How to Clean Timber Floors in 2025

Just Hardwood Floors

Your simple, no-fuss guide to keeping timber floors looking brilliant for years to come.

If you’ve invested in solid timber flooring, you already know it brings a timeless, natural beauty into any space. But how do you keep it looking that way in 2025 – when life is full of pets, kids, unpredictable weather, and a thousand pairs of muddy shoes? At JHF, we know timber. We’ve supplied premium timber flooring to Kiwi homes for decades. And we’ve picked up a thing or two about how to protect your floorboards from everyday wear and tear – without overthinking it. Here’s the best way to clean timber floors in 2025 (hint: it’s not as complicated as the internet makes it out to be).

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Timber Floors in 2025

1. Start with a Gentle Sweep or Vacuum

Dust and grit might seem harmless, but they’re the biggest culprits behind scuffed or scratched timber floors. Tiny stones and particles can act like sandpaper underfoot, dulling the surface over time.

To keep things in check:

Frequency tip: 2–3 times per week in busy areas will go a long way to preserving your floor’s finish.

2. Mop - But Avoid the Flood

This is where most people go wrong. Timber floors and water don’t play nicely. A wet mop can cause swelling, warping, or damage to the floor’s protective coating.

So what’s the best way to clean timber floors with a mop in 2025?

Choose a pH-neutral cleaner specifically formulated for timber floors. Not all products are created equal, so it’s worth checking that your go-to floor cleaning products are designed with timber in mind.
For vacuuming, make sure the head is suited for hard floors (avoid beater brushes. They can cause damage).
Less is more. It’s not about scrubbing - it’s about maintaining.

Less is more. It’s not about scrubbing – it’s about maintaining.

3. Spills? Act Fast.

Whether it’s a tipped-over glass of wine or a trail of puppy prints after a rainy walk, moisture is timber’s worst enemy. Even a small puddle can seep into the joints and lead to swelling or staining.

4. Mats, Rugs, and Felt Pads Are Your Friends

Protecting your timber floor doesn’t have to be complicated. A few smart additions can save you a lot of future stress:

Pro tip: Recheck and replace worn felt pads every few months.

5. Know When to Refresh the Finish

Over time, even the best-cared-for floors will lose a bit of their original lustre. That doesn’t mean you’ve failed – it’s simply part of timber’s natural life cycle.

If your floors are starting to look dull or worn:

A light buff and recoat can bring them back to life.
For deeper damage, light sanding and refinishing may be needed (especially with solid timber flooring, which allows for this over multiple lifecycles).
Chat with a flooring specialist (like the JHF team) to understand the right next step for your specific timber and finish type.

6. Avoid Common Mistakes in 2025

Every year, we hear from homeowners who accidentally damaged their floors by using trendy but risky cleaning methods. Here’s what to avoid:

Steam mops: Despite their popularity, they force moisture into the timber and can wreck your finish.
DIY vinegar or baking soda mixes: These might work on tiles but are too acidic or abrasive for timber.
Generic supermarket floor cleaners: Unless labelled for timber, steer clear; they can leave streaks or cause discolouration.

When in doubt, go back to basics. Timber doesn’t need fancy – it just needs care.

A Word About Solid Timber Floors

If your flooring comes from our Solid Timber Flooring range at JHF, you’re working with one of the most durable, long-lasting flooring types available in New Zealand. These are real timber boards; designed to be sanded and refinished over their lifetime, offering decades of beauty when properly maintained. The cleaning principles above apply across the board (no pun intended), but solid timber offers the unique benefit of being restorable – so even if things go wrong, there’s often a way to repair and refresh.

Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple. Keep It Consistent.

So, how do you clean timber floors in 2025? You keep it consistent, gentle, and smart. You treat your timber with respect, and it will reward you with warmth, charm, and lasting beauty for years to come. If you’re unsure what kind of timber you’re working with, or your floors are looking worse for wear, talk to the team at JHF. We’ll help you figure out the best way to clean, protect, or restore your timber floor – no guesswork required.

Timber Floor Cleaning Made Simple

Sweep regularly to prevent dust and grit scratches
Mop with a lightly damp microfibre cloth only
Use pH-neutral cleaners designed for timber
Avoid steam, vinegar, and harsh supermarket products
Solid timber floors from Just Hardwood Floors are made to last – follow these steps to keep them looking great for decades

“Timber doesn’t need fancy – it just needs care.”

“Good timber floors don’t need harsh treatment—just the right care, done regularly.”

“Cleaning a good quality solid timber floor isn’t about effort—it’s about knowing what works.”

Key Takeaways

Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dust and grit that can scratch your floor.
Use a damp (not wet) microfibre mop with a timber-safe, pH-neutral cleaner.
Avoid steam mops, vinegar, or harsh chemicals, which can damage the finish.
Wipe spills immediately to prevent staining or swelling.
Use entry mats, rugs, and felt pads to minimise wear and tear in busy areas.
Refresh your floor’s finish when it starts to look dull—especially with solid timber, which can be sanded and refinished.
Double-check your floor cleaning products to make sure they’re timber-safe.