Author, Written by: P. Hirani (Wood flooring Expert)
Herringbone flooring brings elegance and character to any space, but its distinct pattern can sometimes make homeowners unsure about the best way to clean it. Whether you have chosen herringbone in engineered wood, laminate, or luxury vinyl/LVT, proper maintenance will keep it looking sharp and sophisticated for years to come.
In this guide, we break down the right way to clean and care for herringbone floors without damaging the pattern, joints, or finish.
Why Herringbone Needs Special Attention
Although herringbone flooring is made from the same materials as standard plank floors, its pattern creates more angles, edges, and seams. This means dirt and moisture can settle in places that might not be as exposed in straight lay flooring.
Key concerns include:
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Dust buildup along the zigzag joints
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Water settling in angled seams
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Over wetting or harsh scrubbing damaging the surface texture
The good news is that with regular care and a few small adjustments to your routine, you can easily preserve both the look and lifespan of your herringbone floors.
Daily & Weekly Cleaning Tips
1. Use a Soft Brush or Dry Microfibre Mop
Start by removing loose dirt and debris with a soft bristle broom or dry microfibre mop. Always follow the grain direction, even in a herringbone layout, to prevent pushing grit into the seams.
2. Vacuum with a Hard Floor Attachment
A vacuum cleaner with a dedicated hard floor setting or soft roller brush is ideal. Avoid using rotating brush heads that could scratch the surface, especially on wood or laminate finishes.
3. Light Damp Mopping Once or Twice a Week
Use a damp, not wet, microfibre mop and a flooring approved cleaner. Always wring out the mop thoroughly. Excess water can seep into joints and edges, particularly with engineered or laminate herringbone flooring.
Tip: Mop in the direction of the “V” shapes to catch dust along the pattern edges more effectively.
Deep Cleaning: Monthly or As Needed
Occasionally, your herringbone floor may need a deeper clean especially in high traffic areas.
1. Choose a pH Neutral Cleaner
Select a cleaner suited to your floor type (Wood, Laminate, or Vinyl/LVT). Avoid anything with ammonia, bleach, or harsh chemicals.
2. Work Section by Section
Rather than covering large areas at once, clean in smaller sections to maintain control over moisture and ensure thorough coverage.
3. Dry Immediately
Use a dry, soft cloth or towel to remove any leftover moisture from the floor surface. This helps avoid water spots or warping.
Material Specific Advice
For Engineered Wood Herringbone
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Avoid steam mops or soaking the surface
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Reapply a suitable wood floor polish every 12-18 months to refresh the finish
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Use furniture pads to avoid scratches
For Laminate Herringbone
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Never allow standing water to sit on the surface
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Avoid oil based or wax cleaners that can leave residue
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Stick to laminate safe sprays or diluted cleaners
For Vinyl/LVT Herringbone
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Most LVT/Vinyl and SPC floors are waterproof but still benefit from low moisture cleaning
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Gently scrub stains with a soft sponge and vinyl safe cleaner
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Avoid abrasive scouring pads
Long Term Maintenance Tips
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Use door mats to minimise grit entering the home
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Sweep regularly to prevent buildup along grooves and joints
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Add felt pads under furniture to prevent dragging marks across the patterned layout
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Rotate rugs and furniture occasionally to avoid uneven wear in specific areas
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Check and reseal (if required) every few years depending on the flooring material and usage
Wrapping It Up
Herringbone floors deserve just a bit more attention when it comes to cleaning, but the reward is well worth the effort. With the right tools and techniques, you can keep your beautifully patterned floors looking crisp, clean, and timeless.
Whether you’ve opted for engineered wood, laminate, or vinyl/LVT, a consistent cleaning routine will preserve the detail and depth that make herringbone so special. Looking for product specific care guides? Reach out for tailored advice or explore our cleaning and maintenance range designed for herringbone and patterned flooring.
About Author:
Peter H. is a flooring product expert who knows all about different types of flooring materials. He shares his knowledge in blogs to help readers make the best choices for their spaces.