07/10/2026
Cleaning a solid wood floor isn't complicated β but one detail genuinely matters and often gets skipped: match your cleaning method to the FINISH, not just the wood. Here's how:
π’οΈ Oil finish β damp, well-wrung mop with a cleaner made for oiled floors. Skip harsh degreasers, they strip the oil's protective quality
β¨ Lacquer β the most forgiving. A neutral pH cleaner and damp mop handles most everyday cleaning fine
π―οΈ Wax β this is the one that catches people out! Wax is water-sensitive, and damp mopping with a standard cleaner can leave cloudy white marks. Dry buffing and solvent-based products are the way to go
Not sure which finish your floor actually has? Worth checking before you clean β the wrong approach on the wrong finish leaves a mark that's harder to fix than the dirt you started with.
Some things apply across all finishes though: sweep daily, wipe spills immediately, and skip generic multi-surface cleaners.
Full guide here: https://www.flooringservices.london/articles/floor-maintenance-advice/cleaning-solid-wood-floors-it-depends-on-the-finish
Not sure which finish your floor has, or need a proper clean and refresh? Call us on 020 7036 0625 or request a free site visit π https://www.flooringservices.london/free-estimate