FAQ

How do I know what products I should use to clean my timber floors?

The first step is to determine what kind of finish is on your floor:

• Lacquered/Laminate/PVC: Lacquered floors have a layer of polyurethane over the surface. This protects the timber and gives it a matt, gloss, satin or semi-gloss sheen. For regular cleaning you can use the 'WOCA Master Cleaner' or for everything you need in one box the 'WOCA Clean and Care Kit (Lacquered Floors)'.

• Oiled/Waxed: Oiled floors are coated with a protective penetrating oil. They are typically more natural, matt looking than lacquered floors. For regular cleaning you can use the  'WOCA Natural Soap' or for everything you need in one box the 'WOCA Clean and Care Kit (Oiled Floors)'.

If you are unsure what type of flooring you have, we highly recommend using the 'Brilliance NeutralCleaner Concentrate (All Floors)' as this is suitable for all floor types. Make sure to check out the 'Brilliance SprayMop' kit too.

 How often should I clean my timber floors?

Our best advice is to clean your floors weekly with a broom or vacuum cleaner to pick up any debris and then use either a spray mop or a cotton twist mop on the floors using a suitable product as mentioned above. Maintaining a frequent cleaning routine is vital to keep your floors looking their best.

 What else can I do to look after my timber floor?

Apart from regular cleaning, one of the most overlooked things to do is to add 'felt pads' to the bottom of your furniture. This will prevent scratches happening from dragging furniture like chairs, small tables and couches across your floors. 

Another fantastic option is to give your floor an occasional treatment:

Oiled/Waxed floors: Apply 'Woca Oil Refreshing Soap' as an occasional refresher, approximately every 3 months or as needed. Areas with heavy wear can be repaired with 'Woca Maintenance Gel' after cleaning or maintained with Woca Maintenance Oil.

Lacquered/Laminate/PVC floors: You can use 'Woca Master Care' when your floor is in need of a refreshing treatment. Master Care strengthens the floor and protects against scratches and other wear and tear to prolong the lifetime of the surface finish.

I have a particularly nasty stain on my timber floor. What can I use on it?

Woca Intensive Wood Cleaner is ideal for cleaning dirt, grease and stubborn stains. It also comes in a convenient ready-to-use 750ml Spray bottle and is suitable for all floors including oiled, lacquered and untreated timber.

For oiled floor surfaces you can use Woca Wood Stain Remover which dissolves stains such as grease, red wine, coffee etc. Similarly Woca Tannin Spot Remover is great for black spots caused by acid/water reaction such as those made by pot plants. However, with all of these products, when the floor is completely dry, apply the original surface finish (e.g. oil, wax or soap) to re-establish protection. Woca Maintenance Gel or Woca Maintenance Oil is great for this.

What products should I avoid using on my timber floor?

• Ammonia - one of the most common ingredients used in almost all store-bought cleaning products. The abrasive property of ammonia can damage the surface and dissolve the lignin in the wood.
• Hydrogen Peroxide - though hydrogen peroxide isn't quite as potent as bleach, it can easily discolour wooden floors.
• Bleach - best to stay away from bleach as it can discolour your floors permanently!

'Microfibre cloths' have a light abrasive effect which will gradually break down an oil surface treatment. 'Spray mops' or 'cotton twist mops' are a much gentler solution, yet still effective. 

The best solution is to use quality products specifically designed to clean timber floors.

What should I do if I think my floor/deck needs more attention, like a full sand back and re-coating service?

You are welcome to email through some photos of your floor to sales@quicksandsupplies.com.au for us to assess and give you the relevant advice.

What products do I need to clean my outdoor timber deck?

For regular, weekly cleaning we recommend sweeping your deck and giving it a hose down.

However before treating your timber deck with oil you need to clean it first. We recommend first soaking the decking with a hose, then applying 'WOCA Exterior Wood Cleaner' (diluted as per instructions).

How do I know what colour oil to use on my timber deck?

A great way to decide what colour you should use, is to test it first. Shop our Woca Exterior Oil Testers here. Here are some suggestions according to the type of timber commonly used for decking:

• Jarrah - Bangkirai, Natural, Larch or Teak
• Merbau - Bangkirai, Teak, Larch or Natural
• Silver Top Ash - Larch, Teak or Natural
• Spotted Gum - Larch, Teak or Natural
• Blackbutt - Larch or Natural
• Iron Bark - Larch, Teak or Natural

Another extremely popular option to get that 'white washed' look is to mix the colour Natural with the colour White. Keep in mind the colour will show up differently depending on your species of timber.

How can I make sure the oil is applied evenly on my timber deck?

1. Clean and prepare the deck: make sure the deck is free from any dirt or debris. Use Woca Exterior Wood Cleaner to clean the surface and allow to dry thoroughly.
2. Choose the right tools: the Woca Exterior Oil Applicator was specially created to make application quick and easy. The applicator has a short handle and easily attaches to paint roller handles or broomsticks. If the sponge pad has only been used with 'WOCA Exterior Wood Oil', it can be washed and reused. 'WOCA Replacement Sponge Pads' are also available.
3. Stir the oil thoroughly: this will ensure that any settled pigments or solids are well mixed. This will help achieve a consistent colour and coverage.
4. Apply in small sections: work in manageable sections of the deck to ensure even coverage.
5. Apply in the direction of the wood grain: this will give optimal penetration and a uniform appearance.

How can I prolong the life of my timber deck?

Regular weekly cleaning by sweeping and mopping, applying 'felt pads' to all outdoor furniture and a full maintenance service consisting of washing the deck with 'WOCA Exterior Wood Cleaner' and then applying 'WOCA Exterior Wood Oil' (recommended every 12 months).

I love the 'aged' natural look for my outdoor timber. How can I achieve this but also protect my timber at the same time?

Woca Exterior Wood Shield is a great product to achieve the 'natural aged' look. Here's how:

1. Water Repellency: Woca Exterior Wood Shield forms a protective barrier on the surface of the timber, making it highly water repellent. This helps to prevent water penetration into the wood, reducing the risk of moisture-related issues such as rot, swelling, and cracking.

2. UV Protection: The Exterior Wood Shield contains UV filters that help to shield the timber from the damaging effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays can cause discoloration, fading, and degradation of the wood over time. By blocking a significant portion of these rays, the Wood Shield helps to maintain the color and appearance of the timber.

3. Mold and Mildew Resistance: The formulation of Woca Exterior Wood Shield includes additives that inhibit the growth of mold, mildew, and algae on the timber surface. This is especially beneficial for outdoor applications where moisture and humidity can create an environment conducive to fungal growth.

4. Enhanced Durability: By penetrating into the wood fibers, Woca Exterior Wood Shield helps to strengthen and fortify the timber, enhancing its overall durability. It provides protection against wear, scratches, and general weathering, helping to extend the lifespan of the timber.

5. Easy Maintenance: The protective barrier created by Woca Exterior Wood Shield makes the timber surface easier to clean and maintain. It helps to repel dirt, grime, and stains, allowing for simpler cleaning and reducing the need for aggressive scrubbing or harsh cleaning agents.

Do you offer a maintenance service where you come out to clean and maintain my timber deck/internal floor?

Yes we do, please get in touch with us here or email us at sales@quicksandsupplies.com.au

 

Can timber oil be used indoors?

Yes, some types of timber oil can be used indoors. If you are oiling an interior timber floor, make sure you’re using a product that’s rated for indoor use, such as WOCA Diamond Oil Active.

Exterior-grade timber oils may release gases that are harmful to breathe. They should not be used in confined spaces.

How to apply indoor timber oil

WOCA Diamond Oil Active is simple to apply. It’s suitable for professionals and DIYers alike:

1. Clean the floor thoroughly with WOCA Intensive Wood Cleaner.
2. Allow the floor to dry for 24-48 hours.
3. Shake the container to mix the Diamond Oil Active before use. Periodically shake the container during the application process.
4. Working along the length of the wood grain, apply the oil using a short bristled roller or an applicator pad.
5. Allow the oil to soak into the timber for 10-15 minutes.
6. Apply more oil if it soaks into the wood quickly, or if there are visible dry areas.
7. Use a buffing machine to polish the surface and ensure uniform saturation. Polishing cloths can be used for small areas that a buffing machine can’t reach.
8. Use a lint free cotton cloth to type away excess oil so that the surface no longer looks wet.
9. Allow the floor to dry for 24 hours before light use, or 3-5 days for normal use.

While it’s safe to use indoor timber oil inside your home, it’s important to wear PPE that includes breathing protection. Also make sure that there is adequate ventilation at all times during application and the drying time.

How long does timber oil take to dry?

Most types of timber oil take 24-48 hours to dry, and then 3-5 days to cure fully. The time it takes timber oil to dry depends on the temperature, humidity and where you’ve applied the finish.

Cold temperatures and high humidity slow down the curing process. You should avoid applying interior or exterior wood oils if the temperature is below 13C, as this can affect the finish.

Likewise, it’s best to avoid applying oils in high temperatures and direct sunlight. If you’re oiling exterior decks and timber, it’s best to apply oil in spring or autumn when the weather is cooler.

After the first 24 hours, you should be able to resume light use of oiled timber floors. Wait the full 3-5 days before returning to normal use (e.g. adding furniture back into the room).

What’s the difference between timber oil and stain?

Timber oil is a penetrative finish that soaks into the grain of the timber and protects against moisture, pests and mould. On the other hand, timber stain is a pigmented coating that’s designed to change the colour of the timber.

The major difference is that timber oil is designed to protect the timber and enhance its natural appearance. Compare this to a timber stain, which is primarily designed to change the colour of the wood for aesthetic purposes.

Timber Oil

Once it has soaked into the wood, timber oil largely “seals” the wood, and its hydrophobic properties help protect against moisture, pests, fungus and dirt.

Because wood contains natural oils of its own, replenishing those oils helps with hydrating the wood and highlighting its natural beauty. It can also protect the wood from drying out, which can cause cracking and warping over time.

Note that some timber oils also contain coloured pigments, so make sure you’re choosing a product that matches the timber it’s being applied to.

Timber Stain

Timber stains are generally available as water-based or oil-based products. Oil-based timber stains are a blend of oils and pigments that offer the benefits of a timber oil, as well as the properties of a stain. Compare this to water-based pigments, which may not provide any protective qualities.

If you have used a water-based or alcohol-based timber stain to change the appearance of wood, it may require finishing with a timber oil or a similar coating.

How to look after timber decking

You can look after timber decking by cleaning it regularly. We recommend using a stiff outdoor broom to remove dirt, leaves, debris and other build ups. Then, use a garden hose to rinse off the deck and get rid of any remaining dirt.

For stubborn marks, you may need to clean the timber with a product like WOCA’s Exterior Wood Cleaner. These products are very effective for removing stains, grease and mould.

Maintaining your decks can substantially extend their lifespan. Depending on the timber and the quality of installation, a properly maintained deck could last 25-40 years.

 

Cleaning timber decking

The best way to maintain your timber decking (and outdoor timbers, like furniture and screens) is to clean them regularly. Using a hose and broom to remove obvious buildups of dirt, leaves, grass clippings and debris can prevent damage to the timber.

We recommend sweeping your deck at least once per month, and cleaning it with a hose and broom every 1-3 months.

You typically don’t need to use deck soap for routine cleaning tasks. Exterior wood cleaner is very effective at removing dirt and stains, but it can strip small amounts of oil from the timber. This would mean that you need to re-oil your timber deck more frequently.

Instead, only use exterior wood cleaner if you’re dealing with a stubborn stain, or if you're preparing your deck for fresh oil.

 

Oiling timber decking

Timber decking needs to be oiled every 12 months to hydrate the wood and extend its lifespan. Replenishing the timber’s natural oils helps to protect it against dirt, pests, mould, moisture and UV rays.

Follow these instructions to apply our recommended product, WOCA Exterior Wood Oil:

1. Clear the deck of any furniture, plant pots and other items.
2. Sweep the deck to remove dirt from the surface.
3. Clean the surface using WOCA Exterior Wood Cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Allow the deck to dry for at least 24 hours.
5. Sand down any rough fibres with 120 grit sandpaper.
6. Using a brush, roller or cotton applicator pad, apply a thin, even layer of WOCA Exterior Oil.
7. Wipe away excess oil with a clean cotton cloth within 5 minutes.
8. Allow the oil to cure for 48 hours before using your deck as normal.

Refer to our video for full instructions on how to maintain a deck.

 

How to look after timber flooring

The best way to look after timber flooring is with regular cleaning. You can use a dry mop for general cleaning and sweeping. We also recommend vacuuming and mopping your floors every 1-2 weeks.

You’ll also need to apply a timber treatment product like WOCA Master Care or Oil Refreshing Soap every 3-6 months. This helps to smooth any small scratches and protect the timber against further wear and tear.

Refer to our video for full instructions on how to clean and care for timber flooring.

Dry mopping timber floors

The best way to clean timber floors day-to-day is with a dry mop or an anti-static broom. This removes dirt, pet hair and other minor surface contaminants. Make sure to clean the mop pad in between uses – dirt on the mop pad may scratch the timber finish.

Avoid dry mopping timber floors if they feel noticeably gritty, as this can scratch the surface.

 

Vacuuming and wet mopping timber floors

Timber floors should be vacuumed and mopped every 1-2 weeks to keep them looking fresh.

Use a vacuum cleaner with a head attachment that’s designed for wooden floors. A timber floor attachment will make your vacuum cleaner more effective, and it will protect your floors from scratching.

After vacuuming, you can use a spray mop and a suitable cleaning product to clean the surface. It is ideal to use a mild cleaning product such as WOCA’s Natural Soap. Natural Soap cleans and protects oiled timber surfaces, helping to protect it against dirt and spills. For lacquered/laminate/vinyl floors we recommend using WOCA’s Master Cleaner.

Be careful not to leave excessive amounts of water sitting on the surface of a timber floor. Moisture may soak into the timber and cause discolouration or swelling. You can use a soft cotton towel to dry the floor after mopping and prevent moisture damage.

How to remove stains in timber flooring

Grease, dirt and spills can sometimes stain timber flooring. These stains may be tough to remove with regular cleaning.

If you’re dealing with a stubborn stain, you’ll need a product like Intensive Wood Cleaner from WOCA. Intensive Wood Cleaner is formulated to remove scuff marks, dirty, grease and food spills.

To use, spray the cleaner onto the floor and allow the solution to dissolve the stain. Wipe clean with a cotton cloth and allow the surface to dry. You may need to repeat the process for deeper stains.

If you’re cleaning a stain on an oiled timber floor, you’ll need to finish the process with WOCA Maintenance Gel to restore the oiled finish.

How to protect timber from weather

The best way to protect timber from the weather is to apply an exterior wood oil. We recommend WOCA Exterior Wood Oil, which comes in a range of colours to suit your style. Wood oil replenishes the timber’s natural oils, making it resistant to moisture, dirt, pests and UV rays.

Timber degrades when it’s exposed to the weather. UV radiation, rain, dirt, pests and fungus can all damage the wood over time. This leads to cracking and rotten timber that looks tired.

You can prevent this by applying exterior wood oil at regular intervals – typically every 12 months. To apply wood oil to exterior timber, you need to:

1. Thoroughly clean the timber with a garden hose and WOCA exterior wood cleaner. You may need to sand the deck back to remove previous coatings.
2. Hose the deck again and let it dry completely for 24-48 hours
3. Apply the exterior wood oil according to the manufacturer’s directions (working along the length of the grain wherever possible)
4. Allow the oil to dry completely before using the surface as normal

You may need to apply more than one coat of exterior wood oil if the timber is especially dry. This process works for all exterior timbers, including decking, screens, fences and furniture.

For best results, clean your deck with an appropriate scrubbing brush together with WOCA exterior wood cleaner, and apply the oil with a special applicator pad. This ensures the deck is fully cleaned and that the oil is laid down in a thin, even coat.

Using exterior wood oil will restore your timber’s appearance. If you want to maintain the patina, you can use an alternative product such as WOCA’s Exterior Wood Shield. Exterior Wood Shield adds a protective layer to the surface of untreated timber. It allows you to preserve the natural patina while protecting the wood against moisture and dirt.

 

How to clean wooden decking without pressure washer

You can use a hard bristle broom and WOCA’s Exterior Wood Cleaner to clean wooden decking without a pressure washer. This method requires a bit of scrubbing, but it’s highly effective at removing dirt, discolouration, mould and tannin marks.

The process for scrubbing your wooden deck is simple:

1. Use a garden hose to wash away as much dirt and debris as possible
2. In a bucket, dilute 1 part Exterior Wood Cleaner to 2 parts water
3. Dip the broom in the cleaning solution and then scrub the decking boards, working along the length of the grain
4. Scrub until the deck appears clean and any problem spots have been removed
5. Repeat the process if necessary
6. Immediately rinse the deck
7. Allow the deck to dry for 24-48 hours before applying WOCA Exterior Wood Oil

When scrubbing wooden decking, it’s important to work along the length of the timber grain. Scrubbing across the grain can cause the fibres of the timber to stand up. If that happens, you’ll need to sand the fibres to achieve a smooth finish before applying a protective coating.

We generally recommend avoiding pressure washing a wooden deck. High pressure water can damage the timber, making it more prone to cracking and rot. Pressure washing may also increase sanding requirements.