What Can I Use to Shine Up My Untreated Floors?

Untreated Wood

• Before cleaning a wood floor, you should determine if the floor is indeed untreated. On an untreated wood floor, the grain is obvious; you can see and feel every nook and cranny. Pour a spoonful of water on the floor to determine if there is a sealant or finish on the surface of the wood. If the wood absorbs the water, the floor has not been treated. Blot the wood immediately with a towel. Finishes protect the floor from water damage by preventing moisture from soaking into the wood.

Dusting

• Removing dust and loose dirt from the floor is an important step in keeping untreated wood from looking dull. Always dust before cleaning the floor; otherwise, the dust and dirt particles will scratch the surface of the unfinished wood. Use a dust mop, a broom with fine bristles or a canister vacuum cleaner with attachments for bare floors.

Cleaning

• Cleaning the floor removes dirt and buildup that hide the beauty of the untreated wood. However, do not apply water directly to an untreated floor; it will cause damage. Fill a bucket halfway with warm water and add a few drops of wood oil soap. Slightly dampen a dust mop with the solution. Mop the floor in sections, drying each section with a towel after it is cleaned. Mix 1/4 cup of borax in 1 cup of warm water in a bucket. Dampen the dust mop and go over the floor in sections, as you did when cleaning, to remove any soap residue. Dry each section with a towel.

Maintenance

• Add wood paste to an untreated floor to protect it and add shine. Apply the paste according to the manufacturer's directions. Rub it in with a cloth in a circular motion and use a floor buffer to polish the wood. An untreated wood floor can look good without a finish as long as you keep it clean and maintained. But you may wish to consider adding a finish to protect the wood for the long term.