clean wood floors that have an oil finish
As with any wood flooring, the care and maintenance that goes into keeping it looking beautiful is important. Oil finished floors are a little different from urethane or UV-cured finishes in that they require regular re-oiling. This allows the oil to soak into the wood, protecting it from both inside and out. When re-oiling, a good rule of thumb is to plan on it every two years in high traffic areas.
The first step How to clean Wood Floors is sweeping or vacuuming regularly to remove any dirt, dust and other particles that may scratch your floors. Use a quality dust mop or vacuum with a wooden floor attachment to minimize scratching and damage to the finish. Sweeping also helps to keep the wood in good shape by minimizing the buildup of sand and dirt between the boards, which can cause the grain to split and damage the surface.
Generally speaking, you should only use a damp mop on oiled floors when it is absolutely necessary. Too much moisture can warp or crack the hardwood and it will not be able to dry quickly enough to avoid any potential problems.
How to clean wood floors that have an oil finish?
If your floors have an oil finish, a general floor cleaner recommended by the manufacturer should be used. If you do not have any of these products available or they do not work for you, a mild detergent such as Ivory dish soap or Simple Green works well on oiled wood floors. Murphy’s Oil Soap is also a good product but it can break down a cured finish over time so be careful about using it too often. Avoid abrasive cleaners, straight ammonia and alkaline products as they will dull or scratch your floors and can discolor the finish.
Do not use any waxes or furniture sprays on oiled wood floors as they leave a sticky residue and can damage the finish. You can use a commercial floor polish such as Orange Glo (as long as it does not contain oils) for a final touch up, but only as needed.
Re-oiling wood floors is usually done by sanding the top surface of the floor and then applying a fresh coat of pure Tung oil. It is important to let the floors dry completely before walking on them and to use a circulating fan if possible to help speed up drying times. The oil should be allowed to absorb into the floor for up to 12 hours before another coat is applied if required.
A well-oiled floor requires some care and attention, but it will give you the look of a professionally-finished room without the cost of having to hire a professional to do the work. With regular re-oiling and sweeping, oiled wood floors will last for decades. Invest in some high quality brooms and brush sets, and use a rug or runners at entry doors to minimize tracking and wear on the wood. Having a shoe-free policy in your home and re-applying felt pads to the bottom of furniture legs will also help prevent scratches on your beautiful hardwood floors.