How to Clean an Unfinished Hardwood Floor

Unfinished hardwood floors are one of the least expensive and most common options people choose when they install hardwood flooring. Many choose to sand and then stain or seal the wood after installation on site, although some leave the floors unfinished. If you have decided to leave your wood floors unfinished, you must make sure you clean them properly to protect the wood.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Vacuum with hard floor setting
• Broom
• Natural bristle brush
• TSP (trisodium phosphate)
• Clean cotton rags
• Mineral spirits
• Fine grit sandpaper

1. Find a hidden corner to test any cleaning products to determine if any of them work for your floors. If you know the name of the flooring manufacturer, place a call as they may have recommendations for your specific flooring. This is especially important if the floors have a warranty as you don't want to void a warranty by improperly cleaning the floors.

2. Use a vacuum with a hard floors setting so the beater bar does not damage the wood, or throughly sweep the area. Vacuuming and sweeping helps remove any surface debris and dust, and is the best way to keep unfinished hardwood floors clean. A large dust mop is also a great tool to consider since you can use it daily without requiring a large block of time to clean the floors.

3. Scrub floor using a brush with natural bristles and a small amout of TSP (trisodium phosphate). Working in small sections, wash and then dry the floors with white cotton rags or towels. Use undyed or white rags to lessen the chance of any dyes staining your floors. Look for TSP at hardware and paint stores.

4. Dampen a white cotton rag or cloth with mineral spirits. Wipe the rag along the grain of the wood.

5. Sand the floor to clean up deep stains on an unfinished hardwood floor. However, if you're going to finish the floors eventually, you may want to wait on sanding until you are also applying the finish so you can avoid over-sanding the floors.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember you are cleaning the raw wood, not a finished layer as with pre-finished wood or stained/sealed hardwood flooring. Commercial products for hardwood floors are usually for finished floors and can ruin unfinished hardwood floors. Oil-based products or waxes can create an oily build-up that may hinder your ability to stain or seal the floors in the future.