If you’re a mom with three kids and two pets like me, having wooden floors feels like a punishment. Kids and pets are bound to leave behind stubborn stains (I have just the tips to remove those) and my classic wooden floors look like a warzone!

But things are different now. I learned the ways to make my beautiful wooden floors shine again with just a few hacks and some household ingredients. I’m sharing these with you in this cleaning guide!

Why Your Floors Get Damaged Over Time

Damage Caused by the Elements

Wooden flooring for patios and gazebos tends to weaken due to humidity and moisture levels. Since these floors are exposed to the harsh elements and soak up water, they tend to warp and buckle over time.

Even during hotter seasons, wooden floors suffer the brunt of the sweltering heat. It makes the floors crack and dry up. Plus, it also discolors the natural tones of the wooden floors, which is not a good look!

Dragging Furniture Everywhere

Redecorating might breathe life into your boring rooms, but it might make your wooden floors cry. Constantly pushing heavy furniture will leave behind heavy scratches and dents on your floors.

Daily chair scooting (if you have lazy demon spawns like me) or chair rocking can leave behind nasty marks on your wooden floors. Not to mention that dragging painted furniture can leave behind a colorful streak on your beautiful wooden floors!

Pest Infestation

Hungry pests like termites and wood-boring beetles find themselves in your home’s foundations and nibble away until it’s hollow. It’s an expensive damage and quite dangerous!

Harsh Cleaning Methods

Strong cleaning chemicals will definitely do more harm than good. Potent solutions, like bleach, can ruin your wooden floors’ finish and leave behind white stains. 

Using abrasive cleaning materials can leave permanent scratches and stains on the wood’s surface as well. Even if you’re just mopping with plain water, it can leave behind ugly water marks if not done properly.

Unavoidable Wear and Tear

Your precious wooden floors will inevitably have scratches and streaks from constant movement around the house. 

Tested and Proven Homemade Floor Cleaning Formulas

Vinegar and Water Solution

Difficulty Level	Easy
Number of Steps	5
Time Needed	Approximately 1–2 hours. Depending on the size of the area, it will likely take longer
Materials Needed	White vinegar Warm water Mop Bucket Optional: essential oils

1. Clear up the area you need to clean, Make sure there’s no clutter or dust.
2. Combine one cup of vinegar and a gallon of warm water. Personally, I like adding a few drops of essential oil, but that’s optional. 
3. Before using the solution on your entire floor, test the formula in one hidden nook to see if it doesn’t dull your floor.
4. If it passes the test, use a damp mop to clean up and sanitize your floor. I prefer the W wiping method since it’s neater, and it rarely leaves behind residue.
5. Let the area air dry before the kids run on it again!

Baking Soda and Water Paste

Difficulty Level	Easy
Number of Steps	6
Time Needed	Approximately 30–45 minutes
Materials Needed	Bowl Baking soda Small brush Water Clean rag Microfiber cloth Damp rag

1. Wipe the area with a clean, dry rag before starting.
2. Stir up two tablespoons of baking soda with a bit of water to make a cleaning paste.
3. Dab a soft cloth in the mixture, and apply it evenly on dark scuff marks and stains.
4. If there are stains left, use a brush and apply a bit of elbow grease.
5. After the stains are completely removed, clean up with a damp rag.
6. Let the floors dry completely before replacing your furniture and decor.

Dish Soap and Warm Water

Difficulty Level	Easy
Number of Steps	6
Time Needed	Approximately 30–45 minutes
Materials Needed	Vacuum Mop Bucket Dishwashing soap Warm water Clean rag Optional: lint roller

1. Clean up the area using a vacuum cleaner and make sure all the dust and debris are gone. I also like to lint roll the area to pick up the tiniest particles.
2. Mix a few drops of gentle dish soap in a gallon of warm water in a bucket.
3. Dip the mop in the bucket and wring out the excess water. Excess formula means water residue, and it’s nasty!
4. Mop the floor with a damp mop to pick up the layers of dirt and grime. Go over the area a few times to pick up missed spots and tougher stains.
5. Wipe up the area to clean up residue and let it dry.

Lemon Juice and Olive Oil

Difficulty Level	Moderate
Number of Steps	5
Time Needed	Approximately 30–45 minutes
Materials Needed	Vacuum Brush Microfiber towel Spray bottle Clean rag Optional: essential oil of your choice Optional: lint roller

1. Before using this concoction, vacuum the area thoroughly to get rid of debris and dust. I also go the extra mile by lint-rolling it. Can’t be too safe!
2. Add equal parts of lemon juice and olive oil to a spray bottle. For added fragrance, a few drops of your favorite essential oil can make a difference. I suggest lemon for a touch of zest.
3. Spray the mixture on the affected area and spread it evenly with a soft microfiber towel. Don’t spray too much, as this mixture can hurt your floor’s seal.
4. Use another clean rag to buff out the residue on the wooden surface.
5. Air-dry the area completely and wipe off parts you’ve missed. 

Olive Oil, Vinegar, and Water

Difficulty Level	Moderate
Number of Steps	6
Time Needed	Approximately 30 minutes–1 hour
Materials Needed	Vacuum Vinegar Olive oil Hot water Glass spray bottle Soft rag Optional: lint roller

1. Remove the surface dust and debris with a vacuum cleaner. If you want it to be flawlessly clean, I suggest lint rolling the area as well.
2. Mix together a quarter cup of olive oil, half a cup of vinegar, and 5 cups of hot water. 
3. Pour your solution into a glass spray bottle and apply evenly on your wooden floor.
4. Using your softest, non-abrasive rag, rub the mixture in the direction of the wood grain. 
5. Mop the floor with clean water to wash off the excess solution.
6. Air-dry your floors completely and enjoy the brand-new sheen on your floors. 

Black Tea

Difficulty Level	Moderate
Number of Steps	6
Time Needed	Approximately 1–1.5 hours
Materials Needed	Vacuum Black tea bags Boiling water Bucket Mop Microfiber rag Optional: lint roller

1. Do a quick vacuum on the area you want to clean. By this time, you just know I have to lint-roll it, too.
2. Steep at 8 bags of black tea in half a gallon of boiling water. No, it’s not a tea party.
3. After cooling your solution, apply it to a small area using a soft rag. 
4. When it’s safe to use for your floor, mop it in the same direction as your wooden floor’s grain.
5. Go over scratches and marks to completely hide the damaged areas.
6. Let the floor completely dry and enjoy your stunning floors.

Basic Wooden Floor Cleaning Maintenance

To keep permanent stains and scratches away, you need to do regular wooden floor cleaning maintenance. Here are some things you can do:

• Habitual Sweeping: Sweeping your floors with a soft broom daily removes debris and dust that could damage the wood. Vacuums with attachments can pick up dirt effortlessly, but they can also scratch your wooden floors.
• Quick Spill Cleanups: Letting spills dry on the wooden floor can damage it. Immediately wipe down the spill with a damp cloth and ensure that the area is thoroughly cleaned. Leaving drink or liquid spills on the floor allows it to permeate and stain the wood.
• Adding Welcome Doormats: Who knew that adding doormats for bathrooms and main doors could help your wooden floors? Mats brush off debris and dirt from shoes. These keep the wooden floors clean whenever you have guests over. 
• Wear Soft Slippers: Also, offer soft indoor slippers for your guests and family. You will never have to worry about them tracking mud inside!
• Weekly Deep Cleaning: I have pets and kids running around the house, so I need a weekly deep cleaning schedule. I typically use a gentle cleaning solution or my homemade cleaning solution with a mop. I always wring out the excess liquid to avoid residues and water stains.
• Scheduled Recoating: Your floor’s protective finish tends to dull after a couple of years, so recoating it is a must. Recoating your floors every 3 to 5 years can keep them shiny and pretty for years to come. Aside from that, freshly finished floors add value to your home.
• Regular Inspections: Keep an eye out for signs of warping and damage to take care of it as soon as possible. Leaving problems to fester can result in costly repairs and a bad time for everyone. 
• Floor Polishing: Polishing your wooden floor is the fastest way to improve your home’s appearance. Make sure to check the polish’s instructions before using it. Only use the polish with a soft, microfiber mop to evenly apply the product on the floor’s surface.

When to Call a Professional Cleaner

You might need to call in the pros when the problem can’t be resolved with a simple cleaning solution and some elbow grease. The following call for expert help:

• Severe Water Damage: Extreme water damage can cause the wooden floors to warp, stain, and grow mold. You usually can’t tell the extent of the damage. That’s why you need a professional to properly check the floors. 
• Wood Discoloration: Outdoor patios with wooden flooring are prone to sun damage and high activities, which results in the lightening of the wood. This requires sanding and staining to bring out the original color.
• Stubborn Stench: Wooden floors tend to absorb spilled liquids or pet ‘accidents’ when forgotten, which causes nasty odors. When home remedies don’t lift the lingering smell, you need a professional to handle your stinky wooden floors.
• Tough Stains: Not all stains can be easily removed by your mom’s favorite cleaning mix. You have to consult a professional when there are persistent stains on your wooden floors.