Polyurethane-finished wood floors are more attractive and durable than traditional wax-coated floors. However, these floors aren’t immune to dirt buildup, and they need special care and maintenance. So, how do you clean polyurethane wood floors?
Sweep polyurethane wood floors with a soft-bristled broom or use a dust mop to pick up dust and debris. Vacuum the floor on the “hardwood floor” mode. Prepare your cleaning solution, dip a microfiber mop in it, and wring it out. Mop the floor along the grain of the wood, then rinse and dry it.
Polyurethane is a durable plastic-like coating, but it needs special care beyond routine vacuuming and/or dusting. Remember – dust, tiny rocks, hardened food crumbs, and even furniture can scuff and dull the finish over time. Let’s get started so you know how to clean and maintain these floors properly to boost their longevity.
How to Clean Polyurethane Wood Floors
To clean your polyurethane-finished wood floors, you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions. You can also take good care of these floors with just a mild soap or detergent.
It’s important you work with a product that has a neutral or near-neutral pH. It should also not leave behind any residue, dust, or oil film when you mop.
Another tip to keep in mind is that you don’t want to expose the material to excessive moisture while cleaning. If you do, the wood will swell with ingress and get damaged, forcing you to install new flooring.
Likewise, you should take care of any accidental spills immediately to prevent water from seeping through the wood.
What You’ll Need
- Rejuvenate High Performance All Floors & Hardwood Cleaner (On Amazon)
- Microfiber mop (On Amazon)
- Microfiber cloths (On Amazon)
- Soft-bristled broom (On Amazon) and dustpan
- Vacuum cleaner
- Gentle dishwashing liquid (On Amazon) (optional)
- Dust mop (On Amazon) (optional)
Method for Cleaning Polyurethane Wood Floors
Cleaning polyurethane wood floors is easy once you’re armed with the right supplies and you follow the correct steps. Here’s how to do it safely without damaging your floor’s finish:
Sweep to Pick Up Dust and Debris
Use a soft-bristled broom to sweep away loose dirt, pieces of rock, and other debris that get tracked into your house.
Pay special attention to areas that receive heavy traffic and are likely to collect more dirt, such as the entrance. Sweep the dust and debris into a dustpan, then dispose of it outside.
You can also run a dust mop over the floor to pick up the first and shake it out over the trash when you’re done.
Vacuum the Floor Gently
Home cleaning experts recommend following up with a vacuum once you’ve swept, or at least do so once a week to prevent dirt buildup. While at it, be sure to set your vac to the mode for hardwood floors. If it doesn’t have that setting, turn off the rotating brushes and beater bars before vacuuming.
You can also use a handheld soft brush attachment. This helps sweep up the debris while being gentler on the floors so as not to scratch or scuff the finish.
Damp-Mop the Floor
Prepare a cleaning solution with a product designed specifically for polyurethane hardwood floors. You could also use a cupful of mild, pH-neutral dishwashing soap. Just mix it with warm water in a bucket.
Dip your microfiber mop in the solution and wring it out well to ensure it’s only slightly damp, not wet when you run it over the floor. A microfiber or sponge mop works best because it won’t scratch the floor. You can also spritz a small amount of ready-to-use hardwood floor cleaner on the floor and mop with a slightly-damp mop as usual.
Follow the grain of the wood so you don’t leave streaks on the floor. While at it, you want to get as little water on the floor as you can. Plus, you should change the mopping solution once it gets dirty.
Once you’ve removed all stubborn stains and rinsed the floor, it helps to go over the area with a soft microfiber towel. You can also use a dry microfiber mop or paper towels to absorb extra moisture. Remember, standing water can damage the floor.
What Materials Should Be Avoided When Cleaning Polyurethane Wood Floors?
While polyurethane is durable, water-resistant, and capable of protecting the underlying wood, certain cleaning practices are strictly not recommended. Here’s what to avoid when cleaning polyurethane-finished wood floors:
Oil or Silicone-Based Cleaners
Never use sprays designed for dusting and cleaning wood furniture or any cleaning products with oils like silicone oil on polyurethane floors. Most furniture products will make the floor slippery and dangerous. They can also damage the finish.
Ammonia and Other Harsh Products
Avoid ammonia or products containing ammonia and other harsh alkaline chemicals. Such abrasive cleaners will dull the finish and destroy that admirable shine.
Vinegar
While you may be tempted to dilute a cup of vinegar with a gallon of water and use it to clean the floor, cleaning experts don’t recommend it. Vinegar is mildly acidic, and it can dull the floor’s finish with repeated use.
Plain Water
Most people opt to just use plain water and a barely damp mop to clean their polyurethane-finished floors. But if your stick with water alone, your floors will become conspicuously dirty over time no matter how often you vacuum and dust.
However, you can use a well-wrung mop that’s been dipped in plain water to rinse the floor. This will remove unwanted streaks and bring up the much-desired shine.
Metal-Bristle Brushes
Just like abrasive chemicals, you should avoid using brushes with metal bristles on your polyurethane wood floor because they can scuff and scratch the finish.
If the floor has sticky residue, it’s best to soften it with olive oil, then pull it off with a firm plastic scraper. You can also use the edge of an old credit card.
Maintenance Tips for Polyurethane Wood Floors
Maintaining your polyurethane wood floors should include regular dusting, vacuuming, and damp-mopping only–not wet mopping. It’s imperative you stick with preventative maintenance because it ensures your flooring lasts longer.
Remember, each subsequent sanding or refinishing will only take away the life from your floorboards. Observing a regular maintenance routine can help protect the floor from scratches and dents that will only damage its finish.
While there’s no fixed rule to how often you clean, it’s good practice to sweep at least 2-3 times a week to remove dust and debris. You should also mop rooms with higher foot traffic at least once a week.
Here are the additional maintenance tips for polyurethane wood floors:
- Mop up accidental spills immediately as the liquids can soak and damage the underlying wood if left to sit long enough.
- Put door mats or throw rugs both inside and outside entryways to minimize the tracked-in dirt. It’s also good to put rugs near your sinks to catch any water overflows because you don’t want moisture seeping through the wood. Remember to clean the rugs and mats regularly.
- Install felt pads or furniture socks on the legs of heavy furniture like chairs and couches to prevent them from scratching the floor as you slide them. Similarly, avoid walking over the floor with cleats or high heels as they can cause dents. In fact, it’s imperative to remove all shoes at the door.
- Don’t wax, buff, or polish your floor. Aside from making the floor slippery and dangerous, waxing can make the finish dull more quickly. As for polishing and buffing, polyurethane simply doesn’t need it.