Keeping your wooden floors pristine preserves their longevity and enhances the beauty of your home. Whether you have lacquer or oil-coated wooden floors cleaning them with specialist products will help maintain their finish and protect the timber.
In this guide, we'll explain the best practices for wooden floorboard cleaning and introduce you to the bestselling WOCA Denmark products available at AusWoodcare.
Read on to discover how to keep your floors sparkling clean and looking their best for years to come.
How to Clean Wooden Floorboards
1. Establish a Regular Cleaning Schedule
- Sweep or vacuum your floors regularly using scratch-free vacuum attachments or brooms.
- Mop weekly using a damp (not wet) mop to avoid excessive moisture damage.
2. Test New Products
- Always read the product's usage instructions and test in an inconspicuous area to ensure compatibility with your floor's finish.
3. Understand Your Floor's Surface Treatment
- Oil and lacquer-coated floors have different cleaning requirements.
- If you're unsure which surface treatment your floor has, check with the manufacturer or contractor who installed your flooring.
4. Use Specialist Products for Your Floor's Surface Treatment
- For lacquer-treated floors: Use WOCA Master Cleaner to clean and strengthen the protective surface.
- For oil-treated floors: Use WOCA Natural Soap to clean, nourish, and protect the wood from dirt and liquid penetration.
5. Use the Right Tools
Excess water can damage timber floors, so high-quality cleaning tools are essential. We recommend
- WOCA Spray Mop: For spray-on, wipe-off cleaning.
- WOCA Twist Mop: For hands-free wringing
Both WOCA mop options have machine-washable heads that won't scratch the timber.
6. Address Spills Immediately to Avoid Stains
Use specialist stain removers targeted to your flooring's surface treatment:
- For lacquer-treated floors: Remove dirt and scuff marks with WOCA Intensive Wood Cleaner.
- For oil-treated floors:
- WOCA Wood Stain Remover for food, grease, tea, and red wine stains.
- WOCA Tannin Spot Remover for black spots and discolouration caused by tannin and water.
7. Maintain the Protective Finish of Oil-Treated Timber After Stain Removal
- Stain removers can strip the oil from timber floors, so always re-establish the protective layer with WOCA Maintenance Gel.
Understanding Timber Floor Finishes
The first step to learning how to clean wooden floorboards without causing damage is to identify the surface treatment on your timber floors:
- Lacquered-coated floors: These have a polyurethane protective layer, providing a matte, gloss, satin, or semi-gloss finish.
- Oiled floors: Coated with a protective penetrating oil, these retain a natural look compared to lacquered timber.
Consult the manufacturer or flooring contractor if you're unsure about your floor's finish, and always test any cleaning products on an inconspicuous area first.
Lacquer-Coated Wooden Floors Cleaning Guide
Weekly Cleaning Routine
Sweep or vacuum your floors regularly, then use WOCA's Master Cleaner weekly. This product removes everyday dirt and grime without compromising the floor's finish.
Application Method
Use the WOCA Spray Mop:
- Fill the tank with water, add Master Cleaner, and spray onto the floor.
- Mop off with the scratch-free microfiber pad.
Removing Stains and Scuff Marks
For tougher stains and scuff marks, use WOCA's wood cleaner spray:
- Spray onto the stained area.
- Leave for a few minutes to dissolve the dirt.
- Wipe with a firmly wrung cotton cloth.
Oil-Coated Wooden Floors Cleaning Guide
Weekly Cleaning Routine
Oil-coated floors need a nourishing soap for regular cleaning. We recommend WOCA's Natural Soap for weekly use. This product removes surface dirt while closing the wood's pores to prevent future stains.
Application Method
Use WOCA's hands-free twist mop:
- Fill one bucket with diluted Natural Soap and another with clean water.
- Wipe the floor with the soap solution, rinse in clean water, and repeat.
Tackling Food or Tannin Stains
- Food Stains: Use WOCA's Wood Stain Remover for grease, red wine, coffee, and tea stains.
- Tannin Stains: Use WOCA's Tannin Spot Remover for black spots or discolouration caused by tannin and water.
Restoring the Protective Oil Layer
After stain removal, reapply the protective oil coating using WOCA Maintenance Gel:
- Apply a thin, even coat with a scourer sponge.
- Wipe off excess gel with a dry cotton cloth.
- Avoid water or dirt exposure for 2-3 days.
Why Regular Wooden Floorboard Cleaning Is Essential
Wooden floors bring warmth and character to any home but require regular care. Daily foot traffic, spills, dust, and environmental factors can affect their appearance and durability.
Regular wooden floor cleaning helps to:
- Prevent scratches and scuffs: Routine cleaning removes abrasive particles that can cause damage.
- Maintain shine and lustre: Specially designed products keep your floor's finish vibrant, whether it's a sleek lacquer coating or a natural oil treatment.
- Extend the life of your floors: Consistent maintenance protects your investment and reduces the need for costly repairs.
You can enjoy beautiful, long-lasting floors year after year by choosing the proper cleaning regimen.
Final Thoughts
Effective wooden floor cleaning doesn't have to be complicated. With the right products and techniques, you can easily maintain a stunning floor that enhances your home's aesthetic.
Whether you have lacquer-coated timber that needs gentle cleaning or oil-coated flooring that requires nurturing care, AusWoodcare has the solutions you need.
Discover the difference professional-quality cleaning solutions can make. Take the first step toward protecting your timber floors today!
👉 Ready to follow our wooden floors cleaning guide? Everything you need for lacquered and oil-coated timber floors is available at AusWoodcare.