How To Clean Oiled Wood Floors – Expert Advice 2023

Oiled wood floors are a popular choice for homeowners because of their natural beauty and durability. The oil finish gives the wood a warm, rich tone and helps to protect it from daily wear and tear. 

However, just like any other type of flooring, oiled wood requires regular cleaning and maintenance to keep it looking its best. 

In this article, we will share expert advice on how to clean and maintain your oiled wood floors to keep them looking beautiful for years to come. So, if you want to keep your oiled wood floors in top condition, read on for our helpful tips and tricks.

How To Clean Oiled Wood Floors – Step – By Step Guide

Having oil on your wood floors can be a tricky problem to tackle. It may seem impossible to clean oil off of your wood floors without damaging the wood, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right approach and a few simple household supplies, it is possible to safely clean oil off of wood floors. 

This step-by-step guide will walk you through all of the steps to getting your wood floors clean and looking like new.

Preparing To Clean Oiled Wood Floors

Before you begin cleaning your oiled wood floors, it’s important to gather all the necessary materials and prep the area. 

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Soft clothes: You’ll need a few soft, clean clothes for wiping down the floor. Avoid using rough or abrasive materials, as these can scratch the wood or strip away the oil finish.
2. Mild detergent: A mild, pH-neutral detergent is best for cleaning oiled wood floors. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the wood or strip away the oil finish.
3. Vacuum cleaner: Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove any dirt or debris from the surface of the floor. Be sure to empty the bag or canister before starting to avoid spreading dust and dirt.

Once you have all your materials ready, it’s time to remove any dirt or debris from the surface of the floor. Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to pick up any loose dirt or dust. Be sure to get into corners and along baseboards, as these areas tend to accumulate dirt and debris.

With the floor prepped and ready to go, you’re now ready to start cleaning your oiled wood floors. Follow the tips and techniques outlined in the next section to keep your floors looking clean, fresh, and beautiful.

Cleaning The Oily Wood Floors

Now that your floor is prepped and ready to go, it’s time to start cleaning. Follow these simple steps to effectively clean your oiled wood floors:

1. Mix a small amount of mild detergent with warm water in a bucket. A good rule of thumb is to use about a teaspoon of detergent per gallon of water. Be sure to mix the solution well to create a consistent, sudsy mixture.
2. Dip a soft cloth into the mixture and wring out any excess liquid. You don’t want the cloth to be too wet, as excess water can seep into the wood and cause damage.
3. Wipe the floor with the damp cloth, working in small sections. Start at the farthest corner of the room and work your way towards the door, dividing the floor into manageable sections as you go.
4. Rinse the cloth frequently and replace it with a clean one as needed. This will help to prevent the spreading of dirt and grime around the floor.
5. Once you’ve finished wiping the floor with the damp cloth, use a clean, dry cloth to dry the floor. This will help to prevent water spots and streaks, and will also help to remove any remaining dirt or grime.

By following these simple steps, you can effectively clean your oiled wood floors and keep them looking beautiful. Remember to be gentle when cleaning and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the wood or strip away the oil finish. 

With proper care and maintenance, your oiled wood floors will stay looking clean, fresh, and beautiful for years to come.

Removing Stains From Oil Finished Wood Floors

Accidents happen, and sometimes your oiled wood floors will get stained despite your best efforts to keep them clean. 

Whether it’s a spill from a drink, a stain from a dropped piece of food, or a scuff mark from a shoe, it’s important to treat stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting in and becoming more difficult to remove. 

Here’s how to remove stains from oiled wood floors:

1. Treat the stain as soon as possible. The longer a stain sits on your floor, the harder it will be to remove. So, as soon as you notice a stain, take action to remove it.
2. Use a commercial wood floor cleaner or a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water to remove the stain. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the wood or strip away the oil finish.
3. Test the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the floor to make sure it doesn’t cause any damage.
4. Once you’ve tested the solution and confirmed that it’s safe to use, apply it to the stain using a soft cloth. Wipe the solution onto the stain and blot until the stain is lifted.
5. Rinse the area with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or grime, and dry the floor thoroughly to prevent water spots or streaks.

By following these simple steps, you can effectively remove stains from your oiled wood floors and keep them looking beautiful. Remember to be gentle when cleaning and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the wood or strip away the oil finish. 

With regular cleaning and maintenance, your oiled wood floors will stay looking clean, fresh, and beautiful for years to come.

Maintaining The Oil-Based Wood Floors

In addition to regular cleaning, it’s important to maintain your oiled wood floors to keep them looking their best. 

Here are some simple tips for maintaining your oil-based wood floors:

1. Regularly sweep or vacuum the floor to remove dirt and debris. This will help to prevent scratches and wear on the wood, and will also help to keep your floors looking clean and fresh.
2. Wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining. If you spill something on your floor, quickly blot the spill with a clean, dry cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible. Then, clean the area with a mild detergent and dry thoroughly to prevent staining.
3. Use protective pads under furniture to prevent scratches. Furniture can be hard on wood floors, especially if it’s not properly protected. Use pads or felt protectors on the legs of your furniture to prevent scratches and wear on the wood.
4. Reapply oil to the floor every 6-12 months, or as needed. Over time, the oil finish on your wood floors may start to look dull or worn. To restore the lustre and protect the wood, consider reapplying oil every 6-12 months, or as needed. This will help to keep your floors looking beautiful and well-maintained.

By following these simple maintenance tips, you can keep your oiled wood floors looking beautiful for years to come. Regular cleaning and maintenance are key to keeping your floors in top condition, so be sure to follow these guidelines to ensure that your oiled wood floors stay looking clean, fresh, and beautiful.

Top Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Oiled Wood Floors

Cleaning oiled wood floors can be a bit tricky, and it’s easy to make mistakes that can damage the wood or strip away the oil finish. To keep your oiled wood floors looking their best, it’s important to avoid these common mistakes:

1. Using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on your oiled wood floors, as these can damage the wood or strip away the oil finish. Stick to mild, pH-neutral detergents and avoid using bleach or ammonia.
2. Using too much water. Oiled wood is porous, and excess water can seep into the wood and cause damage. Be sure to use a damp cloth, rather than a wet one, when cleaning your floors and dry the floor thoroughly after cleaning to prevent water spots or streaks.
3. Scrubbing the floor too hard. Oiled wood is delicate, and scrubbing it too hard can damage the wood or strip away the oil finish. Use a gentle, circular motion when wiping the floor and avoid using a scrub brush or other abrasive tools.
4. Using a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar. While a vacuum cleaner can be an effective tool for removing dirt and debris from your floors, it’s important to use one with a soft brush attachment rather than a beater bar. A beater bar can scratch the wood or strip away the oil finish, so be sure to choose a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment.
5. Neglecting to regularly clean and maintain the floor. Oiled wood floors require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them looking their best. Be sure to sweep or vacuum the floor regularly to remove dirt and debris, wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining, and reapply oil to the floor every 6-12 months, or as needed.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can keep your oiled wood floors looking beautiful and well-maintained for years to come. With the right tools and techniques, cleaning and maintaining oiled wood floors is simple and effective.

Best Cleaner For Oiled Wood Floors

When it comes to cleaning oiled wood floors, it’s important to choose the right cleaner to avoid damaging the wood or stripping away the oil finish. 

Here are some of the best cleaners for oiled wood floors:

1. Mild detergent: A mild, pH-neutral detergent is a safe and effective choice for cleaning oiled wood floors. Mix a small amount of detergent with warm water in a bucket and use a soft cloth to wipe the floor, rinsing and replacing the cloth as needed.
2. Vinegar and water: A mixture of equal parts vinegar and water is a natural and effective cleaner for oiled wood floors. Simply mix the ingredients in a bucket and use a soft cloth to wipe the floor, rinsing and replacing the cloth as needed.
3. Commercial wood floor cleaner: There are many commercial cleaners on the market specifically designed for cleaning oiled wood floors. These cleaners are usually pH-neutral and gentle on the wood, making them a safe and effective choice. Just be sure to read the label and follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the floor.
4. Baby shampoo: Baby shampoo is a gentle and effective cleaner for oiled wood floors. Mix a small amount of shampoo with warm water in a bucket and use a soft cloth to wipe the floor, rinsing and replacing the cloth as needed.

By choosing the right cleaner for your oiled wood floors, you can effectively remove dirt and grime without damaging the wood or stripping away the oil finish. With proper care and maintenance, your oiled wood floors will stay looking clean, fresh, and beautiful for years to come.

Can I Use Murphy’s Oil Soap On Oiled Hardwood Floors?

Murphy’s Oil Soap is a popular cleaning product that is often used for cleaning wood surfaces, but can it be used on oiled hardwood floors?

The short answer is no, it is not recommended to use Murphy’s Oil Soap on oiled hardwood floors. While Murphy’s Oil Soap is a gentle cleaner that is safe for use on finished wood surfaces, it is not suitable for use on oiled wood floors.

The reason for this is that Murphy’s Oil Soap contains water and soap, which can seep into the porous surface of the wood and cause damage. In addition, the soap in the product can strip away the oil finish on the wood, leaving it vulnerable to damage.

Instead of using Murphy’s Oil Soap, it is recommended to use a mild, pH-neutral detergent or a commercial wood floor cleaner specifically designed for use on oiled wood floors. These cleaners are gentle on the wood and will not cause damage or strip away the oil finish.

In summary, it is not recommended to use Murphy’s Oil Soap on oiled hardwood floors. Choose a cleaner specifically designed for use on oiled wood floors to ensure that your floors stay looking clean, fresh, and beautiful.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, properly cleaning and maintaining your oiled wood floors is essential to keep them looking beautiful for years to come. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can effectively clean and maintain your oiled wood floors, ensuring that they stay looking clean, fresh, and beautiful.

Remember to choose the right tools and cleaners for your oiled wood floors, and be sure to follow a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule to keep them in top condition. 

With the right care and attention, your oiled wood floors will stay looking beautiful and well-maintained for years to come. So, if you want to keep your oiled wood floors looking their best, be sure to follow these helpful tips and tricks.