The Rules — What Not to Do

  • Never use excess water — soaking causes swelling, warping and staining
  • Never use a steam mop — steam forces moisture into the wood and damages the finish permanently
  • Avoid vinegar and ammonia — both damage the finish over time despite being popular "natural" cleaning recommendations
  • Never use a beater bar vacuum attachment — it scratches the surface

Regular Cleaning

  1. 1

    Sweep or vacuum daily

    Fine grit and dust act as sandpaper under foot traffic. Daily sweeping with a soft-bristled broom or vacuuming with a soft floor attachment (no beater bar) prevents surface scratching before it starts.

  2. 2

    Damp mop weekly

    Lightly spray a microfibre mop with a dedicated hardwood floor cleaner (Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner is widely recommended). Wring the mop until it is nearly dry — you cannot squeeze water from it. Mop in the direction of the wood grain. The floor should be dry within 60 seconds of mopping.

  3. 3

    Wipe spills immediately

    Any liquid spill should be wiped up the moment it happens with a dry cloth. Even water left sitting causes staining and can penetrate the boards.

Common Issues and Fixes

  • Scuffs: Rub gently with a tennis ball or pencil eraser — most lift immediately
  • Sticky residue: A tiny amount of mineral spirits on a cloth removes adhesive. Dry immediately.
  • Dullness: Bona Hardwood Floor Polish refreshes sheen without refinishing
  • Deep scratches: Fill with colour-matched wood filler. Deeper damage requires sanding and refinishing
Prevent damageFelt pads under all furniture legs. Door mats at entries to trap grit. Shoes off at the door — stiletto heels dent even hard timber. Area rugs in high-traffic zones significantly reduce wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not recommended for unsealed or wax-finished hardwood. For polyurethane-finished floors (most modern floors), it can be used sparingly with the hardwood-specific pad and solution. A microfibre mop with dedicated hardwood cleaner is safer and more effective.
Every 7–10 years for high-traffic areas, longer for low-traffic rooms. Signs it is time: finish worn through in areas, dull even after cleaning, widespread scratches that cannot be buffed out. Proper care dramatically extends the time between refinishing.