Timber floor cleaning, answered.
24 practical answers for keeping timber floors clean and cared for. Start with the finish: coated timber and oiled timber need different care.
Sand-Aid has summarised Bona Australia's advice below. Check the label and current instructions for your floor and product. If you are unsure what finish you have, ask us before choosing a cleaner.
Cleaning and care FAQs
24 answers
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Can I use a steam mop on timber?
Bona advises against steam cleaning timber. Moisture driven into board joints can cause swelling and movement.
Source: Bona Australia - Cleaning advice
Is vinegar or methylated spirits suitable?
Avoid both. Bona warns that these mixtures and general-purpose cleaners can dull the finish. Choose a cleaner intended for your floor.
Source: Bona Australia - Cleaning advice
What should I do before spray mopping?
Remove loose grit first with a dusting pad, soft broom or vacuum fitted with a soft brush.
How much cleaner should I spray?
Apply a light mist and wipe it away. Spraying more liquid does not improve the cleaning routine.
How often should I change the cleaning pad?
Rinse or replace a dirty pad as you work. Bona suggests doing this after roughly 10-15 square metres.
Can Bona cleaning pads go in the washing machine?
Yes. Bona's mop instructions allow washing at 60 degrees Celsius without fabric softener. Follow the label on your pad.
Can I leave a damp mop standing on the floor?
No. Remove the wet pad after cleaning; leaving it face-down can damage the floor beneath it.
How do I tackle sticky spots?
For a suitable finished floor, let the correct cleaner work briefly on the spot, then gently clean and wipe away.
Why avoid wet mopping?
Excess moisture can swell boards. Excess cleaner can also leave a hazy residue. Keep liquid use controlled.
Which direction should I mop?
Where practical, work along the floorboards with a clean microfibre pad.
How can entrance mats help?
Mats at external doors reduce incoming grit and moisture. Keep them clean so they continue trapping dirt.
How do I protect floors from furniture?
Fit felt protection beneath furniture legs and bases. This reduces the risk of scratches and dents.
Does a protective finish make timber dent-proof?
No. A finish protects the surface but does not harden the timber against impacts or heavy point loads.
Can I apply Refresher to Raw or matt finishes?
Bona's maintenance guide excludes Traffic HD Raw, Anti Slip and other matt or extra-matt finishes. Check compatibility before applying a maintenance coating.
Do oiled floors need a different cleaner?
Use the cleaner recommended for the oil finish. Bona specifies Oiled Wood Floor Cleaner for routine care of oiled timber.
Should a rinsed pad be wet on an oiled floor?
Wring it out thoroughly before use. An oiled timber floor still needs minimal moisture.
What if an oiled floor looks dry or worn?
Cleaning alone may not restore its protection. Ask about a maintenance oil application suited to the existing finish.
Can deep cleaning replace maintenance oil?
No. Bona notes that detergent cleaning gradually reduces penetrating-oil protection. Plan appropriate oil maintenance when wear appears.
Does a dull floor always need sanding?
Not necessarily. A professional assessment can distinguish dirt build-up from worn finish and damage requiring refinishing.
What is the difference between deep cleaning and recoating?
Deep cleaning removes accumulated dirt. Recoating adds another protective finish layer after suitable cleaning and preparation.
When can I use a newly coated floor?
Timing depends on the finish and conditions. Get the specific return-to-use instructions from your flooring contractor.
What should I ask a flooring contractor?
Ask for relevant experience, references and a written scope explaining the proposed cleaning, recoating or refinishing work.
Is Bona Timber Floor Cleaner ready to use?
The residential Timber Floor Cleaner is supplied ready to use for finished timber floors. Follow the instructions on your particular bottle.
Is floor cleaner the same as floor refresher?
No. Cleaner removes dirt; Refresher is a separate maintenance treatment. Confirm finish compatibility before adding any refresher or polish.
Know the floor. Choose the right care.
Ask Sand-Aid in Toronto for help choosing Bona floor-care products.
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Guidance checked 15 September 2026. Answers written by Sand-Aid using the linked Bona Australia sources.