How to Clean Unfinished Wood Floors

Published by Hala Zaqqout on May 24, 2022 | Last updated on May 20, 2023

Do you have unfinished wood floors in your home? Many people who want to learn how to clean unfinished wood floors will find it simple once they have the right information knowledge.

Well, you are in luck! In this CleanersAdvisor article, we’ll explain it to you in more detail the methods you can apply in cleaning your unfinished hardwood floors.

Then, you’ll find all the important tips that you may need to follow and ensure that you finally understand the most important aspects of unfinished wooden floors.


How to Clean Unfinished Wood Floors?

Wiping your floor gently with a soft cloth is one of the simplest techniques to remove dust
Courtesy of “chocolateandcraft.com”

Want to know how to clean unfinished wood floors? Here are some homemade tricks that will help keep this material clean and shiny so that it remains in perfect condition and can continue to shine.

1. Vinegar and Hot Water

Because it’s affordable, natural, and safe for pets and children, vinegar and hot water is an excellent cleaning solution for unfinished wood floors. The hot water loosens any filth or debris clinging to the floor, while the vinegar disinfects and cleans it.

You must first prepare the cleaning solution. In a clean, empty bucket, pour one cup of white vinegar. Fill the bucket with a gallon of warm or hot water. As long as you stick to this ratio, you can prepare more or less cleaning solution as needed.

In a circular motion, mop the floors, being careful to get into all of the nooks and crannies. Before walking on the floor, let it completely dry.

2. Murphy’s Oil Soap

Murphy’s Oil Soap is a multi-purpose cleanser that can be used on unfinished wood floors. It cleans and disinfects the wood while also lifting dirt and debris from the floor. The oil soap helps lift dirt from the floor, while the vinegar disinfects and sanitizes.

Fill a gallon bucket with warm water and add four capfuls of Murphy’s Oil Soap. Before mopping the floors, add eight ounces of white vinegar to the bucket.

Although this solution may leave a little film on your floors, it can be easily removed with a damp cloth.

3. Mineral Spirits

Mineral spirits are a popular cleaning solution for unsealed wood floors. It can be used to remove dirt and debris from the floor while also helping to disinfect it. It can help in the removal of mildew, grime, and oil stains.

Make sure to ventilate your home as much as possible before using the mineral spirits. If possible, turn on fans and open windows and doors. Keep other people, especially children, and pets, out of the area where you’re working.

Pour or spray a small amount of mineral spirits onto a cloth or directly onto the floor to begin. Allow five minutes for the solution to soak into the stained area.

Wipe away the solution, as well as any dirt or debris that was lifted from the floor, with a clean cloth. Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water and dry it off with a towel.

4. TSP

TSP is a household cleaner that is suitable for unfinished wood floors and excellent in removing a variety of stains. It can get rid of stubborn stains like mildew, mold, and grease.

To start, combine the TSP and dish soap in a bucket of hot water. Per gallon of water, 1/4th of a cup of TSP per gallon of water will be used.  Make sure the TSP is completely dissolved by vigorously stirring the mixture.

Avoid leaving water puddles on the floor, as they can damage or discolor your unfinished wood floors. When you’re through cleaning, rinse the treated area with clean water.

5. Ice

Chewing gum and other sticky items can damage unfinished wood floor planks. It’s necessary to get rid of the substance as soon as possible before it becomes a permanent part of your flooring.

To start, you’ll need some ice and a plastic bag or thin towel (to keep the ice from damaging your home’s surfaces). Place the ice on top of the chewing gum in a plastic bag or between two thin towels.

Scrape away any leftover residue with a butter knife or spatula after about ten minutes. If necessary, you can also use this method to remove candle wax from your floors.

6. Dawn Dish Soap with Water

Unfinished wood floors can be cleaned with mild soap like Dawn dish soap. Dirt, grease, and other debris can be removed from the flooring using a solution of soap and water.

The trick is to use a small amount of soap in relation to the amount of water used and to avoid using too much water on the floors overall. This will keep the floors from becoming overly soaked and ruined.

In a bucket, combine one or two tablespoons of Dawn dish soap with one gallon of water to clean your floors. Clean any grime, grease, or debris from your wooden floor with a scrubbing brush or pad dipped in the solution.

When you’re finished cleaning, make sure to rinse the treated area with clean water and dry it immediately. This method is safe to use on all types of unfinished wooden floors.

Watch this video below to get more details about how to clean unfinished wood floors.


Top Tips for How to Clean Unfinished Wood Floors

dark stain application on new oak hardwood floor 184871036 883236eba1034a6eba539ebe0aed0c3a
Courtesy of “thespruce.com”

Apart from learning how to clean untreated wood floors, it is also important to take some additional precautions to protect them from damage. And here are some of the tricks of how to make unfinished wood floors shine:

1. Make sure to wear gloves and eye protection when applying any method.

2. Be careful not to use too much of the mineral spirits, as this can damage your floors. If you’re not sure how much to use, start with a small amount and add more if necessary.

3. In high-traffic areas, use runners or area rugs. This will help to protect the flooring from being scratched or damaged by furniture legs, pets, or people walking around.

4. You can also put felt pads on the bottom of the furniture legs. These may be found in most home improvement stores, and most are fairly inexpensive.

5. Cleaning the unsealed wooden floor with a wet rag is not recommended. Water and unsealed wood do not mix. It will quickly rot or be damaged if it absorbs water. The ideal method is to wipe the wooden surface with a damp cloth to allow it to dry quickly.

6. You should vacuum or sweep your wooden floors regularly for the best cleaning results.

7. If there are any spills, do not let them sit. Instead, clean them right away to keep the wooden surface from becoming soaked and damaged.

8. You can gently sand the area instead of using a tough wood floors cleaner to give it the best cleaning touch.


How to Clean Unfinished Wood Floors FAQ


To Wrap Up

Hopefully, CleanersAdvisor guide has helped you know exactly how to clean unfinished wood floors.

When sweeping or vacuuming, remember to be gentle and use as little water as possible. Clean up spills as they happen, and your floors should be more than fine.

Still have any questions on how to clean unfinished wood floors? Leave us a comment below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.