How to Care for Oiled Wooden Floors
Everyday habits and occasional treatments that protect your floor
An oiled floor is one of the most forgiving finishes you can have, as long as it gets a little regular attention. 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.
For damp cleaning, use a well wrung-out mop and a soap made for oiled floors. These soaps clean gently and leave a little nourishment behind, helping the finish last longer. Avoid washing-up liquid, multi-surface sprays, steam mops and anything containing bleach or ammonia, as they can strip the oil and dry out the timber.
Sweep or vacuum regularly with a soft head.
Mop with a barely damp mop, never a wet one.
Use a soap designed for oiled floors.
Deal with spills straight away before they can soak in.
Avoid steam cleaners completely.
Small steps that prevent big problems
A good doormat inside and outside each entrance stops a surprising amount of grit. Felt pads under chairs, tables and sofas prevent scratches and dents, and they should be checked and replaced when they wear down. Rugs help in high-traffic spots; just avoid rubber-backed types that can trap moisture.
Sunlight will gradually change the colour of any natural timber. Rearranging rugs and furniture now and again avoids obvious pale or dark patches. Pets' claws can mark the surface, so keeping them trimmed is kind to the floor as well as the pet.
Refreshing the finish
Over time, the oil wears thinner in the busiest areas. You may notice the timber looks dry or dull, marks appear more easily, or water soaks in rather than sitting on top. That is the time for a maintenance coat, not a full sand.
A maintenance treatment typically means intensive cleaning, a gentle buff and a new coat of compatible oil. 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 Barnet.
The first weeks after oiling
New oil takes time to cure completely, so the first few weeks call for a gentler approach. Although it will feel dry within hours, the oil continues to harden inside the timber for up to two weeks. For this period, sweep rather than mop, hold off on rugs and always lift furniture instead of sliding it. Any spills should be blotted gently with a soft cloth.
After the curing period, regular cleaning can begin. Many people find their floor actually improves over the first few months as the oil settles and the timber develops a soft, even sheen.
Through the seasons
Timber is a natural material that reacts to changes in humidity. During the heating season, dry air can cause boards to contract and small gaps to appear. 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.
When oil is not enough
If the floor has deep gouges, dark water marks or bare patches, a re-oil may not be enough. A full sand and fresh finish then gives the best result. We will always tell you honestly whether a refresh will do the job.
Want a price for a maintenance re-oil? Take a look at our guide prices, or book a free survey for a fixed written quote.