Learning Center

Find the answers to all your flooring questions.

How to Care for a Bamboo Floor

Bamboo Flooring Flooring Installation & Care

Bamboo flooring has strength and durability along with the aesthetics many people are looking for when choosing flooring for their homes or businesses. After the installation process, it is important to take proper care of the bamboo flooring to ensure it lasts a long time and maintains its beauty with age. Understanding proper cleaning, care, and maintenance of a bamboo floor before installing it is one way to make sure this happens.

bamboo floor care

Keeping Bamboo Floors Clean

Keeping bamboo floors clean is not too different from cleaning other types of flooring, but there are some differences to be noted.

Shoes and Mats

To avoid issues with dirt, dust, and other potentially harmful items on the floor, do not allow shoes to be worn in the home. Use mats at doorways to help people remember to wipe their feet or take their shoes off before stepping onto the floor surface. Wear slippers in the home to protect feet from other dangers. Clean shoes and mats regularly to prevent the transfer of dust, dirt, pebbles, and other debris.

Protection in High Traffic Areas

Though bamboo flooring is highly durable and well suited for high traffic areas of a home or business, to prevent early signs of wear and tear, it is a good idea to use rugs in high traffic areas to protect the surface of the floor. Just as with mats and shoes, these rugs should be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent the transfer of debris onto the floor.

bamboo flooringSelkirk ENGINEERED Collection Engineered Strandwoven Distressed Finish / SKU: 15230513

Bamboo Floor Care

Taking care of a bamboo floor sounds more painful than it really is. With a few simple adjustments to the daily routine, it will become second nature in no time.

Keeping the Floor Dust and Moisture Free

Dust and dirt can scratch the surface of bamboo flooring over time, so it is important to sweep frequently. It is necessary to use a soft cloth or pad to ensure that dust and dirt are removed from the floor rather than pushed around it.

Using a damp mop from time to time is a completely acceptable method of cleaning and caring for a bamboo floor.  Because bamboo floors cannot handle large amounts of moisture, it is important to be sure the mop is not too wet.

Cleaning Spills

Clean spills as soon as they happen to prevent moisture from seeping into the flooring. Do not use any abrasive materials, such as pot scrubbers or steel wool, to clean the spill because these fibers can scratch the surface of the flooring. If there is an oily spill, it will need immediate attention, as this could potentially cause a stain on the flooring. Dry the floor immediately after the spill has been cleaned.

Cleaning Products for Bamboo Floors

Do not use any commercial cleaning products or harsh chemicals on a bamboo floor. They can cause to damage to the floor.

Tips for Cleaning Bamboo Floors

To maximize time spent cleaning the floors and prevent damage, here are a few tips to help with cleaning the floors.

Clean Bamboo Floors Every Week

The easiest way to ensure proper care of the flooring is to clean it once a week. While there should be maintenance done at some point every day, giving all flooring surfaces a thorough cleaning each week keeps the floors in optimal condition.

Along with sweeping, which is generally the most effective way to clean this type of flooring, light mopping can be done. Using a small amount of water (only ever use a slightly damp mop), bamboo flooring can usually be cleaned with quality hardwood floor cleaning solutions. Stay away from non-alkaline cleaners and wax as they may effect the finish. When using water or other cleaning solutions, be sure to thoroughly wring out the mop before using it on the floor. If moisture is allowed to seep into the seams between the planks, your floors could become damaged.

Cleaning Stubborn Spills

For spills that are gooey or sticky, remove as much as possible with a dry cloth or towel. Wipe any remaining spill with a damp cloth, making sure not to scrub because this will push the material down into the flooring surface. Blot the sticky or gooey spot several times until the spill is gone and dry immediately with a soft cloth to prevent further damage. The sooner a spill is attended to, the less likely it is to stain or cause damage to the surface.

bamboo floor care

Maintenance of Bamboo Floors

Ongoing maintenance is the best way to care for the bamboo floors in a home or business. Cleaning the floor surfaces regularly and taking precautionary measures with shoes, rugs, and mats will prevent damage and preserve the beauty and condition of the floor.

Daily Maintenance

Be sure to sweep the floor with a soft cloth broom at least once a day. If possible, once in the morning and once in the evening, or after periods of high traffic is even better. If something is spilled on the floor, take care of it immediately. Dust and dirt left on the floor for long periods of time will get pushed around as people walk through the room, causing it to create minute scratches in the finish. Over time, these scratches will diminish the appearance of the floor, causing it to show its age.

Avoid Stiletto Heels or Athletic Spiked Shoes

While bamboo flooring is resistant to dents and scratches, it doesn’t mean it is impervious. Wearing stiletto heels or cleats in the home or business will wear the floor down much quicker, and leave it more susceptible to dents. The more frequently shoes such as those are worn, the more likely they will cause damage to the surface.

What steps do you follow for bamboo floor care?

browse all bamboo flooring

Related posts:

english-bulldog-puppy-with-sponge-mopHow to Clean Up Pet Messes from Bamboo Flooring Default ThumbnailBamboo: Professional or DIY Installation? Default ThumbnailHow is Bamboo Flooring Made How to Clean Kitchen Floors

(120) Comments

  1. ChristineCadigan

    Hi,

    Can I use a steam mop on the bamboo floors?

    I guess I should have done my research better before I put the bamboo floors in. It seems like it is a hassle to take care of them.

  2. Brian

    What’s the best way to remove swirl marks from Bamboo flooring (like those you would see on car’s finish when you look at it in sunlight)?

    • BuildDirect Product Expert Team

      Hi Brian,

      Thank you for getting in touch! Unfortunately it is hard to say what will remove the swirl marks without know what caused them. You can try cleaning the floor with a solution of one part vinegar and ten parts water lightly spritzed on a microfiber cloth. This should remove any residue on top of the floor. If the swirl marks are scratches in the finish it may not be possible to remove them. Please let us know if there is anything else we can help out with!

    • BuildDirect Product Expert Team

      Hi Al,

      Thank you for your inquiry! If the scratches and scuffs are shallow and don’t penetrate the finish you should be able to find a matched wood floor repair marker at your local Lowes or Home Depot. If the scratches have removed the finish you are able to use a matched wood filler then refinish the scratched area. Please let us know if you have any other questions!

  4. Verlene Jenkins

    I just had black bamboo floors installed, I’ve only been using water to clean them but I noticed a few dull spots and scratches I used old English dark scratch cover and it seems to work well. Has any one else used this but on the whole floor? And does bona hardwood floor cleaner work on bamboo?.

    • BuildDirect Product Expert Team

      Hi Verlene,

      Thank you for getting in touch! I haven’t heard of anyone using that product myself but if there haven’t been any issues using it on smaller areas I don’t think there should be a problem. In regards to cleaning the floor, I actually do not recommend using water on the floor because bamboo is not a water resistant material. I usually suggest just sweeping the floor with a microfiber cloth. If you have to you can use a solution of one part vinegar and ten parts water VERY lightly spritzed on a microfiber mop to clean the floor. If you do choose to try BONA make sure to test it out on a small area before the whole floor to test it out. Please let us know if there is anything else we can help out with!

      • Erica

        No water?? Oh!! I use a lightly wet mop type attachment ( it’s this soft rectangular plush type fabric thing that goes onto the end of this mop with Velcro – oh Vileda I think) and wipe the floor after it has been vacuumed. So you are saying I should us vinegar and water?? I know not to spray floor. I just wish something would give it a nicer shine! My dog loves to keep me cleaning.

    • BuildDirect Product Expert Team

      Hi Erica,

      You don’t have to use vinegar with the water, I just suggest this instead of chemical cleaners to kill bacteria. Unfortunately it won’t necessarily give it a better shine. As long as you don’t use too much moisture on the floor it should be fine. Please let us know if there is anything else we can help out with!

  6. Michelle

    I have had black bamboo in my home for 5years. I have two very large dogs who have made a mess of the floor with scratches
    Can bamboo be refinished ?

    • BuildDirect Product Expert Team

      Hi Michelle,

      Thank you for getting in touch! Unfortunately, bamboo cannot be refinished. I would suggest taking a look at your local hardware store to see if they have touch up kits in the color of your floor. Quite a few people are able to cover up most of the marks. Please let us know if there is anything else we can help out with!

  7. jennifee

    I about to put in a mahagony bamboo floor in my salon .. After hearing that moisture isn’t good ( I was told complete opposite ) now I’m super worried. There is pedicures and artificial nails being done.. Any suggestions? Tia

    • BuildDirect Product Expert Team

      Hi Jennifer,

      Thank you for getting in touch! Unfortunately you are correct, moisture is not good for a bamboo floor. Other than completely changing out the floor, your best option would be to make sure any moisture is cleaned up as quickly as possible. Also, try to use mats around where you are doing pedicures so if any water spills the floor will bee protected. Please let us know if you have any other questions!

  8. Maryann

    Hi I am having a problem with my bamboo floor. When I purchased the floor it had such a beautiful shine that I wanted to keep that. So like a dum dum I waxed the floor. Now I am trying to clean my floor and all I get is a film all over my floor it looks horrible. Is there anything I can do to get that beautiful look I had.

    • BuildDirect Product Expert Team

      Hello Maryann, Thank you for your message.

      I would actually recommend contacting the manufacturer for the wax finish that you used and see if they can offer assistance on safe removal. If you need further assistance please give us a call here at 1-877-631-2845 to speak with a flooring expert.

  9. Patti

    I got online to see if “quick wax” aka “mop-n-shine”, “mop-n-glo” products were safe to use on my carbonized bamboo flooring, and Wow! I’m glad I did! I’ve been using the Bissel floor vacuum/steamer on my floors for the past 6 months (or more) and I’m reading here I shouldn’t use a steamer! It hasn’t seemed to harm the floors in any way, but I’ve only done it about 3-4 times in the past 6 months. I usally don’t have to worry about cleaning the floor except to sweep with a dust mop or vacuum with the Bissel. I guess I won’t worry about shining my floors, I like the Matte finish anyway! I will also stop using the steamer!
    Thanks for alll of these Q&A’s!! You’ve saved my floors, I’m sure!! (Which I am TOTALLY pleased with, by the way!)

    • BuildDirect Product Expert Team

      Hi Patti,

      Glad to hear our post helped out! I’m very glad you stopped steaming your floors as well! Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if anything else comes up 🙂

  10. Rod Miller

    Does builders direct sell a filler for carbonize stranded bamboo. My contractor somehow poked a hole in my flooring right at the sceam.

    • BuildDirect Product Expert Team

      Hi Rod, I’m sorry to hear about your floor! Unfortunately we don’t have any fillers for carbonized bamboo. I usually find local stores that sell flooring will have fillers that match very well as carbonized bamboo is very popular. Please let us know if there is anything else we can help out with!

  11. oneoffcleaninglondon

    Bamboo floor is pretty easy to scratch or damage. I’m a cleaner and I have few clients who have such floor and I know that when cleaning it I should be very careful. The post explains very good what to do in order to keep the bamboo in shape and it really is very important not to use harsh chemicals or to let moisture be absorbed by the bamboo. I generally mop it more frequently! Thank you for the post! 🙂

    • BuildDirect Product Expert Team

      Hello,

      Thank you for the feedback! If you have horizontal or vertical bamboo it would be a bit easier to scratch but strand woven bamboo is definitely very scratch resistant!

  12. Stephanie

    Amy recommendations for having two large dogs with brand new bamboo floors? Anything that I can do to reduce scratching of the floors?

    • BuildDirect Product Expert Team

      Hello Stephanie, thanks for your question.

      When it comes to wood flooring it will always be a good idea to take preventative measures in high traffic areas such as hallways and entry ways. You can lay down a protective mat, carpet, or runner down in these areas which will protect the floor over the years. It is inexpensive and easily to change over the years as trends change. There are also lots of wood flooring repair kits in the market which you can purchase to quickly and easily repair any major damages that may occur. Please also make sure to by soft footings for any furniture as well. These are items that are very inexpensive and will protect your flooring investment.

      I hope this helps! but please let us know if you have any other questions.

    • Kimberley

      Hi Stephanie, I can help you out here as well. I have two (2) large very active GSPs in addition to having smaller canine visitors in my home. Keeping their nails trimmed and paw pads maintained helps immensely. And if they’re open to it, socks w/non-skid soles for traction on them work too — kinda like the material on the bottom of footed pajamas. This way you can keep manage both your pets and your floors with little worry or hassle.

      Just a note: I sweep and mop more than I care to or have time for on a daily/weekly basis, but it’s been several months in managing my bamboo floors, and have only had issues with “responsible” ADULTs who also live in the house. ;- )

      ~K

    • BuildDirect Product Expert Team

      Hi Erica,

      No I would not recommend using a steam mop, wax, oil, soap or any industrial strength cleaner on your bamboo floor.
      Also don’t use an excessive amount of water when cleaning your bamboo floor. Water and wood/grass (bamboo) are not naturally compatible – wet your mop/cloth sparingly. You may mop you bamboo floor with a very slightly damp mop but never “wet” mop or steam.

      I hope this helps! Please let me know if there is anything else I can answer 🙂

    • BuildDirect Product Expert Team

      Hi Nadia,

      Unfortunately there is not any easy fix here 🙁

      However, there are a couple things that you might want to try:
      1. Nail polish remover
      2. Paint thinner
      3. Water and vinegar
      4. Splatter-Off®

      In all cases, there is a good chance the flooring finish will be damaged. Be sure to experiment with these suggestions in a small and inconspicuous area.
      Ultimately, it might come down to replacing the damaged planks.

      Please let us know how it goes! Good luck.

  15. Faith

    Is it recommended to use an office mat for my chair (has plastic rollers), or does that cause more problems (dirt buildup, scratching)? Thanks

    • BuildDirect Product Expert Team

      Hi Faith,

      Although it is not required, it is definitely a good idea to help preserve your bamboo floor. It would not cause any issues with the floor to use an office mat.

  16. William Wolff

    Can I use the New Hoover Floormate Deluxe Hard Floor Cleaner Model # FH40160 $139.00? Using 1/4 cup white Vinegar mixed with a gallon of distilled water or tap water. They say it is Designed to deliver a deep clean while gently and safely washing, scrubbing and drying you sealed hard floor. It vacuums up the water in a separate tank. http://www.hoover.com If so is there floor clear safe to use? Or use Vinegar water mix. Thanks and have a great day. Seems like a easy way to clean the floors if it is ok and will not damage the wood. They also make a cordless one too.

    • BuildDirect Product Expert Team

      Hi William,

      I actually would not recommend using the Hoover floor cleaner for a bamboo floor. You never know how a specific solution is going to react with the finish of a floor. I do not recommend using any vinegar for that exact reason.

      You are better off vacuuming/sweeping the floor, and spot cleaning with a damp cloth if needed.

  17. David

    Havent seen many answers here lately….will leave a question maybe it will get answered my bamboo flooring has no shine…gets dirty instantly…feet shoe whatever marks always present ..How can i give it shine and what helps with footprints

  18. Kerrie

    It doesn’t seem what I do, the lovely clear sheen on my Bamboo Floor soon becomes smudged again whenever walked on – weather that be in shoes, slippers or socks. Do you have a recommendation regarding this.

    • Rob Jones

      Hi Anita,

      Factory finished bamboo does not require waxing at all. So, one way would be to not wax it. But, if that’s already happened, try a solution of one part vinegar in two parts of warm water. Let the solution sit on one small area of your floor until such time as you feel the wax will dissolve – we’re talking in minutes here. Then, use a rag or mop to immediately absorb *all* of the moisture. Then, move onto another area of your floor until you’re done.

      For maintenance after that, avoid the wax, and do a weekly dry or damp mopping of your floor to keep it looking pristine. I hope this helps!

  20. Janet

    I have a bamboo floor and after two years it still looks pretty good. I certainly do not sweep or mop daily (as suggested by one company) who does? I have an Enjo floor mop and, as suggested by the guy who lay the floor, I add a couple of drops of Eucalyptus oil to the warm water and that is all.

  21. Vicki Robinson

    Our bamboo floor always looks dull and dirty. We sweep everyday and mop with a damp mop once a week with only water. I tried a mop and glow type product and it looked good for a couple of days but never shiny. Just looked cleaner. What should I do? The floor is only 6 months old.

  22. Mark T

    According to mfg. never use any type of wax or cleaning products on bamboo flooring. One quart of water with a 1/4 cup of white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray lightly and mop with a micro fiber mop. Bamboo is subject to scratches. High traffic areas should be dry mopped daily.
    Never use a bristle broom etc. Hope this helps.

  24. Karen

    So was cleaning my Dad’s floor, all bamboo, with a damp cloth, noticed this build up, its that craptastic mop n glow…he had no idea mom past away…so am now here taking care of him…problem is I am having is I cant for my life of get it off…but no answer from you guys…so maybe this help all you guys out …. 1/4 cup Lysol with no bleach, 1 cup amonia, 1/2 gallon water. Wet and mop…havent tried it yet, but am going to let you know how it goes….hope this helps….am going to call mop and glow now…very upset at them.

  25. Joy Lang

    I’ve had bamboo floor for about 5 years I love it and it is held up real well.
    I use mixture of white vinegar and water to clean. It does show footprints
    And smudges easily but comes up no problem .

Comments are closed.