Wood Floor Cleaning in London

Oiled hardwood floors respond best to a gentle, consistent maintenance routine. We always recommend starting by removing dry soil with a vacuum, as this prevents abrasive grit from dulling the finish. When mopping, use a pH-neutral cleaner and a damp—not wet—flat mop to avoid introducing excess moisture. The floor should dry within a few minutes; if it stays wet longer, simply reduce the amount of water used.

Avoid steam mops, bleach, or harsh chemicals, as these can compromise the integrity of an oil finish. For day-to-day care, light cleaning is usually enough, but periodic re-oiling helps protect high-traffic areas and preserve the natural appearance of the wood.

For a deeper look at best practices, you can read our full guide to cleaning oiled hardwood floors on our blog.

Professional wood floor cleaning removes deep dirt, grime, and stains that regular household cleaning can’t reach. It also helps maintain the wood’s natural beauty and prolongs its life by using the right techniques and products. If you want to know why regular maintenance is so important, we wrote a short blog post about it. It’s worth a read.

For daily cleaning, use a pH-neutral wood floor cleaner and a flat microfibre mop slightly dampened with water. Avoid steam mops, vinegar, or bleach — they can strip protective finishes and damage the wood. We recommend professional-grade products such as those from Pallmann, which we use in all our wood floor cleaning services in London.

You can, but keep it minimal. Use a barely damp mop and avoid pooling water. Excess moisture can seep into the floorboards, causing warping or swelling — especially in older or untreated wood. For safer long-term maintenance, consider a custom care plan through our wood floor maintenance services.

This usually means there’s a build-up of cleaning residue or trapped grime beneath the surface. Steam or homemade solutions can leave a sticky layer that attracts more dirt. If this sounds familiar, a professional deep clean and recoat is often the best solution.

No — we strongly advise against steam mops. The high heat and moisture can penetrate deep into the wood, causing warping, splitting, and long-term damage. We only use dry systems or safe liquid solutions specifically designed for wood care.

Ingrained dirt often requires a professional-grade cleaner combined with mechanical agitation — like our specialist deep-cleaning machines. For DIY, use a neutral cleaner recommended by your finish manufacturer. Avoid anything acidic (like vinegar) or alkaline (like bleach).

Badly stained floors may need a light buff and recoat or, in serious cases, a full sanding. We assess whether a deep clean can remove the stain or if abrasion is needed. Our floor sanding and refinishing service is ideal for restoring floors that standard cleaning won’t fix.

There are a few reasons:

• Residue from previous cleaning products

• Worn-out finish no longer reflecting light

• Build-up of fine grit in the grain

To fix this, we offer a buff and polish treatment that restores clarity and adds protection, without sanding.

We use specialist brushes and neutral solutions that reach deep into the grain without damaging the finish. For most homeowners, this isn’t achievable with household tools — it’s one of the key reasons clients choose professional cleaning.

The right approach depends on the floor’s condition. Options include:

• Deep cleaning and recoating for light dullness

• Buffing and polishing for minor scratches

• Full sanding and refinishing for heavily worn or stained floors

  We assess your floor honestly and recommend the most effective — and least invasive — route.

Yes — refinishing removes surface damage, restores natural colour, and allows for a new protective layer to be applied. Whether you want a clear coat, a new stain, or a raw wood effect, our refinishing process delivers a floor that looks (and feels) brand new.

This depends on your existing finish. For lacquered floors, we recommend Pallmann Finish Care. For oiled floors, Pallmann Magic Oil Care is ideal. These products nourish the surface, enhance sheen, and help prevent wear between professional treatments.

Engineered floors require a gentle touch. We use low-moisture cleaning and pH-neutral products to remove grime without compromising the top layer. Our method enhances the look and durability without the need for sanding.

Yes. We take special care with parquet flooring. We use gentle tools and low-moisture methods to clean the detailed patterns. Our service includes optional protective recoating to preserve the finish.

We’ll provide personalised aftercare instructions, including approved products and cleaning methods. Regular sweeping, dry mopping, and avoiding harsh chemicals will help keep your floors looking their best between professional visits.

For most homes in London, we suggest cleaning wood floors by a professional every 6 to 12 months. This depends on foot traffic, pets, and how you use your home. However, after we complete a job, we send out regular reminder emails prompting you to check your floors for signs of wear. These include tailored instructions based on the type of finish used — whether lacquered, oiled, or hardwaxed.

With regular DIY care and our recommended products, many clients can wait several years between professional cleanings. If you use good finishing products and care for the floor, it can last 5 to 10 years. After that, it may need professional help again. Maintenance cleaning is usually better than deep cleaning. To learn more, read our blog on Maintenance Cleaning vs Deep Cleaning. Regular cleaning prevents damage and keeps your floor finish in top condition.