How do I clean unfinished hardwood floors?

**The Muse** · 06-17-2010, 04:40 AM

I just moved to my new flat and I can tell the hardwood floors are dirty. I know they're unfinished because I put some drops of water in a corner and they didn't bead, they just soaked right in.

I plan to sweep and vacuum frequently and have a no shoes policy, but I'd really like to give them a good cleaning.

What should I use? I'm in Denmark and we don't have the same cleaning products as the US, so the more basic your suggestion, the better. Can I use white vinegar?

**lparker** · 06-17-2010, 07:03 AM

Ask your landlord first. Maybe if you sanded and sealed it, you'd get a reduction in rent. Murphy's oil soap or the equivalent would clean it and give it some protection. Or you could go primitive with sand and a scrub brush.

**ladykemma2** · 06-17-2010, 07:25 AM

damp mop with water and vinegar. do not soak.

**The Muse** · 06-21-2010, 05:30 AM

Originally Posted by lparker

Ask your landlord first. Maybe if you sanded and sealed it, you'd get a reduction in rent. Murphy's oil soap or the equivalent would clean it and give it some protection. Or you could go primitive with sand and a scrub brush.

I own the flat, and don't want to sand/seal because it looks liek no one does that here.

**monkeywrangler71** · 06-21-2010, 09:31 AM

From what I've read, the best thing to do is just be vigilant about vacuuming. Wood and water do not get along, so I wouldn't want to use a mop that was more than just barely damp. Oil soap is only meant for finished wood, I don't think you should use any cleaners at all because you will end up with residue buildup.

There were a few sites that suggested using mineral spirits, either for spot cleaning stains or as a way to clean and protect the entire floor. It seems a little harsh, I'm not sure that I would resort to that unless the floor actually appeared dirty. Also, if you like the unfinished look, you can sand them if they are in poor condition and just not finish them afterwards.

Make sure your no-shoes policy is also a mandatory-slippers policy. Bare feet will probably make a bigger mess than shoes. You might want to buy a few pairs of slippers and put them in a basket at the front door for your guests.