Among the different types of flooring, oiled floors stand out due to their aesthetic charm. An oiled finish highlights the wood grains and also offers a natural matte-finish look. This acquires more character with time. Oiled floors do not show scratches and are also easy to maintain.
An oil finish helps in protecting the wood surface of your flooring. It gets deep within the wood for well-rounded defence. This, in turn, helps maintain the layers and knots underneath. However, there are some specific rules related to oiled floor cleaning. This blog explains the same.
Cleaning Oiled Wood Floors
Oiled wood floors do not require sanding. However, cleaning them requires expertise and a more specialised approach. There are two main steps: Dry cleaning and damp cleaning. A third, deep cleaning method is also there for more severe conditions.
Dry Cleaning
Dry cleaning means getting rid of dirt particles, dust, and any contaminants that can accumulate on the surface. This helps prevent scratching and wearing. You can opt for dry cleaning by using a flat mop that has a microfibre cloth attached, hand cleaning with a microfibre cloth, or using a vacuum cleaner.
It is recommended that you clean your oiled wood floors regularly. This will keep them looking beautiful and new-like. However, the exact duration of cleaning depends on the place you live in and how exposed your flooring is to foot traffic and dust. If you live in highly dust-prone areas, besides everyday dust, going for a proper clean every 2-3 days is important.
Damp Cleaning
The first thing to remember when damp cleaning is not to overuse water. Using excess water can lead to water getting in the joints between and cause unprotected wood underneath to swell. Like dry cleaning, damp cleaning depends on how exposed your floor is to contaminants and dirt. Usually, damp cleaning should be done once a week to get rid of surface soiling.
- The basic steps to damp cleaning are:
- Get a suitable cleaning product.
- Use the amount as directed in the package and mix it with water.
- Use the microfibre cloth or mop to wash across the floor.
- Keep rinsing the cloth or mop head and ring it out to remove excess water.
- Clean in small sections for the best results.
Deep Cleaning
For oiled floors that are severely soiled due to lack of maintenance or heavy use, a deep cleaning is required. For this, a more powerful cleaning product is needed. The equipment required includes a rotary cleaning machine or a flat mop with a coarser head.
It is best to avail yourself of professional oiled floor cleaning services for this method. They will have the proper equipment and knowledge on how to use them for effective cleaning.
Oiled Floor Cleaning: Do’s and Don’ts
As previously mentioned, cleaning oiled floors requires adherence to a few basic rules. The do’s and don’ts of oiled floor cleaning are:
- Ensure that you have the right mop. It should have a good wringer to get rid of any excess water. Also, the microfibre attachment should be soft to prevent scratches.
- It is best to avoid using old mops, as they can leave too much water during the cleaning process.
- If you are using just a cloth and cleaning by hand, make sure you ring it thoroughly every time.
- Always get the right cleaning product. Read the product details to see if it is suitable for oiled floors.
- Avoid harsh chemicals or products that are used to polish floors.
- Vacuum with the right attachment suited for wood flooring,
- Do not sweep clean when damp cleaning. Use sections and clean the mop before going back. Otherwise, you will just be transferring dirty water from one side to another.
Final Words
Oiled wood floors are a great flooring choice. They look classy and have a timeless charm. Moreover, they are durable and easy to maintain. Oiled floor cleaning includes a simple everyday cleaning process for maintenance. For more intense cleaning, you should always take the help of experts.
If you are looking for comprehensive floor cleaning services, then contact Dublin Floor Cleaning. They use the best quality products, and their services are executed by experienced professionals skilled in handling the latest equipment for optimum results.
