How to Clean and Maintain Oiled Wood Floors

Why is it important to look after wooden floors?

Looking after wooden floors preserves their look and extends their life. Since wood is a natural material, it can be susceptible to environmental factors like temperature and humidity. Each piece of wood also has a unique pattern and grain, so debris, dust and liquid stains can be harder to spot.

• Invisible dust is more common.
• Debris can be harder to pick up. 
• Hard floors don’t absorb stains.

What makes oiled wood different?

Oiled wood is a type of wood flooring where wood is treated with oil for increased durability and an enhanced natural aesthetic. Oiled wood is hardwearing – since the natural wood pores are filled with oil, this flooring type is more resistant to moisture and wear and tear than untreated wood over a long period of time. 

What are the benefits of oiled wood flooring?

Oiled wood flooring is a popular choice for its rustic, natural aesthetic. Oiling wooden flooring enhances its natural look, preserving character while protecting the material from environmental stressors. This type of flooring requires little maintenance aside from regular cleaning, and signs of wear are easy to remedy with spot repairs. Oiled wood also develops a patina over time, so not only is your wooden floor protected long-term, it also gets better with age.

How to deep clean oiled wood floors without damaging the finish

You can clean wood floors with brushes, careful vacuuming and floor cleaners. Due to the protective oil layer, oiled wood floors don’t absorb water during cleaning. 

Vacuuming oiled wood floors can be challenging, as models designed for carpets can leave scratches. Specially designed hard floor cleaners are essential for wood floors, using powerful suction to lift debris without marking the floor. 

Cleaning hardwood floors with Dyson

Dyson machines are specifically engineered to deliver excellent results on hardwood floors. Our wet and dry floor cleaners are formulated to perform on hard floors, delivering a powerful clean that’s gentle on treated wood.  

How to re-oil wood floors

When oiled wood shows signs of wear, you can revive it with re-oiling. Not only does this restore the aesthetic of your floor and enhance the natural finish of the wood, but it also nourishes the wood and restores its protective layer. 

Follow these steps to re-oil a wood floor:

1. Clean and dry the area.
2. Apply a thin area of wood oil using a lint-free cloth or applicator –  follow the natural grain of the wood and work in small sections.
3. Buff the area with a clean cloth.
4. Wait 4-6 hours for the oil to dry.
5. Avoid getting the floor wet for up to 10 days.

It’s recommended to re-oil your floor every couple of years. Depending on how much traffic your oiled wood flooring gets, you may need to re-oil it more often. You might also choose to re-oil specific high-traffic areas more often as signs of wear start to show.

Oiled wood flooring maintenance tips

Maintaining your oiled wood floor is easier with a combination of correct cleaning techniques and simple habits. Follow these steps to maintain your floor:

• Remove shoes indoors for less friction on the floor.

• Wipe spills as soon as they happen.

• Avoid steam cleaning.

• Avoid harsh cleaning products. 

• Avoid abrasives.

How to repair a scratched wooden floor

Depending on the depth of the scratch, you might be able to improve the look of superficial scratches by applying oil to the area and buffing with a cloth. 

1. Clean the area.
2. Gently use sandpaper to sand the scratch to improve its appearance.
3. Reapply oil with a lint-free cloth and allow it to dry.

For deeper scratches, you may need to sand the wood more vigorously. You can also fill large scratches or cracks with wood putty before re-oiling. 

Clean and hygienic floors with Dyson

Dyson wet and dry floor cleaners are engineered to deliver excellent results on all floor types, including oiled wood floors. Our expert cleaning solutions clean your floors powerfully but gently with clean water, helping you take care of the floors in your home. Wondering which Dyson machine is best for your home? Take our quiz to find the best floor cleaner for you.