How to Clean Wood Floors: Tips You Need to Know & Things to Avoid

June 10, 2025 / Dreame Editorial Team

When you walk into a room with beautiful wood floors, it instantly feels warm and inviting. But if you’ve ever noticed a dull finish, scratches, or a sticky spot underfoot, you know that keeping wood floors clean isn’t always simple. Whether you have a busy household with kids and pets or just want your space to feel fresh and polished, knowing how to care for your wood floors makes a difference.

Sunlight streams through large windows, illuminating elegant parquet wood floors in a spacious room

Know Your Wood Floor Type

It is very important to know what type of wood floor you have. Because each type needs a different way to clean. Using the wrong method might damage the floor. Let’s look at the most common types of wood floors and how they are different.

Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are made from real wood. There are two main kinds:

Solid hardwood: Made from one solid piece of wood, like oak or maple. It can last many years, but does not like too much water. Clean with a soft, dry mop or a slightly damp cloth. Never soak it.
Engineered hardwood: Looks the same as solid hardwood on top but has layers of wood underneath. It handles moisture better and is more stable. Clean it like solid hardwood, but with a little more tolerance for damp mopping.

If you want more information about hardwood floors, you can visit our hardwood floors cleaning guide.

Bamboo Floors

These floors are made from bamboo, which is a type of grass. They look like wood and are used like wood floors, but they are not exactly the same. Bamboo floors are strong and resist water better than many woods. Still, use gentle cleaning methods. Clean with a soft mop and a mild cleaner. Avoid too much water or harsh chemicals.

Parquet Floors

Parquet floors are made from small pieces of wood arranged in patterns. These floors are beautiful but need care. Dirt can hide in the little spaces, so gentle cleaning is best. Use a soft brush or microfiber mop to clean between the patterns. Avoid soaking the floor, as water can seep into the seams.

Essential Cleaning Supplies You May Need

Keeping wooden floors clean is easier with the right tools and cleaners. Using the wrong supplies can damage the floor or leave it dirty.

For daily and deep cleaning, you should consider having:

A soft broom or microfiber dust mop to pick up dust and dirt
A microfiber mop for wet cleaning
A bucket and clean water
A vacuum with a soft brush attachment for dry cleaning
A spray bottle for spot cleaning
Wet and dry vacuum or robot vacuum for deep and smart cleaning

These tools will help you remove dust, dirt, and grime without harming the floor.

Should You Use Homemade Wood Floor Cleaner Solution?

Some people use homemade solutions like water mixed with vinegar or dish soap. However, this can be risky. Vinegar is acidic and can damage the floor finish. Strong soaps can leave a sticky film. It is better to use commercial cleaners that are pH balanced and safe for wood floors.

A person in yellow gloves uses a blue cloth and a spray bottle to clean a spill on the wooden floor

What is the best way to clean wooden floors?

Coming home, you might notice footprints, pet hair, or dust from the day’s activities. Wooden floors look beautiful, but they need a little extra care to keep them shining. Whether you’re cleaning by hand or using smart devices, there’s a method that fits your lifestyle.

Manual

Manual cleaning is a simple and reliable way to keep wood floors looking good. It works for both daily and deep cleaning.

Tools you'll need:

Soft broom or microfiber dust mop
A bucket with clean water
Mild wood floor cleaner
Microfiber mop

Steps:

Sweep or dust the floor to remove dirt and debris.
Fill a bucket with warm water and add a small amount of wood floor cleaner.
Dip the mop in the solution, then wring it out well.
Mop the floor gently, following the grain of the wood. Avoid using too much water.
Dry the floor with a soft cloth or let it air dry completely before walking on it.

Tech-Savvy

For a faster and more powerful clean, you can use a wet and dry vacuum. It combines vacuuming and mopping with smart features. Let's take the Dreame H14 Wet and Dry Vacuum as an example.

Steps:

Prepare the vacuum by filling the clean water tank and adding the cleaning solution if needed.
Start the H14 - it vacuums and mops at the same time, using separate tanks for clean and dirty water.
The vacuum uses 140°F (60°C) hot water to clean stubborn grime and sticky messes from the floor.
Its dual-edge brush reaches corners and baseboards, leaving no dirt behind.
The self-cleaning brush spins during use, keeping the brush clean and ready.
After cleaning, empty the used water tank and the dustbin. Return the vacuum to its station.

The vacuum will use hot air to dry the brush in about 5 minutes. Your wooden floors are clean!

Automated

If you want a hands-free experience, you should definitely consider trusting a robot vacuum to clean your wooden floor. It vacuums, mops, and even takes care of itself with smart technology. Let's take the Dreame X50 Ultra Robot Vacuum for this demonstration.

Steps:

Make sure the clean water tank and solution tank are filled. Turn on the X50 Ultra (assuming it's already set up and the robot vacuum has mapped your home for cleaning). You can use the Dreamehome App or even voice commands to check and start the cleaner.
The robot starts cleaning, it heats mop water to 176°F (80°C) to tackle grease and stains.
Vormax suction and HyperStream DuoBrush remove deep dirt and long hair.
Mop pads lift automatically when the robot moves over carpets, protecting your floor from wet messes.
Once cleaning is finished, the self-cleaning station washes and dries the mop pads.
The robot empties dust and dirt into a 0.85-gallon (3.2L) base station bag, which can last up to 100 days before needing a change.
After cleaning, check and empty the station’s dust bag and refill the clean water if needed.

Create Your Cleaning Routine

A well-planned cleaning routine helps keep wood floors clean, shiny, and in good condition. Dividing tasks into daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal steps makes it easier to manage. Here’s how to organize your routine:

Daily Cleaning

You can sweep or dust mop your floors either in the morning or evening, whichever fits your day better. It usually takes just a few minutes and helps keep dust and crumbs away.

Use a soft broom or microfiber mop to pick up dirt and dust.
Wipe up any spills with a dry cloth or paper towel immediately.
Avoid using too much water to prevent damage.
Use a robotic vacuum if available to clean common areas daily.

Weekly Deep Cleaning

Choose a time during the week that works for you.

Vacuum the floor with a soft brush attachment or a suitable cleaning device to remove built-up dirt.
Lightly mop with a damp mop and wood floor cleaner, moving along the wood grain.
Dry the floor with a soft cloth or let it air dry.
Clean corners and along baseboards with a soft brush or the edge of your cleaning tool.
Use a deep clean mode if your cleaning device supports it.

Monthly Care

Take a little time each month to check for wear and keep the floors looking their best.

Inspect the floor for scratches or dull spots.
Lightly polish areas that need a refresh.
Clean entryway mats.
Move furniture slightly to avoid uneven wear.
Check your cleaning devices for updates and maintenance.

Seasonal Maintenance

Every three months, plan for deeper maintenance to protect your wood floors through different seasons.

Look for scratches, cracks, or wear, and polish the floors if needed.
Change the doormats at the entrances each season to trap dirt and debris.
In spring, focus on removing pollen and dust.
In summer, check for moisture-related damage.
In fall, remove leaves and dirt tracked inside.
In winter, prevent mud and salt buildup.

Things to Avoid That Damage Your Wooden Floor

Some cleaning habits and products can harm wood floors. Knowing what to avoid helps keep them safe and beautiful for years.

Avoid Excess Water

Never use a soaking wet mop. Excess water can seep into the floor and cause it to swell or warp.
Wipe up spills right away to stop moisture from getting into the wood.
Use a damp mop with minimal water, or better, a spray mop.
Wet and dry vacuums like Dreame H14 can control water usage, so you don't have to worry.
Robot vacuums like Dreame X50 Ultra automatically adjust water flow during mopping, preventing over-wetting.

Steer Clear of Harsh Chemicals

Avoid cleaners with strong chemicals like ammonia, bleach, or vinegar. These can strip the floor’s finish and cause discoloration.
Use a cleaner that is pH-neutral and designed for wood floors.
Do not use furniture sprays or oil-based cleaners, as they leave residue and can make floors slippery.

Prevent Scratches and Damage

Do not drag heavy furniture across the floor. Use felt pads under furniture legs.
Keep pet nails trimmed to avoid scratches.
Avoid walking on the floor with high heels or shoes with sharp edges.
Place mats or rugs in high-traffic areas to reduce wear.
Use the Dreame X50 Ultra’s auto-lifting mop pads and obstacle detection features to avoid damaging sensitive spots while cleaning.

robot vacuum liftimg mop pads to safely clean wood floor

Choosing the Right Way to Clean Your Wood Floors

Wood floors need the right tools and products to stay clean and last long. Using the wrong supplies can cause damage. Check out the list below to find out what works best.

Use a soft broom, microfiber mop, or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment for regular cleaning.
A pH-neutral cleaner made for wood floors is safe and effective. Avoid harsh chemicals like vinegar, ammonia, or bleach.
Avoid homemade cleaning solutions, for they can harm the floor’s finish and leave residue.
For tough messes and stains, a damp mop with a gentle wood floor cleaner works well. Make sure the mop is not too wet.
For fast and powerful cleaning, or deep cleaning, wet and dry vacuums like Dreame H14 work exceptionally well.
For hands-free daily cleaning, robot vacuums like Dreame X50 are the best option.

FAQs About Keeping Your Wood Floors Pristine

Q1: Why is daily dusting important for wood floors?

Daily dusting removes dirt, pet hair, and grit that can scratch the surface. This stops tiny particles from cutting into the wood’s finish and helps keep the floor looking smooth and clean.

Q2: Should I wait to clean up spills on wood floors?

No. Spills should be wiped up immediately. Water and other liquids can seep into the wood and cause stains, swelling, or cracks. A quick wipe with a dry cloth prevents long-term damage.

Q3: How often should I deep clean my wood floors?

Once a week is a good rule. It helps remove built-up dirt, sticky spots, and fine dust that daily sweeping may miss. Regular deep cleaning also keeps the wood’s finish in good condition.

Q4: Can vinegar or dish soap be used to clean wood floors?

Vinegar is too acidic and can dull or strip the finish. Dish soap can leave a sticky layer that attracts more dirt. It’s best to use a cleaner that’s made for wood floors and is pH-balanced.

Q5: What is the problem with using steam cleaners on wood floors?

Steam forces hot moisture into the wood, which can cause swelling, warping, or cracking. Even floors with a sealant are at risk because steam can find its way through small gaps or cracks.