parquet Polish Matt

Natural oiled floor:          BOEN Oil Freshen Up

In summary, the care and maintenance of your wooden floor need not be an overwhelming task. With consistent cleaning and adherence to these maintenance guidelines, you can ensure the lasting beauty and durability of your floor. The key to a long-lived wooden floor is regular and appropriate care.

As a leading wooden floor company in Hong Kong, Equal can assist you with any enquiries or questions you may have about flooring. For more information on how to maintain your wooden flooring, consult our floor specialist team at +852 2881 7066 or info@equ.com.hk.