How Do You Clean Unfinished Wood Floors: 11 Simplistic Ways!
In recent days unfinished wood floors have gained more reputation. But while opting we get a question of how to clean unfinished wood floors right?
Choosing proper flooring for your home can be complicated with many options available on the market.
Among them, wooden flooring stands as a priority for its beauty and lasting sturdiness.
However, another question is whether to opt for prefinished or unfinished wood flooring.
If you choose unfinished wood flooring, you have the opportunity to restore its natural look and also in the long run you can bring it back to life.
In this, we are going to explore the practices for cleaning and reviving unfinished wood floors. Are you ready to know the facts? Let’s get started!
What Are Unfinished Wood Floors?
Unfinished wood floors are hardwood floors that lack surface coating or sealant. They require on-site finishing to achieve great appearance and protection.
Properly finished, unfinished wooden floors may be long-lasting even though they require renovation.
They Allow for customization in finishing options, consisting of stains, to suit decor preferences.
Unfinished wood flooring typically uses fewer chemicals for the duration of installation and finishing, making it more environmentally friendly.
They Maintain the natural appearance and sense of wood, showcasing its patterns and textures without manufacturing facility-carried-out finishes.
Why To Take Care Of Unfinished Wood Floors
Here’s why one should take care of unfinished wood floors:
1. To Avoid Discoloration: Regular care prevents discoloration of unfinished wood floors, by retaining their natural shade and preventing stains from setting in.
2. To Protect Against Damage: Unfinished wood floors lack coatings, making them more sensitive to scratches, stains, and moisture damage. Regular care helps prevent those issues.
3. To Prevent Costly Repairs: Neglecting unfinished wooden floors can cause more damage, which results in high-priced repairs or refinishing. Regular care keeps away from those expenses.
4. Enhance Health: Clean and nicely maintained unfinished wood floors help to create a healthier environment by reducing dust, allergies, and hazards.
5. Prevent Structural Issues: Proper care saves from warping, shrinking, or swelling of the wood mainly caused by fluctuations in humidity and moisture, which can affect the integrity of the floors.
6. To Enhance Safety: Keeping unfinished wood floors clean and nicely maintained protects from the risk of slips and falls, and ensures a secure living space for family members.
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How to protect unfinished wood floors
1. Periodic Maintenance: Regular cleaning, including sweeping, vacuuming, and dusting, is important to remove dust buildup and protect unfinished wooden flooring from scratches.
2. Water Protect: It’s crucial to keep spills to prevent water from seeping into the wood, which may cause swelling and damage.
3. Scratch Protection: Using rubber holders under the legs can save you from scratches while moving different types of furniture.
4. Humidity: Controlling humidity saves you from reducing the expansion or contraction of the wood, which can lead to warping and cracks.
5. Cleansing Activity: Using mild cleaners designed for wood preserves its natural look and minimizes degradation.
6. Added Protectors: Additionally, using curtains or blinds to protect the floor from daylight helps keep its unique appearance from fading and shading through the years.
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How Do You Clean Unfinished Wood Floors: 11 Important Ways!
1. Clean Unfinished wood floors by Dry Dusting and Vacuuming
Use a broom with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris from the floor.
This should be followed frequently to prevent scratches. Ensure the broom or vacuum brush is smooth to keep away from shifting dust again onto the floor.
Vacuuming or dusting has to be a normal part of your routine cleaning to keep your unfinished wood floors looking clean and shiny.
2. Inspect and Repair Gaps or Cracks on Unfinished Wood Floors
Inspecting and repairing gaps or cracks on unfinished wood floors is crucial for regaining their appearance.
Regularly check the whole floor for any gaps, cracks, or regions in which the wood may have separated or faded, especially during seasonal changes.
Find out the problems, like humidity fluctuations, and installation troubles.
Choose suitable wood filler that fits the floor shade clean the area thoroughly and let it dry completely.
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3. Apply a Layer of Beeswax to Clean Unfinished Wood Floors
Applying a layer of beeswax to unfinished wood flooring is a brilliant way to beautify them and acts as a barrier to scratches.
Start by melting beeswax and apply it as a thin layer with a soft cloth onto the wood in small sections.
Let it remain for some time after that clean the waxed region with a sponge to obtain a smooth and clean finish to the floor.
Repeat this process periodically to ensure the protective wax coating stays and the wood retains its look in the long run.
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4. Clean Unfinished Wood Floors with White Vinegar and Water
Although vinegar can damage some types of surfaces, it is the most convenient method for unfinished wood floor cleaning when used correctly.
A cleaner is essential in avoiding leftover residue and preventing damage to your flooring.
After vacuuming your wood floor, prepare a solution with vinegar by diluting one cup with some amount of warm water and using it as a mopping cleaner.
5. Clean Unfinished Wood Floors with Lemon and water
Lemon’s offers many benefits like vinegar to clean unfinished hardwood floors.
Squeeze a fresh lemon into a bucket of water. Dip your mop or cloth in the cleaner, and wring well.
Clean your unfinished floors with a mop or damp cloth, working with the grain. Air out the room to dry by setting fans as necessary.
6. Use Baking Soda Paste to Clean Unfinished Wood Floors
The baking soda paste is natural and powerful for cleaning stains or spots and maintaining the look of unfinished wooden floors.
To use this method, start by blending baking soda with a small quantity of water till it forms a paste with a spreadable consistency.
Apply the paste onto the stains or spots. Using a sponge, gently rub and allow the paste to sit for a few minutes. Then, wipe off with a clean damp cloth.
7. Use Natural oils to Clean Unfinished Wood Floors
Natural oils like jojoba or boiled linseed oil are used as best finishers for old unfinished wood floors to protect against damage.
But you can also use them in the cleaning phase. Oils are excellent options to break down gunky residues on an unsealed floor.
Apply oil directly to your microfiber mop or cloth. Rub it on the unfinished wood floor.
Let the oil sit for 10–15 minutes before going over it again with a dry mop or cloth to polish and remove excess fluid.
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8. Clean Unfinished Wood Floors With Tea
Do you know black tea is also used to clean unfinished wood floors strange right?
Take some baggage of black tea in warm water, allow it to cool, and collect it into a bucket.
Add some drops of mild dish soap to the tea dip a gentle cloth or mop and clean the wood floor.
The property present in black tea naturally restores the wood’s colour and shine.
This technique is not only effective for cleaning but also useful for boosting the value of unfinished wooden floors.
9. Clean Unfinished Floors With White Toothpaste
Using white toothpaste for cleaning unfinished wood flooring is a smooth and effective approach for handling stains and marks.
Apply a pinch of white toothpaste to the affected area. Use a soft material and gently rub on the stain.
Allow to settle for a moment then, clean the toothpaste with a cloth. This approach is powerful for removing stains and marks without causing harm to the wooden floor.
10. Use Cornstarch For Greasy Spots On Unfinished Wood Floors
Cornstarch is a smooth and effective method for greasy spots on unfinished wood floors. Just start by sprinkling on the affected area.
Leave cornstarch to settle for at least 15-20 minutes to absorb grease. During this time, the cornstarch works to remove oil from the wooden flooring.
After waiting, use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner then clean with water and wipe the area to eliminate any remaining residue.
This method is gentle on the wood surface while effectively tackling greasy spots, leaving your unfinished wood floors refreshed.
11. Regularly Rotate Rugs and Furniture
Regularly changing the places of rugs and furniture is essential for maintaining the constancy of unfinished wood floors.
Over time, some places that receive sunlight directly will fade out more quickly than others.
By periodically rotating rugs and furniture, you can distribute exposure to light evenly all through the floor, supporting in stopping uneven fading.
This simple trick increases the lifespan of your wood floors and protects their natural beauty.
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How to Remove Stains on Unfinished Wood Floors Instantly!
These are simple but effective steps you can follow to remove stains from your unfinished wood floors while keeping a new appearance of the floor. Let’s start!
Step 1: Identify the Type of Stain
Firstly identify the character of the stain on your unfinished wooden floor like water, beverage, and food. Follow the proper cleansing approaches according to the stain.
Step 2: Sand the Stained Area
Use sandpaper by rubbing softly on the stained region. Use sand with the grain of the wood to avoid scratches.
This process allows the removal of the surface layer of the wood wherein the stain gets removed and gets ready for cleaning.
Step 3: Create a Cleaning Solution
For water or urine stains: Mix hydrogen peroxide and water in the same amounts in a small bowl. Apply this combination to the stained location using a gentle fabric or sponge. Gently rub the stained region.
For meals or grease stains: Mix white vinegar with baking soda and prepare a paste. Apply the paste directly onto the stain, allow it to settle for a couple of minutes, and clean it with a sponge.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry
After applying the cleansing solution or paste, rinse the location very well with a smooth, damp cloth to dispose of any residue.
Ensure the wood is dry before moving to the next step. Use a soft, dry material to blot excess moisture if needed.
Step 5: Repeat if Necessary
For stubborn stains, you could repeat the cleaning technique in multiple instances.
Always permit the wood to dry completely among applications to assess the effectiveness of every cleaning method.
Step 6: Final Cleaning
Once the stain is removed, cleanse the entire floor by using a wood floor cleaner particularly designed for unfinished wood.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and drying instances to gain the best results.
Step 7: Apply Wood Finish
If necessary, after the floor is thoroughly wiped clean and dried, don’t forget to make use of a suitable wood finish or oil.
This step not only helps to achieve the natural beauty of the wood but also offers a protective layer against future stains.
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Do’s and Don’t For Cleaning Unfinished Wood Floors
Do’s:
- Immediate Spill Cleanup
- Regular Dusting
- Use Gentle Cleaning Solutions
- Protect Against Sunlight
- Dry Thoroughly
- Inspect Regularly
Dont’s:
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals
- Don’t Soak the Floor
- Skip the Steam Mop
- Don’t Drag Furniture
- Skip Using Harsh Scrubbing Tools
- Don’t Let Water Sit on the Floor
FAQs On how do you clean unfinished wood floors
1. can you steam-clean unfinished hardwood floors?
No, you should not use steam-clean for unfinished hardwood floors as it absorbs moisture due to the lack of a protective seal. Steam can damage and cause swelling or warping.
2. can you leave hardwood floors unfinished?
Yes, hardwood floors may be left unfinished. Unfinished hardwood floors are constructed without any stain or shield coating. They require ordinary maintenance as they get broken due to moisture, and stains, compared to finished hardwood floors.
3. what can I use to clean unsealed wood floors?
For unsealed or unfinished wood floors, you should avoid the use of water or liquid cleaners as they could harm the wood. Instead, use a dry or damp mop to eliminate dust and dirt. You can also use a wood cleansing product by following the instructions.
4. How Often to Clean Hardwood Floors?
Clean hardwood floors at least once a week to remove dust and dirt. Adjust the cleaning schedules based on visitors and household activities for best maintenance.
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