Companies who produce reclaimed wood flooring and other reclaimed hardwood flooring products typically find reusable hardwoods like chestnut, hickory, cherry, and oak from  a variety of old structures. Most of the time these structures were set to be demolished and if not for the reclaimers, the wood would be destroyed. Sometimes natural sources like rivers and lakes are "mined" of their bottom contents where loggers way back when, let cut lumber go to the bottom and never retrieved it. This kind of lumber is re-milled and sold as reclaimed wood flooring and other reclaimed products. Several finishes can be applied from a roughed out rugged look to a smooth, sanded and varnished look.

There are also several methods of milling for installation of reclaimed wood flooring including using the tongue and groove method that is common with modern homes and wood flooring.

 Cleaning suggestions For Reclaimed Wood Flooring

There are many methods of cleaning depending on how your floor was installed and the type of finish it has.

For most reclaimed wood flooring, using mops of terrycloth is best. Get a mop with a head that rotates. This will make getting underneath cabinets and appliances easier. 

Vendors of reclaimed wood flooring can recommend cleaning products that are safe to use and will remove most stains from spills.  The right product will not dull the floor's finish which is of course, very important. Try a little bit in a hidden corner just to guarantee it won't affect the finish. 

 Most vendors of reclaimed wood flooring have their own products designed for the type of reclaimed wood flooring your purchased. So take their advice and use the proper cleaning solution.

Reclaimed Wood Flooring do’s and don’ts.

If your floors have a urethane finish, never wax them. Instead, use the proper cleaners that won't leave a residue.

It's easy to clean heel marks and shoe scuffs. Simply spray the proper cleaning product on a cloth rub the affected area. If food or something sticky is dropped, using a damply watered cloth is all you need.

A big don't is to never use soaps made from oil products or anything made from ammonia to clean your reclaimed wood flooring. What you don't want to do is dull the finish and you'll do just that with those kind of products.

 Reclaimed wood flooring tends to expand when it's wet. So another don't is to never use a water soaked wet mop or a lot of water when cleaning your floors. This could cause cracking and splintering.

 Keeping reclaimed wood flooring clean is fairly easy by using the proper products and keeping water exposure to a minimum. Clean up anything spilled on the floors as soon as it happens and you'll have beautiful reclaimed wood flooring for many years.