Hardwood Floor Care Guide for San Francisco Homes
San Francisco's Victorian and Edwardian homes are famous for their original hardwood floors — Douglas fir, redwood, and oak boards that have survived more than a century. These floors are among the most beautiful and valuable features of historic SF homes, and they require different care than modern engineered hardwood or laminate. This guide covers the right approach for original hardwood as well as modern floor types.
Understanding What Type of Hardwood You Have
The care approach varies significantly depending on whether your floor is original unfinished or waxed hardwood (common in pre-1970s homes), oil-finished hardwood, polyurethane-sealed hardwood (most refinished floors since the 1980s), or engineered hardwood (a plywood core with a hardwood veneer). The most important distinction is sealed vs. unsealed — sealed floors tolerate slightly more moisture than unsealed, but neither should be saturated with water.
Cleaning: What Works and What Doesn't
For sealed hardwood floors, the correct approach is dry sweeping or dry vacuuming first, followed by damp mopping — not wet mopping — with a well-wrung mop and a pH-neutral hardwood cleaner. Products like Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner are widely used by professionals. Never use vinegar on hardwood — its acidity can dull the finish over time. Steam mops should never be used on hardwood — the steam can penetrate seams and cause swelling.
Original Floors in Victorian Homes
Pre-war Douglas fir floors that haven't been refinished to a polyurethane seal require particular care. These floors may be waxed (in which case only wax-compatible cleaners should be used) or simply left with a natural patina. The key is minimal moisture. Dry mopping or microfiber sweeping followed by careful spot-cleaning of stains is the appropriate approach. If you're unsure what finish your original floors have, consult a flooring professional before applying any product.
Protecting Floors for the Long Term
Felt pads under furniture legs prevent scratching. Entry mats at all doors reduce the amount of grit tracked onto floors — grit is the primary source of hardwood scratching, not cleaning. Humidity maintenance matters in SF's variable climate — consistent indoor humidity between 35-55% prevents the expansion and contraction cycles that cause hardwood to crack or gap.
Quick Tips
- Never use a wet mop on hardwood — wring it thoroughly so it's barely damp
- Grit tracked in from outside is the biggest threat to hardwood — use entry mats at every door
- Polyurethane-sealed floors should be professionally refinished every 7-10 years depending on traffic
- Test any new cleaning product on a hidden area before using it broadly
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you use hardwood-safe products on floors?
Yes. We use pH-neutral, hardwood-safe cleaners and damp mop rather than wet mop hardwood floors.
Can you clean the original Douglas fir floors in my Victorian home?
Yes. We're experienced with historic SF floors and use appropriate care for original hardwood.
Need Help With Your Home?
Brittney Jani Services — professional house cleaning in San Francisco and the Bay Area for over 10 years.