As organic as flooring might be, unfinished hardwood floors have a certain beauty. Since the wood hasnโt been finished or protected with oil or anything else, one must be very careful when cleaning their unfinished flooring because most chemicals can harm the untreated raw wood.
Clear all of the dust and dirt before cleaning the unfinished hardwood floors. Remove any furniture or other items. Prepare a suitable cleaning fluid for unfinished wood flooring. Start mopping along the wood grain after dampening a microfiber cloth or mop with the solution.
Your hardwood will remain spotless for years if you regularly mop it. Letโs go through how to clean unfinished wood floors in simple stages without harming them in greater detail.
Step By Step Guide To Clean Unfinished Floors:
Unfinished wood flooring can be tricky to clean since they are not covered in any protective coating or oil, making them sensitive to certain cleaning chemicals. Fortunately, there are simple steps that one can take to keep their unfinished wooden floors in pristine condition! Here is a step-by-step guide for how to effectively and safely clean old unfinished wood floors:
1. Sweep Or Vacuum The Floor:
Cleaning hardwood can be challenging due to dust and filth accumulation. The main objective is to keep debris and dust off the floor. Whenever you walk on dust clouds, they damage the surface like sandpaper. Additionally, they can enter wooden characters and harm them. Therefore, high-traffic areas should be swept or vacuumed every day. You can also use rugs to prevent dust accumulation in your dining and kitchen areas. However, In regions with less traffic, it would be best to use a soft bristle brush or vacuum once or twice each week.
2. Remove Hard Stains:
After removing all the dust and dirt, you can clean your wood floors of any hard stains. However, utilizing as little water as possible throughout this process is important. If not, your timber can get discolored or warped.
Apply Vinegar Solution:
Since untreated wood is relatively sensitive, using cleaners with chemical additives is not advised. Avoid using any soap or bleach that can harm the woodโs surface. For untreated cleansing wood, a lot of housekeeping experts choose DIY vinegar-based solutions. The mildly acidic pH of vinegar disinfects and dissolves oil and grease. It additionally provides a lustrous, streak-free gloss.
Use Trisodium Phosphate:
Trisodium phosphate, a well-known floor stain remover, is used in this process. Spread a thin layer of the crystallized mixture to the stained area and gently scrape the site with a brush with soft bristles. Once the stain has been removed, apply a modest quantity of warm water and clean it with a damp washcloth.
Use Mineral Spirits:
Another option for removing stains from unfinished wood floors. This petroleum-based product is typically used to wipe varnish from a brush, yet it has also shown to be successful at cleaning this kind of flooring. Use a cotton gauze or microfiber cloth to softly cleanse the stain after applying a small quantity of this chemical. Make sure to wipe away any remaining water on the surface.
Use Sandpaper:
You can use fine sandpaper to scrape the area of your flooring if the stain is obstinate and the first two procedures did not work to remove it. But, when sanding wood, do not use excessive strain. You should regularly check the color for removal. Do not sand it too much to avoid fragmentation and damage to the wood. Clean up the area with a soft-bristled angle broom or vacuum.
Let The Floor Dry:
Unlike detergents, which discolor floors and necessitate an additional water-cleaning step, you can begin the drying process immediately after cleansing with vinegar or any other approach. At this point, you need to be careful to make sure nobody steps on the wet surface or arranges any items over it. As you are aware, liquids may be excellent breeding grounds for dust, and at this point, leaving traces of dirt behind would be counterproductive.
How To Make Unfinished Wood Floor Shine?
Hardwood typically gets its shine from the seal. To keep your unfinished hardwood lustrous, you can apply wax or oil. Additionally, it cleans the surface of the remaining layer of grime and dirt.
Use Oil:
Linseed or jojoba essential oils are excellent choices for adding a beautiful sheen to the floor and removing dust and debris. Apply the oil to the surface with a soft rug or microfiber fabric and set it for 15 minutes. Remove any last traces of filth and grime by buffing the oil with a dry mop.
Apply Wax:
Pick a petroleum-based and super hydrophobic wax, then apply it with a soft rug. After allowing the wax to sit on the floor for 30 minutes, gently brush it with a fresh cloth. To save time, you can also use a buffing tool.
Final Words:
These solutions are perfect for removing stubborn stains from your hardwood floor and keeping it clean. Itโs best to avoid any harsh chemicals and detergents because they can damage the aesthetics of your wooden floor. Besides, it would be best to follow the given steps to prevent future damage. Make sure you donโt brush with stiff bristles or scrub the floor very hard.
Also Read: What Flooring Is Best for Kitchen
Moreover, if you want a glossy appearance on your hardwood floor, you can apply an oily finish or oil stain on your untreated and unfinished hardwood floors for better results and long-lasting beauty.
