How to clean wooden flooring

* Sweep wooden floors regularly, or use a vacuum cleaner with a brush setting.

* Mop once a week or so with a well-wrung mop, using soapy cleaner specifically for use on wood. Don't saturate the floor or allow water to stand on it as this can cause damage. Try Method's new wood-floor care kit, £29.95, John Lewis.

* Wet-clean waxed boards sparingly and wax polish them to improve the patina. Dirty wax build-up should be removed with white spirit and the boards re-waxed. Treat engineered boards with oil or lacquer reviver, applied with a soft cloth.

Natural remedies

* Remove scuff marks from wooden floors by rubbing them gently with a pencil eraser.

* Bring out the natural colour of your wood flooring by wiping the surface with lemon oil and a dry cloth. However, this only applies to natural and waxed flooring, not varnished floors.

For more information, see our essential guide to wooden flooring.

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