Last update: 1 week ago
To clean bamboo floors properly, start by vacuuming or sweeping to lift any grit that could scratch the surface — then mop with a damp (not wet) microfiber mop and a pH-neutral cleaning solution. That’s the short version. Excess moisture is bamboo’s biggest enemy, so the technique matters as much as the product you choose.
What is the best cleaner for bamboo floors?
A pH-neutral cleaner applied via a damp microfiber mop is the best approach for bamboo floors — it lifts dirt without stripping the finish or introducing excess moisture. For a simple DIY option, diluted white vinegar (¼ cup to 1 litre of water) is hard to beat.
There are three popular DIY cleaning products for bamboo floors that you can try that are made by mixing either:
- Vinegar and water;
- Water and dishwashing liquid;
- Vinegar, water and dishwashing liquid.
Mixing approximately ¼ cup of white vinegar with a quart of water should make an effective enough cleaner.
Cleaning bamboo floors with vinegar and water is enough to leave them squeaky clean and get rid of any stains, too. If you’d prefer a ready-made option, Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner is a pH-neutral bamboo floor cleaner widely available at Bunnings and Mitre 10 — just follow the label instructions. You can also get a specialist involved in the cleaning process if you’d rather leave it to the pros.
What not to use on bamboo floors?
It’s important to avoid products containing aggressive chemicals or waxing agents that can leave a glaze. To keep it simple, here’s a quick list of things to steer clear of:
- Steam cleaners — heat and excessive moisture are a bad combination for bamboo (see below).
- Wax-based polishes — they leave a residue that dulls the surface over time.
- Ammonia-based cleaners — too harsh; they can break down the floor’s finish.
- Abrasive scrubbers — bamboo scratches more easily than you might expect; soft tools only.
- Excessive water — soaking or over-wetting the floor leads to swelling, warping, and cupping at the plank joints.
There is also one question that comes up very often — can you use methylated spirits to clean bamboo floors? The short answer is yes. However, you should know that this is mostly used for stain and marks removal. Be very careful when cleaning bamboo floors with methylated spirits. You need to use small amounts of it, treat only specific areas, and make sure to test the solution on a less visible section of the floor to see how it will react with the material.
Can you steam clean bamboo floors?
It’s better to avoid steam cleaning a bamboo floor. Due to its effectiveness in removing allergens and dirt, steam cleaning is a popular option for many types of flooring, but bamboo calls for a more careful approach. Bamboo’s special composition makes it extremely susceptible to heat and excessive moisture. If you use a steam cleaner, too much moisture could be introduced into the joints of your planks, which might eventually cause warping or swelling.
Cleaning bamboo floors the right way
Now that you have your cleaning product sorted, it’s time to get into it. Follow these four steps and your bamboo floors will thank you for it.
- Vacuum or sweep the floors
Use a microfiber mop or a vacuum with a hard-floor attachment to remove loose dirt, dust, and grit before you mop. This step is more important than it sounds — any abrasive particles left on the surface will get pushed around during mopping and can cause fine scratches over time. If you prefer sweeping, use a soft-bristle broom rather than a stiff one.
- Remove dried stains and scuff marks
The next step in the best way to clean bamboo floors is tackling any dried stains and scuff marks. Use the DIY solution mentioned above or a commercial bamboo floor stain remover. Work gently — don’t scrub too hard, as bamboo’s surface can scratch more easily than traditional hardwood.
- Mop the floor
Dampen your microfiber mop with your chosen pH-neutral cleaning solution — damp, not wet. Wring the mop out thoroughly until it’s barely moist; it should leave no standing water on the surface. Then mop the entire floor, working with the grain of the planks. Cleaning bamboo floors without streaks takes a little patience, but a well-wrung mop makes all the difference.
- Dry
After mopping, resist the urge to dry the floor manually. Let it air-dry instead — open a window to get some airflow going and speed up the process. In more humid Australian conditions, a fan pointed at the floor works a treat too. The drier you can get it, the better.
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Bamboo floor care and maintenance tips
So far, you should know how to prepare and use DIY bamboo cleaners, how to prepare the bamboo floors before cleaning them, and the steps to follow in the actual cleaning process. Now, we move on to a few useful tips on how to best care for bamboo floors. Have a look at our list below!
- You can use carpets and rugs to protect your bamboo floors from the furniture’s impact. If this is not your preferred style, then you can also use furniture pads. Just remember to have your carpets cleaned every once in a while.
- Avoid walking with your shoes (especially high heels and sports cleats) on the bamboo floors to prevent the surface from scratches.
- Keep the humidity level at 30-50% to avoid swelling up or drying out of the bamboo flooring.
- Clean your bamboo floors regularly especially when it comes to high traffic areas. If necessary, you can do it twice a week. Remember that keeping your bamboo floorings clean is of utmost importance to prolong their life.
- If you have a pet, make sure to keep their nails trimmed to avoid scratches and damages.
- If you are a tenant – best leave the end of lease cleaning to a professional to avoid losing your bond.
- Reduce exposure to direct sunlight since this can fade bamboo over time. Rely on curtains or blinds for this purpose.
- Avoid bamboo floor polishing as this might leave a residue on the surface, especially if you use furniture polish.
Types of bamboo floors and their specifics
There are three main types of bamboo floors: strand bamboo flooring, horizontal bamboo flooring, and vertical bamboo flooring.
- Strand bamboo flooring stands out for its incredible durability; constructed from shredded bamboo fibres fused together under high pressure, it boasts remarkable resistance to dents and scratches, making it a sturdy choice for families, pet owners, or commercial settings.
- Vertical bamboo flooring – By using narrow slats to produce an extended appearance, vertical bamboo floors adopt a different strategy. This design highlights the linear texture of the wood while also enhancing the sensation of height in smaller spaces. This type, however, is not as durable as the strand bamboo floor, so it’s more prone to damage.
- Horizontal bamboo floors – In contrast, these give a more classic feel with their larger strips showing the inherent beauty of each stalk’s grain pattern. This design feels substantial underfoot and radiates warmth and depth. This one is the softest type of bamboo flooring when compared to the previous two, so it requires more special care and protection.
Advantages of bamboo floors
- Durable – Bamboo floors are extremely durable. High-quality bamboo can resist normal wear and tear. Some bamboo types could even be harder than other hardwood materials. This makes them suitable for high-traffic areas like hallways.
- Budget-friendly – Choosing bamboo floors for your home could very well save you some money. Bamboo flooring is usually more affordable than other hardwood flooring options. Regardless, you should always do in-depth research prior to any purchases.
- Easy to maintain – Another advantage of bamboo floors is that they are normally easy to maintain. With proper and regular cleaning, it should be no problem for them to last a long time and remain in top condition.
- Eco-friendly – Finally, bamboo floors are a more sustainable alternative to other types of flooring. Bamboo is the number one renewable source in the world. It takes about five years to fully mature. In comparison, some trees used for wooden floorings may take up to twenty years to develop.
Drawbacks of bamboo floors
- Prone to scratches – Bamboo floors are prone to scratches. Actions such as moving furniture around or even walking in high heels could result in scratches. You should consider this especially if you have any pets. Early harvest could leave the bamboo softer and therefore further decrease its durability.
- Susceptible to humidity – Bamboo is not resistant to humidity. If you live in an area with a high humidity level, then it is possible for the flooring to warp or crack. The opposite is also valid – if the humidity level is too low, then the bamboo floors may dry up, which will cause the material to crack. You should aim for 30-50% humidity.
- May contain VOCs – Bamboo floors may contain the so-called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are human-made and usually potentially harmful chemicals used in the processing of the bamboo material.
Frequently asked questions
No. Always use a damp — not wet — mop. Excess moisture penetrates bamboo’s surface and can cause swelling, warping, or cupping, especially at plank joints. Wring the mop out thoroughly so it leaves no standing water, and allow the floor to air-dry promptly after mopping.
Sweep or vacuum daily in high-traffic areas to prevent abrasive grit from scratching the surface. A damp-mop clean is recommended weekly for most households, or up to twice a week in high-traffic zones. Deep cleaning with a bamboo-specific cleaner can be done monthly.
Avoid polishes and wax-based products — they leave a residue that dulls the surface over time. The best way to restore shine to bamboo floors is a thorough clean with a pH-neutral solution and a well-wrung microfiber mop, followed by complete air-drying. For a deeper shine, a manufacturer-approved bamboo floor refresher (not a generic wood polish) can be used sparingly once or twice a year.
Yes, in diluted form. Mix ¼ cup of white vinegar with approximately 1 litre of water. Undiluted vinegar is too acidic and can break down the finish over time. Apply with a damp microfiber mop and avoid over-wetting the surface.
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Takeaways
- Cleaning bamboo floors regularly improves their overall condition.
- Always vacuum or sweep your bamboo floorings before mopping them.
- Do not use too much water to avoid damage.
- Avoid dragging furniture on bamboo floors – they are easily scratched.
- Use a microfiber mop — it picks up fine dust without scratching and doesn’t require excess water.
