Effective Techniques for Maintaining Hardwood Flooring

Cleaning sealed hardwood floors is straightforward, but care is needed for lacquered, varnished, shellacked, or oil-finished surfaces. While modern homes often feature surface-sealed floors, older buildings and Victorian-style houses may still have oil or seal-treated wood. Here are some expert tips to keep your specialty-treated floors in excellent condition with simple steps.

Regular Cleaning
Dusting regularly with a dry microfiber mop or vacuum helps remove dust and dirt. Use a damp mop cautiously on sealed hardwood to prevent damage—avoid excessive moisture on oil- or lacquer-finished floors.

Moisture harms oil- and lacquer-coated surfaces, so avoid mopping these with water.

Applying Wax
To preserve your oil-finished flooring, wax it several times a year. More frequents waxing may be necessary in high-traffic zones like kitchens or living rooms. Remember:

Vacuum first to clear debris.

Ensure good ventilation because the spirit and wax products emit strong fumes.

Use spirits carefully to remove old wax if needed.

Polishing Regular buffing, either manually or with a machine, enhances your floor’s shine. Always buff along the wood grain. Commercial wax products are available, but follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. For daily upkeep, consider:

Placing doormats at entryways to limit dirt.

Using rubber pads under furniture to prevent scratches.

Scheduling weekly cleaning based on foot traffic; busier areas require more frequent maintenance.

Avoiding plastic or rubber-backed rugs, which can damage the finish.

Positioning rugs or trays in spots prone to water, like beneath planters or pet bowls.

Choosing the right cleaning agents—avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the surface.

Keeping pet nails trimmed to prevent scratches.