How to Finish Hardwood Floors With Cedar Oil

Cedar oil is a common treatment for unfinished wood. This natural oil, steamed out of fresh cedar wood, serves as a natural insecticide. It also helps to preserve the integrity of the wood by acting as a natural preservative. However, not a true finish, cedar oil does not protect hardwood floors from scratches and wear as other finishes do. If your hardwood floor is not unfinished, you must first strip it of all waxes and other finishes.

• 1

  Sweep the hardwood floor clean of any dirt and debris.

• 2

  Mix 1/2 cup of trisodium phosphate powder and 1 gallon of warm water in a bucket. Scrub the hardwood floor in the direction of the grain with a brush and the solution. Use the solution sparingly.

• 3

  Wipe the hardwood floor dry with a towel. Standing liquid warps unfinished wood.

• 4

  Scuff-sand the hardwood floor with 150-grit sandpaper in the direction of the grain. Sweep up the sawdust and discard.

• 5

  Moisten an absorbent, lint-free cloth with cedar oil. Rub the cedar oil into the hardwood floor, working in the direction of the grain. Work in small, 2-square-feet sections at a time. Work the cedar oil into the wood until no more absorbs.

• 6

  Wipe up any excess oil with a dry, lint-free cloth.