The Best Way to Clean Old Hardwood Floors

The floor's finish affects wood-cleaning decisions.

If you don't learn the best way to clean an old wood floor, it will remain grimy. Knowing how the floor has been finished is essential to clean it properly.

Water Soundness

Before cleaning an old wood floor, splash a few drops of water on its surface --wait five minutes. If the water beads up your finish is sound; if it soaks in, your finish is unsound. Sound wooden floors can be cleaned using water-based cleaners; treat unsound floors with mineral spirits that won't damage the wood.

Wax

Dissolve wax before cleaning sound or unsound floors. Lacquer thinner or ammonia wax strippers dissolves water-based wax, rubbing alcohol dissolves shellac and paste wax comes off with mineral spirits. Dampen fine steel wool then run it across your floor to test for wax. If you see waxy residue, deal with the wax before cleaning.

Cleaning

Before cleaning the floor, sweep or vacuum thoroughly. Wash sound floors using your favorite wood cleanser mixed with water. A vinegar and water solution will remove mineral deposits but won't attack grease. Sponge the solution on by hand or with a mop, then dry mop it up. Clean unsound floors by rubbing mineral spirits over the surface with a dry mop and allowing them to air dry.

References

• Wood Floor Doctor: Learn the Best Methods to Hardwood Floor Cleaning
• Wood Floor Doctor: Learn the Best Methods to Hardwood Floor Cleaning Part 2
• Wood Floor Covering Association: How to Clean Hardwood Floors