An expert from Vintage & Speciality Wood Inc has revealed that wiping wooden floors with a small amount of olive oil can keep them clean and gleaming throughout autumn, when heating can cause dust and dullness.
Wooden floors can make a home feel snug and inviting during bitter winter weather, but they typically demand considerably more upkeep once the heating is switched on. Radiators tend to accumulate a great deal of dust after sitting idle throughout the year, and all that debris gets blown out and clings to the floor, as wood generates a significant amount of static electricity.
The warm air from radiators can also dry out wooden floors, dulling their natural lustre, while making them considerably more brittle and susceptible to damage.
How olive oil cleans and protects wooden floors
The expert said: "Olive oil contains oleic acid, making up 55-83% of its content. Oleic acid moisturises and lubricates, penetrating wood to prevent drying and cracking".
Olive oil introduces additional moisture to the wood to maintain its shine and prevent it from drying out, while also containing antioxidants such as vitamin E, which can offer protection for far longer.
Static electricity can only build up in dry conditions, and olive oil helps to moisten wooden floors to repel dust, meaning you won't need to vacuum as frequently.
It will also help to conceal minor scratches and blemishes on the wood, leaving your floor looking far better maintained and polished with minimal effort. Using olive oil to clean a wooden floor forms a protective layer that shields the surface from heat damage, enhances its appearance, and keeps dust at bay without requiring any additional cleaning products.
How to use olive oil on wooden floors in autumn
Clean your floor as you typically would by hoovering and mopping. To mop the floor, combine lemon juice or white vinegar with some warm water, as the acidity will help break down any dirt on the floor quickly.
Then empty out the water. Fill your mop bucket with warm water and a tablespoon of olive oil. Ensure the solution is thoroughly mixed and the water has cooled down completely, then mop your floors once more. Squeeze out the mop properly after each pass, as you want the floor to be slightly damp rather than completely saturated.
Let the oil soak into the wood for a minute or two, then ensure you dry it thoroughly with a mop or a clean cloth. Wood will become warped if left wet, and it will also draw in dust, which can create a stubborn, sticky film.
Treat your floor with this olive oil solution once during autumn, and the wood should remain glossy and dust-free throughout the entire season.
