Antique and reclaimed wood floors carry the character of an earlier life. Natural wear, saw marks, old fixing marks, knots and tonal variation all contribute to their individual appearance. The right care routine protects the floor’s finish while allowing this original character to remain visible.
Antique and reclaimed floors from Woodworks by Ted Todd
Woodworks by Ted Todd is Ted Todd’s sister brand and part of the Ted Todd Group. Based in Cheshire, its extraordinary makers restore historic timber and use specialist techniques to create distinctive floors for residential and commercial interiors.
Woodworks is home to our historic floors, including the Antique collection and Reclaimed collection. You will find these floors on the Woodworks website; they sit outside the current Ted Todd flooring collections. This guide remains relevant as our floor-care knowledge and systems support floors across the wider Ted Todd Group.
Start with the floor’s finish
The finish determines which cleaning and maintenance products your floor needs. Two antique or reclaimed floors may have a similar appearance and require different care because their protective finishes differ.
Check the product specification, technical information or original order details before applying any cleaner or maintenance treatment. The specified Ted Todd Floor Care System will usually be one of the following:
- Floor Care System 1 for lacquered and hardened-oil finishes.
- Floor Care System 2 for natural-oil and hardwax-oil finishes.
- Floor Care System 3 for white-toned lacquered and hardened-oil finishes.
- Floor Care System 4 for white-toned natural-oil and hardwax-oil finishes.
If the finish is unknown, contact the Woodworks team before undertaking any cleaning in addition to routine dust removal. This is particularly important for an older installation, a floor with its original surface or timber acquired with limited specification details.
Routine cleaning
Regular, gentle cleaning is the best way to prevent grit and dirt from wearing the surface.
- Remove loose dust and grit. Use a soft broom or a vacuum cleaner fitted with a wood-floor attachment. Follow the grain and pay attention to the natural recesses found in textured boards.
- Wipe up spills promptly. Blot liquids with a clean, absorbent cloth, then use the cleaner specified for the floor if needed.
- Damp-clean when required. Dilute the correct cleaning concentrate according to its instructions. Use a well-wrung mop and work across the floor in manageable sections.
- Allow the surface to dry. Keep foot traffic to a minimum until the floor is fully dry.
Avoid leaving standing water on the surface. Excess moisture can enter joints or areas where the finish has worn, leading to staining, movement or swelling. Steam cleaners, bleach, harsh degreasers and general-purpose detergents can also affect the finish and are unsuitable.
Protecting original patina and texture
Patina is integral to the appeal of an antique or reclaimed floor. Gentle cleaning helps preserve worn edges, undulations, historic marks and the subtle changes in colour developed over time.
Use soft materials and light pressure when cleaning. Abrasive pads, scouring products and powered polishing equipment can alter the sheen or flatten surface detail. Seek guidance from Woodworks before attempting a deep clean, local repair, sanding or recoating.
Entrance mats will reduce the amount of grit carried onto the floor. Add felt protectors beneath furniture and lift heavy pieces when moving them. These small measures help protect the finish in high-use areas.
Periodic maintenance
Routine cleaning removes surface dirt. Periodic maintenance replenishes the protective finish and helps the floor continue ageing gracefully.
The frequency will depend on footfall, location and use. Hallways, kitchens and commercial spaces may need attention sooner than quieter rooms. Use only the maintenance product specified for the floor, follow its application instructions and test it in a discreet area first. White or lightly pigmented finishes need their corresponding care products to maintain the intended tone.
For a floor showing heavy wear, ingrained dirt or local damage, speak to Woodworks before beginning treatment. Their team can advise on professional cleaning, refinishing and restoration for the specific timber and finish.
Find the correct floor-care products
Our Floor Care Systems were developed because each finish has its own cleaning and maintenance requirements. Using the matched system helps protect the surface, preserve its appearance and support the floor’s long life.
Explore Ted Todd Floor Care Systems, or contact Woodworks by Ted Todd for advice about an antique or reclaimed floor.
