Clean Unsealed Hardwood Floors

 All hardwood floors will last many, many years if given the proper care; this includes to clean unsealed hardwood floors too.  Most can be refurbished and saved from years of neglect they may have received from previous owners.  There are generally three different topcoats for hardwood floors. They are polyurethane, wax or the clean unsealed hardwood floors, and all three have simple, but slightly different cleaning recommendations.

To clean unsealed hardwood floors you have several options.  These would also apply to the distressed floorings, which have become so popular.  Distressed flooring is flooring where the top layer of wood has been marred to appear older or more in the antique category.  This flooring can be sealed or unsealed.

If you are going to clean your unsealed hardwood floor, use a mild soap and water or a manufacturer’s suggested type product.  Do not saturate your towel or mop, just keep moist.  If you have a sticky mess or undetected spill, apply more cleaner to rag and allow cloth to cover the spill for a short time to loosen it.  Using #000 steel wool, with light circular motions is acceptable also.

For weekly cleaning, sweep up loose dirt first and then use a moist soft cloth or mop head with spray.  This will keep your flooring looking clean.  Easy and simple!

If you clean unsealed hardwood floors, but would like a higher luster, a more brilliant look, you can always apply a wax or polyurethane coat to it. Once you do add it though, there’s no turning back.  This will seal your flooring, but will show wear and nicks more easily.

In this case, you will need to “screen” (sand) the floor.  Then apply your top coating.  A professional should be called to do this sanding and refinishing, but if you must tackle it yourself, the tools and process can be found through the manufacturer of how to clean your unsealed hardwood floor.