How to Clean Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors enhance the elegance of any home, but keeping them looking fresh and maintaining their beauty requires consistent care. Dirt, dust and debris can dull the finish and lead to scratches, making routine cleaning essential for long-term durability. Here at BISSELL, we’re driven to help you find more ways to make your home a cleaner place. So, in our step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to best clean hardwood floors with expert advice on how to maintain their shine and longevity.

Overview of learning methods

You’ll want to use different floor cleaning methods, depending on your needs – from daily upkeep to deep cleaning. For example, you can do a light, daily clean of hardwood floors with a dry mop, vacuum or broom, while deep cleaning sealed wood flooring calls for a vacuum and a wet mop to target stuck-on messes and grime.

This expert hardwood floor cleaning guide will walk you through:

• Daily cleaning techniques for sealed hardwood floors

• Methods for giving sealed hardwood floors a deeper clean

• The best tools and for cleaning hardwood floors

• Stick vacs like the PowerClean FurFinder 200W Stick Vac easily glide over all types of hardwood floors

• On sealed hardwood floors, spin mops and wet dry vacs like CrossWave machines, which vacuum and mop at the same time, give you a deeper clean

• Common hardwood floor cleaning mistakes to avoid

Preparing to clean hardwood floors

Cleaning your hardwood floors can be simple, but you do need to take a few steps to get ready. Follow along to set yourself and your floors up for success.

Determine the type of flooring you have

The type of wood flooring in your home dictates the cleaning methods you can use on it. Generally, hardwood flooring falls under two categories: sealed or unsealed. One DIY way to tell if your floors are sealed or unsealed is to drop a small amount of water in an inconspicuous area. If the water beads up, the floor is sealed. If your floor absorbs the water, it is unsealed. However, it is recommended to check with your flooring manufacturer to be sure.  

Sealed hardwood floors

• Commonly includes solid, engineered and parquet flooring. Most hardwood floors today come from the factory sealed.

• Compatible Tools: CrossWave wet-dry vac mops are usually safe on sealed wood floors; steam mops may be used cautiously if the manufacturer allows (typically, steam should not be used on vinyl floors).

• Cleaning Tips: Use water-based cleaners sparingly and avoid soaking the surface.

Unsealed hardwood floors

• Typically found in reclaimed or older parquet/bamboo flooring.

• Compatible Tools: Vacuum only – you don’t want to get floors wet during cleaning.

• Cleaning Tips: Stick to dry methods to prevent water absorption and damage.

To be absolutely sure your floors are sealed, check with your manufacturer. They may also have recommendations on the best way to clean your floors.

Clear the area

Remove rugs, furniture and other obstacles that are in your cleaning path. This step ensures complete access to the floor, reducing the risk of missing dirt in corners or under heavy items.

Assess the floor condition

Inspect your hardwood floors for scratches, worn finishes or stains. Identifying high-traffic areas like entryways and hallways allows you to focus your efforts effectively. Experts recommend testing cleaning solutions on an inconspicuous area to ensure they don’t damage the floor finish.

Daily cleaning routine

Daily cleaning is an excellent way to maintain the beauty of your hardwood floors, preventing dirt and debris buildup while also protecting your floor’s finish. Set aside a few minutes each day to follow these expert-recommended quick cleaning tips.

Spot clean spills and stains

When a spill or stain occurs, spot clean immediately for the best results. Various household accidents can damage your hardwood floors if they’re not addressed quickly, from pet urine to coffee stains, juice and standing water. The cleaning machines you use will depend on whether your floor is sealed or unsealed.

Materials needed:

• Paper towels

• Microfibre cloth

• Hardwood floor formula

• Wet dry vacuum, spin mop or traditional mop

Step 1: Blot spills immediately

If you’re dealing with a recent spill, start by blotting the area with a clean paper towel or cloth. Cleaning messes as they’re made prevents liquids from setting deeper into your hardwood floors, which can cause warping or damage.

Step 2: Spot clean with cleaning solution

After blotting up the spill, assess your floor’s finish before spot cleaning.

• To spot clean unsealed floors: Use a lightly dampened cloth to gently wipe the area. Some unsealed floor manufacturers may recommend using an oil, like linseed or jojoba, to wipe away grime and messes. Never soak the wood or scrub it, as this can further set the stain. Avoid excess water or soaking the floor, harsh chemicals and abrasive scrubbing.

• To spot clean sealed floors: Use a hardwood floor cleaner with a microfibre mop or cloth. Or, especially for pet messes or sticky spills, a wet-dry vacuum can provide targeted cleaning. Pair your CrossWave OmniForce Edge Wet Dry Vac with Wood Floor Formula for CrossWave & SpinWave to remove tough spills and stains. Check out our formula guide for an in-depth look at different solutions.  Avoid excess water, harsh abrasives and ammonia-based cleansers.

Step 3: Dry floors immediately

If you use a traditional mop, you’ll need to dry your hardwood floors immediately after cleaning. Hardwood floors are prone to warping and swelling when exposed to excess moisture for an extended period.

A wet-dry vacuum or spin mop, which is safe to use on sealed hardwood floors, ensures excess water is never left behind.

Weekly cleaning routine

Weekly hardwood floor cleaning is just as important as daily maintenance, allowing you to target general wear and tear that builds up over time.

Remove debris and dust

Using a stick vac or vacuum cleaner is the easiest and most effective way to remove everyday dry messes from hardwood floors. You can also use the Natural Sweep or broom and dustpan to remove loose dirt and debris from the surface of your hardwood floors.

Materials needed:

• Vacuum cleaner

• Stick vac

• Broom and dustpan

Step 1: Move furniture

Remove any easy-to-relocate furniture or area rugs in the space you are cleaning. This allows you to get a full clean without interruption.

Step 2: Use a stick vac, vacuum or broom

For the best results, use a vacuum or stick vac, like the PowerClean FurFinder, to suck up any dirt and grime on the floor or hiding in the wood grain or crevices. If you have a CrossWave OmniForce Edge, you can use it in Dry Only Mode to complete this step. You can also sweep the floor with a broom, using a dustpan to collect the debris.

Step 3: Focus on high-traffic areas

As you navigate the room, pay extra attention to high-traffic areas. These include the common paths you and your family walk to get from one room to another, like hallways, entryways, around the kitchen island and in front of your couch. And if you have pets, make sure you thoroughly go over their favourite spots – this will make life with animals more harmonious, helping you have pets and a clean home at the same time.

Step 4: Move furniture back

Empty your vacuum and move all furniture and area rugs back to their original position.

Monthly floor washing routine

Each month, give your hardwood floor a deep clean. Washing hardwood floors each month removes embedded dirt and grime, prevents staining, helps you win the fight against indoor allergens and preserves your floor’s finish. Follow these expert tips on how to best wash hardwood floors as part of your floor-washing routine.

Choose the right cleaner

Begin your monthly cleaning routine by selecting the right cleaner. To deep clean hardwood floors, a vacuum and a spin mop or a wet-dry vacuum can help you save time and get the deepest clean.

Materials needed:

• CrossWave wet dry vacuum or stick vac and a spin mop or traditional mop

• Hardwood floor cleaner

• Optional: Hardwood floor wax

Step 1: Read the manufacturer’s instructions

Always review the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning your hardwood floors to prevent damage. Floor washing is only recommended for sealed hard floors.

Step 2: Move furniture

Take time to move all furniture from the area you’re deep cleaning, like tables, chairs, rugs and home décor.

Step 3: Vacuum

Vacuum your floors to remove all loose dust, dirt, grime and debris. You can use an upright or stick vacuum, like the PowerClean FurFinder 200W Stick Vac, which comes with FurFinder Headlight Technology to illuminate the area you’re cleaning.

Or, combine steps 3 and 4 by using a wet-dry vacuum like the CrossWave OmniForce Edge Wet Dry Vac to vacuum and mop at the same time.

Step 4: Wash floors

Wash your sealed hardwood floors with a spin mop or a wet-dry vacuum. We recommend the CrossWave OmniForce Edge because it cleans floors all the way to the baseboards. Move in the direction of the wood grain and avoid using excess water to prevent warping or swelling.

If you are using a traditional mop, wring the mop before cleaning, then speed up drying by going over the floor with a dry mop or cloth. If the area is still wet, use a fan or open the windows.

Step 5: Wax floors (optional)

Use a wax designed for your floor type to polish or buff your floors to restore their shine.

Step 6: Move furniture back

Complete your monthly hardwood floor cleaning routine by moving all furniture and area rugs back to your preferred layout.

Preventive maintenance tips

To make cleaning hardwood floors easier, take preventive measures that protect your floors from spills and grime.

Use area rugs and mats

Place rugs in high-traffic areas and use floor mats at entrances to minimise dirt and prevent scratches. This is a great summer cleaning tip when people are moving between the outdoors and indoors frequently. 

Implement a shoes-off policy

You may consider making your home “shoes-free” to prevent extra grime from entering the space.

Protect the floor from furniture

Add felt pads under furniture legs and avoid dragging heavy items across the floor. Scuffs and scrapes can be difficult to remove or fix.

Common cleaning mistakes to avoid

Wood, while naturally beautiful, can be extremely sensitive, especially if it’s unsealed. Keep these common hardwood cleaning mistakes in mind to prevent damaging your floors.

Over-wetting the floor

Too much water can cause irreversible damage to hardwood floors. Always use a lightly damp mop and dry your floors after cleaning. Or use a wet-dry vac or spin mop, which dole out limited amounts of liquid.

Using harsh chemicals

Avoid abrasive cleaners that can strip the finish or leave residue. Additionally, stay away from DIY cleaners, as these can cause reactions that further damage your floors.

Ignoring manufacturer instructions

Following guidelines specific to your floor type will ensure proper care and improve your floor’s longevity.

Packing up

Regular cleaning of hardwood floors is essential to maintaining their beauty and longevity. Understanding how to clean hardwood floors ensures you protect their finish from spills, stains and grime. Daily spot cleaning prevents stains, while weekly cleaning with a vacuum allows you to target dust and debris at the surface level and in cracks and crevices. Deep cleaning hardwood floors monthly with a wet-dry vacuum or a vacuum and spin mop removes embedded messes while restoring the shine.

However, it’s important to avoid common mistakes, like using too much water, which can cause your hardwood floors to warp, stain, or swell. By following these best practices and staying consistent with your cleaning routine, you can keep your hardwood floors looking pristine for years to come, regardless of whether you’re cleaning your kitchen, home office, or the whole house.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best thing to clean hardwood floors with?

The best way to clean hardwood floors depends on your floor’s finish. For sealed hardwood floors, a wet-dry vacuum, like the CrossWave OmniForce Edge Wet Dry Vac, tackles dirt and grime with ease. For unsealed hard floors, the PowerClean FurFinder 200W Stick Vac or a dry mop can pick up dirt and debris without getting your floors wet.

Should you mop a wooden floor?

Yes, you can use a mop on a wooden floor. For sealed hardwood floors, a wet-dry vac, like the CrossWave OmniForce Edge Wet Dry Vac, can vacuum, mop and dry your floors in one go. Only use a dry mop with a microfibre cloth for unsealed hard floors, as water and cleansers can damage the wood.

Is dish soap safe for wood floors?

No, it’s not recommended to use dish soap to clean hardwood floors. While both floor and dish cleaning formulas contain surfactants, which are the cleaning agents used to remove oil and grease, dish soap foam leaves a sticky residue on floors, which can attract dirt and debris. A formula designed specifically for floor cleaning works on more types of messes – including tracked-in mud – and is designed to leave a smooth, clean finish.