Wood Floors-Care and Cleaning

Sealing Wood floors should be protected with a sealer.

Penetrating sealers go into the wood pores; worn spots can be resealed.

Lacquer, shellac, varnish stay on top of the wood; if worn off in traffic areas, usually the whole floor has to be sanded and refinished.

Prevent scratches when moving furniture by putting heavy socks over the legs.

Cleaning Vacuum often to keep dirt from grinding into the floor finish or sticking to it.

Wipe up spills immediately. A damp (not wet) cloth may be used on a well-sealed wood floor to wipe up food spills or mud. Wipe dry with cloth or paper towel.

Clean when necessary with a solvent-based liquid wax for wood. Follow directions on container. Solvent removes dirt and old wax, and leaves a thin wax coating which must be buffed. Apply with:

1. A dry cloth, rubbing floor and refolding the clean part of cloth as dirt is taken up; hard on knees

2. Cloth over long-handled wax applicator, rubbing and refolding cloths as above

3. Electric polishers (can be rented), changing to clean brushes or pads as dirt and wax are taken up. and buff wax left on floor: immediately if by hand; after 20-30 minutes if with electric polisher.

This article was written by Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus with references from Finishing & Maintaining Wood Floors North Central Regional bulletin, Purdue Extension and the U.S. Forest Service.

MSU 2003

Wood Floors-Care and Cleaning

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