How to clean hardwood floors without damaging the finish
Dust often, clean with a hardwood cleaner on a barely damp mop, and keep polish, steam and vinegar away from the floor. That's most of it.
The routine
A few times a week
Dust-mop, or vacuum on the hard-floor setting. Grit underfoot is what scratches a finish.
Every week or two
Spray a hardwood cleaner on a microfiber mop, not on the floor, and wipe with the grain.
Once a year
A professional deep clean to take out what a mop leaves behind.
What to keep off the floor
| Skip this | Why |
|---|---|
| Polish, wax and "shine restorers" | They leave a film that stops a future recoat from bonding |
| Oil soap | Leaves a residue that dulls the finish and gets in the way of a recoat |
| Vinegar and all-purpose cleaners | They can dull the finish over time |
| Steam mops and wet mopping | Heat and water get into the seams, and wood swells |
| Rubber-backed rugs | They can discolor the finish |
Small habits that protect the finish
- Felt pads on chair and table legs, replaced when they wear
- Mats at outside doors to catch grit
- Spills and pet accidents wiped up right away
- Furniture lifted, not dragged
When to bring in a pro
A mop cleans the surface. Over a year, fine grit and residue work into the finish and a mop won't lift them. A Deep Clean machine-scrubs that out and cleans the edges by hand. It's $0.75 a square foot with a $295 minimum, about $750 for 1,000 square feet, and it's included every year in our Floor Care Plans.
If the floor still looks dull after a proper clean, the finish itself is worn. That's a job for a Buff & Coat, not more cleaning.
Questions
What is the best way to clean hardwood floors?
Dust-mop or vacuum a few times a week, and clean every week or two with a hardwood floor cleaner sprayed on a microfiber mop. Keep the mop barely damp.
Can I use a steam mop on hardwood floors?
No. Steam pushes heat and water into the seams between boards, which can swell the wood and damage the finish.
Can I use vinegar on hardwood floors?
We don't recommend it. Vinegar and all-purpose cleaners can dull the finish over time. Use a cleaner made for finished hardwood.
How often should hardwood floors be professionally cleaned?
Once a year for most homes. A yearly deep clean takes out the grit that wears the finish, so your next recoat is further away.
Updated November 2026 by Matthews Floor Care, the cleaning and recoating side of Matthews Hardwood Floors in Boise. Prices are our own published prices. Questions? Call or text (208) 314-9913.
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