Q: Our house, built in 1888, has its original vertical-grain Douglas fir
flooring. What do you recommend for cleaning and maintenance?
— Dick & Joni, Pasadena, California
A: Steve says: That really depends on what it's finished with. If it is shellacked then you can wax it. If it has been refinished with urethane, you just clean it with water. Or does it not have any finish on at all? If that's the case then you should wash it with a good natural oil soap and leave it
unfinished. Finally, if your fir floor has been painted, wash it with soap and water.