If you have a rustic home, nothing will make it more stylish than an unfinished wooden floor. Most people have seen the wisdom in these and have unfinished floors. That is why such people would want to know how to clean unfinished wooden floors.
If you are such a person, then you’ve come to the right place. Cleaning unfinished wooden floors, although delicate, isn’t rocket science. There are some things you will have to avoid lest you damage the floors. Otherwise, it shouldn’t be too hard.
The tips we will provide you with will prove exactly that. Read on and see how you should go about it.
Contents
How to Clean Unfinished Wood Floors – Follow These Steps
Unfinished wooden floors being delicate floors, don’t require the same cleaning as other types of floors. You have to take special care not to ruin them in the process of cleaning them.
On the other hand, not cleaning them often will make them lose their luster. You wouldn’t want that for your floor.
So how do you keep them clean?
What You Will Need
- A pair of gloves
- A Broom
- Static Dust Mop
- Hard Floor Vacuum Cleaner
- Trisodium Phosphate
- Soft scrubbing brush
- Mineral Spirit
- A soft Cloth
Step 1
Use either the broom or static dust mop and get rid of the dust on the floor. Sweep off gently to avoid roughing up the floor. It is best to use a soft broom, although a dust mop is the best option if you can get one.
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A vacuum cleaner will also come in handy here. You should, however, remember to use a vacuum that is ideal for the delicate unfinished wooden floor. It should have a no-scuff bumper to protect the floor.
A vacuum will work best at removing dust or any debris.
Step 2
In this step, you will remove the stains off the floor. Here, trisodium phosphate will help. All you have to do is put a little of it on the soft cloth and gently wipe off the stains on the floor.
You can also use the soft brush and gently scrub an area where you have poured the trisodium phosphate. Scrub until you have removed all the stains. After you have eliminated all the stains, use a piece of cloth to clean and dry off the area.
Remember, too much water will damage the floor. Therefore, remember to use a damp cloth instead of exposing the floor to direct contact with water. Leaving behind any drops of water might warp the floor. That’s why you need to dry every last drop of water on the floor.
Step 3
Now that you are sure there isn’t any dirt or stains on the floor, you can disinfect it. When choosing a disinfectant, pick one that won’t react with the wood. A good option is a mineral spirit or vinegar.
When using mineral spirit, ensure you wear protective clothing to prevent any contact with your skin. Mineral spirit is a skin irritant that you should allow to touch your skin or your eyes.
You can disinfect the floor with a clean and damp cloth or a spray bottle. With a cloth, apply a little of the mineral spirit to make it damp, then gently wipe the floor. You will spray the floor with the spray bottle and then wipe it with a dry piece of cloth.
This step is sure to eliminate any stains that might be remaining on the floor. It also gets rid of bacteria and other pathogens that might be on the floor. After disinfecting the floor, ensure you leave it as dry as possible.
Disinfection Using Vinegar
Vinegar has multiple uses, and one of them is disinfecting surfaces. Unlike mineral spirit, vinegar is gentle and won’t have undesirable consequences if it comes into contact with your skin.
You can use it to disinfect the floor in the same way you used mineral spirit. Mix half a cup of vinegar in a bucket of water, then dip a mope in it. Wring out excess liquid before using the mope to disinfect and remove stains on the wooden floor.
You can also put the mixture into a spray bottle and spray as you rub the floor with a piece of cloth.
Vinegar has a relatively strong smell that you can reduce by adding a little essential oil when mixing with water. As with the mineral spirit, ensure the floor is as dry as possible after mopping.
And that is how you safely clean an unfinished wooden floor.
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Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Unfinished Wooden Floors
We have already mentioned that unfinished wooden floors need special cleaning to maintain their delicate luster and beauty. However, it would still be important to understand some of the things you shouldn’t do when cleaning an unfinished wooden floor.
1. Using a Rough Brush or Scrubber
This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when cleaning unfinished wooden floors. Rough scrubbing with such a scrubber will badly damage the floor and will have you regretting your action.
Always use a soft brush or a piece of clothing that is gentle on the floor.
2. Using Cleaning Agents Meant for Finished Floors
Unfinished wooden floors, unlike other floor types, aren’t resistant to damage from some cleaning agents. Some agents will erode the wood and leave you with an ugly floor. You should therefore avoid using such cleaning agents on unfinished wooden floors.
Every cleaning agent usually has a label that tells you whether they would be fine for unfinished floors.
3. Cleaning With Water and a Mop
This is one of the most popular ways of cleaning ordinary finished floors. It, however, is a grievous mistake for unfinished floors. It will erode the color and spoil your unfinished floor.
Wooden floors are susceptible to damage by water. If you are to use it, use it in minimal amounts.
There are a few ways to clean unfinished wooden floors, but the most common is to use a mixture of vinegar and water. First, sweep or vacuum the floor to remove any large debris. Then, mix together one cup of vinegar and one gallon of water in a bucket. Dip a mop into the mixture and wring it out well. Mop the floor, going in the direction of the wood grain. Allow the floor to dry completely before walking on it.
The best way to clean unfinished wooden floors is by using a dry mop. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with the brush attachment, but make sure that it doesn’t have any suction or you will pull the finish off the floor.
FAQ About Cleaning Unfinished Wood Floors
How Do You Clean Unsealed Wood Floors?
To clean unsealed wood floors, use a damp mop to remove any dirt or debris. If needed, you can also use a mild detergent to help break down any tough stains. Be sure to wring out the mop well before wiping the floor, and avoid getting the floor too wet.
How Do You Clean Unfinished Wood?
To clean unfinished wood, you will need to mix a solution of one part vinegar with one part water. You can then use a cloth or a sponge to wipe down the surface of the wood. Be sure to wring out the cloth or sponge well before using it, as you do not want any excess liquid running off the wood and onto your floor.
Can You Leave Wood Floors Unfinished?
Wood floors can be left unfinished, but this leaves the floor susceptible to damage and wear. Unfinished wood floors must be treated with a sealant or wax to protect the wood from moisture and dirt, and to make the floor more resistant to scratches and scuffs.
How to Make Unfinished Wood Floors Shine?
To make unfinished wood floors shine, you will need to use a sealant or wax. You can either purchase a sealant or wax, or you can make your own. To make your own, you will need to mix beeswax with mineral oil. Once you have mixed the two together, apply it to a rag and then buff the floors until they are shiny.
Can You Use Furniture Polish on Unfinished Wood?
Furniture polish is a type of product that is designed to clean and protect furniture. It is usually applied with a cloth, and it can be used on both finished and unfinished wood. Furniture polish contains a variety of ingredients, including waxes, oils, and solvents. It helps to protect the surface of the wood from scratches, water damage, and other forms of wear and tear.
Can You Use Murphy Oil Soap on Unfinished Wood?
Murphy Oil Soap is a product that is designed to clean surfaces. It is not recommended to use Murphy Oil Soap on unfinished wood, as it may contain chemicals that can damage the surface of the wood.
How Do You Clean Unfinished Oak Floors?
To clean unfinished oak floors, start by sweeping or vacuuming the surface to remove any debris. Then, use a damp mop to apply a light amount of wood floor cleaner to the floor. Let the floor cleaner sit on the surface for a few minutes before wiping it up with a damp cloth. Be sure to dry the floor completely after cleaning.
The Bottom Line
Now that you know How to clean unfinished wooden floors, we hope you now maintain their beauty for longer. Remember to be as gentle as possible with the floor while cleaning since unfinished wooden floors are some of the most delicate floors.
Happy cleaning.
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