do I really need to treat/feed floorboards?

[Lynneypin]

We have some nice floorboards, they haven't been varnished, but look like they have some sort of treatment, we've been in this house for just over a year.

Do I need to do anything with them from year to year? What happens if I don't treat/feed/re-seal them?

I have asthma and react badly to fumes.

Thank you!

 

[AronSearle]

If you don't protect them, dirt will become ingrained into the surface.

Nothing wrong with that if you like it, tate modern has unfinished oak boards iirc.

 

[Lynneypin]

Great! Thanks. Interesting about Tate Modern.