Keeping Oiled Floors Beautiful: Simple Care Routines
Cleaning, protection and maintenance made easy
Oiled wooden floors have a warmth and depth that many people love, and the good news is that they are not difficult to look after. Because oil protects the wood from within, good care is about removing abrasive dirt and replenishing the oil when it wears thin.
Everyday cleaning
Grit is the biggest enemy of any wooden floor. Carried in on shoes, it works like abrasive paper every time someone walks across the room. A quick sweep or vacuum with a soft floor head every few days keeps this under control.
When the floor needs washing, use a barely damp mop with a dedicated oiled-floor soap. Specialist soaps clean without stripping the oil, and many leave a light protective residue. Steer clear of steam mops, general-purpose cleaners and harsh chemicals, which can strip the finish.
Remove grit often with a soft brush or vacuum.
Use a well wrung-out mop; standing water is bad for wood.
Use a soap designed for oiled floors.
Deal with spills straight away before they can soak in.
Never use a steam mop on wooden floors.
Preventing wear and damage
A good doormat inside and outside each entrance stops a surprising amount of grit. Fit felt pads to furniture legs and replace them when they flatten or collect grit. Rugs are great in busy areas, but choose ones with breathable backings and wait until the finish has fully cured after any treatment.
Sunlight will gradually change the colour of any natural timber. Moving rugs and furniture occasionally helps the floor age evenly. Pets' claws can mark the surface, so keeping them trimmed is kind to the floor as well as the pet.
Maintenance oil
Even with good care, oil wears gradually where people walk most. Signs include a dry, grey or patchy look, water no longer beading on the surface, or a floor that seems to absorb dirt more easily. At that stage a fresh coat of oil, rather than sanding, is usually all that is needed.
A professional maintenance treatment involves a deep clean, light buffing and a fresh coat of oil worked into the surface. It is far quicker than sanding and the floor is back in use within a short time. For most households, every two to four years is a sensible interval. Our re-oiling service covers everything from a single hallway to a whole house in Croydon.
The first weeks after oiling
A freshly oiled floor needs a little extra care while the finish fully hardens. Although it will feel dry within hours, the oil continues to harden inside the timber for up to two weeks. During this time, avoid washing the floor with water, keep rugs off it and lift furniture into place rather than dragging it. Any spills should be blotted gently with a soft cloth.
After the curing period, regular cleaning can begin. Oiled floors often look even better after a few months, as the finish settles into a gentle, even lustre.
Through the seasons
Wooden floors respond to the seasons. In winter, central heating dries the air and timber can shrink slightly, sometimes opening small gaps between boards. In summer, higher humidity makes the wood swell again. Keeping indoor humidity reasonably stable, avoiding radiators set to maximum and ventilating kitchens and bathrooms helps the floor stay settled. Winter weather brings more grit and moisture inside, so a little extra sweeping by the door pays off.
If the damage is deeper
If the floor has deep gouges, dark water marks or bare patches, a re-oil may not be enough. In those cases, sanding back to fresh timber and re-finishing gives a clean start. We will always tell you honestly whether a refresh will do the job.
Want a price for a maintenance re-oil? See our guide prices, or book a free survey for a fixed written quote.