We live in a charming 1940s home with original, unfinished oak hardwood floors. And while these floors are full of character, they’re also long overdue for a professional refinishing.
If I could rewind the clock about 19 years to when we first bought this house, refinishing the hardwood floors would have been at the top of my home improvement checklist—before moving in all our furniture and life belongings. But life had other plans. We were juggling a move, managing tenants eager to move into our previous home (side note: being a landlord was not for us), and saving every extra dollar for a much-needed kitchen remodel. Think two-tone orange painted cabinets… yes, it was as rough as it sounds.
Fast forward to today—we’re now a busy family of four with even more stuff, less time, and honestly, not much energy for a full hardwood floor refinishing project. So instead, I’ve learned to work with what we have and focus on simple, effective ways to clean and maintain our unfinished hardwood floors naturally.
My Go-To Natural Cleaner for Unfinished Hardwood Floors
When it comes to cleaning old, unfinished hardwood floors, I prefer using natural, non-toxic ingredients whenever possible. For years, my go-to DIY hardwood floor cleaner has been a simple mix of:
- Water
- 1-2 Tablespoon of Dawn Dish soap
- A small amount of Oil (Canola/Vegetable/Olive)
This combination works well for cutting through everyday dirt and grime without harsh chemicals.
How I Add Shine to Dull Hardwood Floors (Naturally)
Recently, I started researching how to safely add a little shine to unfinished wood floors without damaging them. One simple trick kept coming up: adding a small amount of olive oil to the vinegar and water solution.
I’ll admit—I was skeptical at first. But after trying it, I’ve found that it really does help enhance the natural look of the wood without leaving a heavy residue.
The biggest tip I came across (and follow closely) is this:
Do not oversaturate unfinished hardwood floors. Too much moisture can damage the wood over time.
My Simple DIY Hardwood Floor Cleaning Method
Here’s exactly how I clean my unfinished hardwood floors:
- I soak a clean rag or small towel in mostly water.
- I add about 1–2 tablespoons of Dawn Dish soap.
- I mix in about 1–2 teaspoons of Oil (Vegetable/Canola/Olive)
- I wring out the rag well so it’s damp—not soaking wet.
- I wipe down the floors plank by plank.
As I clean, I rinse and re-soak the rag as needed to keep things fresh and effective.
Sometimes, I’ll add a few drops of essential oil to the mixture for a light, natural scent throughout the house.
Optional: Spray Bottle Method (Even Less Moisture)
Another easy option—especially if you’re worried about excess water—is to mix your water, dawn dish soap, and oil in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the floor and wipe with a clean cloth. This method helps control moisture even more, which is ideal for unfinished wood surfaces.
Why This Method Works for My Home
This DIY hardwood floor cleaner is:
- Budget-friendly
- Made with natural ingredients
- Safe for unfinished wood floors when used correctly
- Easy to mix and use regularly
And let’s be real—between kids and dogs, our floors take a daily beating. Having a simple, cost-effective cleaning solution makes a huge difference in keeping them looking their best.
These floors may not be perfect (yet), but with a little care and the right cleaning routine, they still shine in their own way—plank by plank.
