Best Wood Floor Cleaner for Oiled Floors: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Flooring Specialist
Oiled wood flooring is a traditional favourite in many Yorkshire homes, offering a natural, matte finish that enhances the grain of the timber. However, maintaining it can be tricky. Unlike lacquered floors which are sealed with a hard plastic-like layer, oiled floors are porous and messy cleaning with harsh chemicals can strip the oil, leaving the wood grey and vulnerable.
In my years of trade work, I have seen too many beautiful oak floors ruined by steam mops or general-purpose supermarket bleach cleaners. An oiled floor requires a cleaner that feeds the wood whilst lifting dirt, replenishing the protective fats rather than dissolving them.
In this review, I will compare three specific products from a brand I trust on my own sites. We will look at a budget-friendly spray for spot cleaning, a comprehensive mop kit for larger areas, and a bulk refill option to keep your maintenance costs down.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "'Nourishes' the floor"
"The cleaner will completely restore worn areas and fix grey patches."
Cleaners maintain *good* oil. If your floor has worn through to bare, grey timber (common in high-traffic hallways), a cleaner won't fix it. You need a maintenance oil or a sand and re-seal.
The Spec: "Quick Drying"
"You can walk on it immediately and use as much water as you like."
Whilst these dry fast, water is the enemy of oiled oak. Never flood the floor. Even with a 'quick dry' product, use a damp mop, not a wet one, to prevent the boards from cupping.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Bona Oiled Wood Floor Cleaner Liquid, 1 Litre Spray Bottle
Bona
This 1-litre spray bottle is the essential kit for any home with an oiled floor. It is affordable, effective, and specifically formulated to clean without stripping the finish. It is ideal for spot cleaning kitchen spills or managing smaller rooms.
The Good
- Specifically pH-balanced for oiled floors
- Ready to use - no mixing buckets required
- Adds a protective layer whilst cleaning
The Bad
- Trigger mechanism can be tiring for large open-plan spaces
- Small bottle runs out quickly if cleaning the whole house
Installer Tip:
Keep this handy for immediate spills. If you drop wine or coffee on an oiled floor, wipe it up and spray this immediately. Do not scrub hard with an abrasive sponge; let the chemical lift the stain gently.
Priced at £9.79 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonBona Premium Spray Mop Kit for Oiled Wood Floors
Bona
If you have a large area of hardwood flooring, buying manual spray bottles is a false economy for your labour. This kit is the professional's choice for homeowners. The integrated spray mechanism ensures you never over-wet the floor—a crucial detail for preventing water damage in older properties.
The Good
- Controlled mist spray prevents water damage (cupping)
- Includes two washable microfibre pads (500 washes)
- Swivel head gets under furniture easily
The Bad
- Higher initial cost
- Requires assembly (though it is straightforward)
Installer Tip:
The microfibre pad is excellent at picking up dust before you wet clean. Vacuum first, but then run this mop dry over the floor. The fewer abrasive grit particles you drag around when wet cleaning, the longer your oiled finish will last.
Priced at £42.04 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonBona Oiled Wood Floor Cleaner - Refill - 2.5 Litre
Bona
This is the 'problem solver' for ongoing costs. Once you have the spray bottle or the mop kit, buying new cartridges is expensive. This 2.5-litre jug allows you to refill your existing containers, significantly dropping the cost per litre and reducing plastic waste.
The Good
- Most economical way to buy the cleaner
- Reduces single-use plastic consumption
- Same high-quality formula as the spray bottles
The Bad
- Heavy to pour; you may need a funnel to fill smaller bottles without spilling
- Not a standalone product (requires a spray bottle or mop)
Installer Tip:
When refilling your mop cartridge, ensure you rinse the cartridge out with warm water once a year to stop any residue building up in the nozzle. This keeps the spray mist fine and consistent.
Priced at £22.43 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Why can't I use a steam mop on my oiled floor?
How often should I use cleaner heavily on oiled floors?
What is the difference between oiled and lacquered floor cleaners?
Can I install hardwood flooring in a kitchen?
Do you provide flooring installation services in York?
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