How do you clean your wood floors that are sealed but not with poly?

Answer 1

You would need to clarify what the floors are sealed with in order to decide what product or method to use. However, it is a good general rule *not* to use water on any wood floor product, sealed or not. Water will inevitably work its way into cracks and crevices that occur from the expansion and contraction common with wood. Once under the layer of protection, the water can warp and stain the wood and anything underneath.

Some people recommend "Swiffers", Pine Sol, Steam Mops, or simply vacuuming with using a rag to spot clean for marks. Again, it depends on the wood floor sealant you have.

The best method is to use the floor or sealant manufacturer's recommended method, or ask the company that installed the floor. In lieu of this information, use a damp mop. Yes, a damp mop uses water, but in very limited quantities that will not seep into cracks. A good test is to shake the mop, if droplets shake off, the mop is too wet.

Here's a good site to get you started:

http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/floors-and-carpet/floors/how-to-clean-hardwood-floors/

The good news: your floor *is* sealed, which is the first step in protecting the wood, and in general sealed wood floors are one of the easiest things to maintain. In summary, most wood floors can safely be swept, swiffered, vacuumed, and damp mopped.