How can we help you?

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Apply in small sections: work in manageable sections of the deck to ensure even coverage.

• Apply in the direction of the wood grain: this will give optimal penetration and a uniform appearance.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.