Wood Floor Aftercare & Maintenance Guide
This wood floor aftercare guide explains how to clean, protect, and maintain wooden floors correctly.
Whether your floor has been professionally restored by Axholme Floor Care or you’re looking for expert advice before booking, following the right care routine will help your floor look better and last longer.
How to Look After Your Wooden Floors
Looking after wooden floors doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does require the right approach. Daily wear, grit, and incorrect cleaning products are the most common causes of premature damage. By following a simple care routine, you can protect the finish, maintain the appearance, and significantly extend the life of your floor.
Remove grit and dust regularly using a soft brush or vacuum
Clean using a slightly damp microfibre mop — never soaking wet
Use only products designed specifically for wooden floors
Wipe up spills immediately to prevent moisture damage
Avoid steam cleaners and harsh household detergents.
Aftercare Advice Following Floor Restoration
After your wooden floor has been professionally restored, allowing the finish to cure properly is essential. The first few days play a crucial role in how well the floor performs long term. Following the guidance below helps ensure maximum durability, appearance, and protection.
First 24hours
Avoid walking on the floor where possible(Light foot traffic with socks if needed)
Do not replace furniture, rugs, or mats
Keep pets off the surface
After 24-48hours
Light foot traffic is fine
Furniture can be carefully returned
Use felt pads under all furniture legs
First 7 days
Avoid wet cleaning
Do not place rugs or mats that may trap moisture
Allow the finish to fully harden before heavy use
We understand that in some homes it isn’t always possible to avoid using certain areas — such as hallways, kitchens, or main walkways. Where access is required, we can discuss this in advance and make suitable provisions to minimise disruption while still protecting the floor.
This may include phased finishing, adjusted curing times, or alternative access arrangements. Every property is different, and we’re always happy to plan the work around your needs.
Short reassurance line:
If you have any concerns about access during or after your floor restoration, please let us know — clear communication helps us achieve the best possible result.
Caring for Hardwax Oil Finished Floors
Hardwax oil finishes are designed to enhance the natural character of the wood while remaining breathable and easy to maintain. When cared for correctly, they offer excellent durability and can often be refreshed without the need for full sanding.
Routine cleaning:
Use a pH-neutral cleaner suitable for oiled wooden floors
Clean using a lightly damp microfibre mop
Remove grit and dust regularly to reduce surface wear
Refreshing & maintenance products:
Oiled floors can be cleaned periodically using oil-refreshing or maintenance products designed to replenish protection
These products help revive the appearance of the floor and restore moisture resistance
Light maintenance treatments can often be carried out without sanding when applied at the correct time
Maintenance re-oiling (when required):
Over time, high-traffic areas may benefit from a maintenance re-oil
This process restores protection and appearance without removing unnecessary material
Timely re-oiling helps prevent wear reaching bare wood
Important care advice:
Avoid steam cleaners or excessive water
Do not use household detergents
Always follow product guidance or seek professional advice
Experience-based reassurance:
When maintained correctly, hardwax oil floors offer one of the most flexible and repairable finishes available for wooden flooring.
Caring for Lacquered & Varnished Floors
Lacquered and varnished finishes form a durable protective layer on the surface of the wood. When cleaned and maintained correctly, they provide excellent resistance to everyday wear while maintaining a consistent, even appearance.
Routine cleaning:
Sweep or vacuum regularly using a soft brush attachment
Clean with a slightly damp microfibre mop
Use cleaners specifically designed for lacquered or varnished wooden floors
Dry the surface if any excess moisture remains
Professional re-coating (key long-term care):
Over time, lacquered or varnished floors may benefit from a professional re-coat
Re-coating refreshes the protective layer without sanding the wood itself
Carrying this out before the finish wears through helps avoid full sanding
Important care advice:
Avoid steam cleaners
Do not use abrasive pads or harsh chemicals
Never soak the floor or allow water to sit on the surface
Experience-based reassurance:
Timely maintenance and professional re-coating help lacquered and varnished wooden floors retain their protection and appearance for many years.
Spills, Marks & Common Floor Care Mistakes
Accidents happen, but how they’re dealt with can make a big difference to the condition of a wooden floor. Acting quickly and using the correct methods helps prevent staining, swelling, and long-term damage.
What to do if something spills:
Wipe up liquids immediately using a dry or slightly damp cloth
Never allow moisture to sit on the surface
Avoid rubbing aggressively, especially on oiled floors
Dry the area fully once cleaned
Common mistakes to avoid:
Leaving spills unattended
Using abrasive pads or harsh chemicals
Applying excessive water
Attempting DIY repairs without advice
Experience-based reassurance:
Many floors we’re asked to repair have been damaged by well-intended but incorrect cleaning methods. When unsure, it’s always better to seek professional advice first.
How Often Should Wooden Floors Be Maintained?
With correct care, wooden floors do not require frequent sanding or major work. In most cases, regular cleaning combined with periodic maintenance is enough to keep floors looking good and performing well for many years.
General maintenance guidance:
Daily or weekly cleaning prevents grit and surface wear
Oiled floors benefit from occasional maintenance oil to refresh protection
Lacquered floors should be professionally re-coated before the finish wears through
Early maintenance helps avoid unnecessary repairs or full resanding
Leaving maintenance too long can allow wear to reach the bare wood, making restoration more involved and costly than necessary.
When to Consider Professional Floor Restoration
Even with good care, there may come a time when a wooden floor needs professional attention. Recognising the early signs can help prevent further damage and reduce the need for more extensive work later on.
You may wish to consider professional restoration if:
The floor looks dull or uneven despite regular cleaning
The finish has worn through to bare wood in places
Scratches, staining, or discolouration are becoming more noticeable
The floor feels rough or splintered underfoot
Previous sanding or finishing has left visible marks or damage
Many wooden floors that appear worn or beyond repair can often be restored with the correct techniques and finishes. Professional assessment ensures the right approach is taken for the condition of the floor.
Frequently Asked Questions – Wood Floor Aftercare
How soon can I walk on newly restored wooden floors?
Light foot traffic is usually possible after 24–48 hours, depending on the finish used. Furniture, rugs, and normal use should be delayed until the floor has had time to cure properly, usually after several days. Always follow the guidance provided after restoration.
Can I use a steam cleaner on wooden floors?
No. Steam cleaners force heat and moisture into the wood and can cause swelling, warping, and damage to the finish. This applies to both oiled and varnished floors. Steam cleaning is one of the most common causes of avoidable floor damage.
What is the best way to clean wooden floors?
Regular sweeping or vacuuming with a soft brush attachment, combined with occasional cleaning using a slightly damp microfibre mop and a wood floor–specific cleaner, is the safest and most effective method. Excess water and household detergents should be avoided.
How often do hardwax oil floors need re-oiling?
This depends on usage and wear. High-traffic areas may benefit from periodic maintenance re-oiling, while lower-use areas can go much longer. Correct cleaning and timely maintenance help prevent wear reaching the bare wood.
How do I know when a varnished or lacquered floor needs maintenance?
If the floor begins to look dull, uneven, or worn in traffic areas, it may be time for professional re-coating. Re-coating refreshes the protective layer before it wears through, helping avoid the need for full sanding.
What should I do if my floor gets scratched or marked?
Minor marks are often normal with everyday use. Avoid attempting DIY repairs using household products, as these can make the damage worse. If marks become noticeable or concerning, professional advice ensures the correct solution is used.
Do wooden floors always need to be sanded to look good again?
No. Many floors can be refreshed or maintained without full sanding if wear is addressed early. Proper aftercare and timely maintenance significantly extend the life of a wooden floor.
If you’d like advice on maintaining your wooden floors, or think your floor may benefit from professional care or restoration, we’re always happy to help. We provide expert wood floor restoration and maintenance across Scunthorpe, Lincoln, Hull, Doncaster, Grimsby, and surrounding Lincolnshire areas.