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Floor care resources

Floor care guides and resources

Plain, step-by-step guides for looking after timber, laminate and hybrid floors, each pointing you at the right product for the job.

A clean timber floor in a light room, an example of the floors these care guides cover.

Looking after timber flooring requires a bit of know-how. In this resource centre you'll find honest, step-by-step advice written by flooring specialists in New Zealand. Whether you're keeping an engineered oak floor spotless or dealing with a sticky spill, our guides share the tips we use in our own workshop.

Every floor-care guide, in one place

Cleaning, maintenance and the common mistakes we see in New Zealand homes. Each guide links the exact product for the job.

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Close-up of oak floorboards showing the grain, beside a green rug.

How to tell if your floor is oiled or lacquered

A drop of water and about a minute tells you which finish you have.

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Living room with a light oak timber floor, a grey sofa and a view of native bush.

The safe way to clean timber floors

The everyday routine that cleans without harming the finish.

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Dining room with a timber floor and a sea view through large windows.

What not to use on timber floors

The common products that quietly damage a timber finish.

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Kitchen and dining space with an oak timber floor under a timber-lined ceiling.

Oiled timber floor maintenance

Daily care, oil top-ups and the annual refresh for oiled floors.

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Living room with a light oak timber floor beside a timber staircase.

Lacquered timber floor maintenance

How to refresh and protect a sealed floor without a full recoat.

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Open-plan kitchen and dining room with a wide-plank oak timber floor.

Engineered timber floor care

Looking after engineered oak and pre-finished boards.

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Open-plan kitchen and dining room with a wide-plank oak timber floor.

How to clean engineered timber floors

Where oiled and lacquered boards want different treatment.

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Flooring sample displays and brochures in a Newmarket flooring showroom.

How to clean laminate and hybrid floors

SPC and LVP are not timber, so the rules change.

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Kitchen and dining space with an oak timber floor under a timber-lined ceiling.

Maintenance oil vs hardwax oil

Two products often confused, and when to reach for which.

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Living area with a dark herringbone timber floor and a round wool rug.

Timber floor cleaners, compared

How the cleaners we stock compare, so you can pick the right one.

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Hallway with a wide-plank timber floor leading to glass doors.

Choosing a mop for timber floors

What to look for in a mop that is kind to timber.

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Living area with a dark herringbone timber floor and a round wool rug.

Bona vs Ciranova floor cleaner

Two popular cleaners, compared for your floor.

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Kitchen and dining space with an oak timber floor under a timber-lined ceiling.

Ciranova flooring soap

An everyday soap made for oiled timber floors.

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Hallway with a wide-plank timber floor leading to glass doors.

Bona spray mop

A complete spray mop kit for quick clean-ups on hard floors.

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Living room with a light oak timber floor, a grey sofa and a view of native bush.

Timber floor cleaning and care: the full guide

What to use, what to avoid, and how often to do it.

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Close-up of dark grey-brown oak floorboards with a cowhide rug.

Oiling a timber floor: by hand or with a machine

When to do it by hand, and when to hire the machine and walk it.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to clean timber floors?

The best approach is regular dry cleaning combined with a pH-neutral timber floor cleaner. Avoid excess water and harsh chemicals.

Can I use the same cleaner on all timber floors?

No. Oiled and lacquered timber floors require different products. Always match the cleaner to the floor finish.

How often should timber floors be maintained?

Light cleaning should be done weekly. Maintenance products are typically applied every few months, depending on wear.

Are these guides suitable for New Zealand homes?

Yes. All guides are written for New Zealand conditions, floor types, and commonly available products.

Not sure which product you need?

Tell us your floor and we'll point you to the right cleaner, oil or kit.

Four containers of 1F Wood Floor Cleaning Concentrate for maintaining lacquered and oiled timber flooring.

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Questions about your floor? 0800 843 662·info@firstfloorcleaning.co.nz·Newmarket, Auckland