Newly refinished hardwood floors can add a fresh, elegant look to any room. Their smooth and shiny surface brings warmth and beauty, but it’s essential to take care of them properly to ensure their longevity.
While cleaning hardwood floors may seem like a straightforward task, newly refinished floors require extra attention to maintain their stunning appearance. In this blog, we’ll cover simple, effective ways to keep your floors looking flawless while preserving the refinishing work for years to come.
Why Proper Care is Crucial
After refinishing, hardwood floors are coated with a protective sealant that can be sensitive in the beginning. This sealant protects the wood from scratches, stains, and moisture, but if it’s not cared for correctly, the finish can wear out faster than it should. A few key factors to keep in mind include:
- Drying Time: Refinishing takes time to cure. Depending on the type of finish, the floors might need anywhere from several days to weeks to fully harden. During this time, extra care is necessary to avoid damaging the surface.
- Protecting the Surface: Scratches, dents, and dirt can easily mar newly refinished floors. Preventing wear and tear requires regular, gentle cleaning and preventive steps.
- Longevity of the Finish: Proper cleaning and maintenance ensure that the refinished surface lasts longer, preserving the investment made in the refinishing process.
Related Blog: Easy and Effective Cleaning Tips to Get Stains Off Hardwood Floors
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Newly Refinished Hardwood Floors
1. Let the Finish Cure Before Cleaning
After your hardwood floors have been refinished, resist the urge to start cleaning immediately. The finish needs time to cure fully. While the floor might look dry, it could still be soft and prone to damage from heavy traffic or cleaning.
- Wait Time: Typically, you should wait at least 48 hours before placing furniture or rugs on the surface. For deep cleaning, it’s best to wait at least two weeks after refinishing.
2. Dust and Sweep Regularly
Once the curing time has passed, regular dusting and sweeping are the simplest ways to keep your hardwood floors looking their best. Dust and dirt act like sandpaper on the surface, scratching and dulling the finish if left unaddressed.
- Use a Soft-Bristled Broom or Dust Mop: A broom with soft bristles or a microfiber dust mop is ideal for sweeping hardwood floors. These tools gently lift dirt without scratching the surface.
- Daily or Every Other Day: Depending on how much foot traffic your home gets, aim to sweep daily or at least every other day to keep dust and debris under control.
Related Blog: How to Clean Engineered Hardwood Floors
3. Use a Damp Mop Sparingly
While sweeping will take care of most dirt, your floors will occasionally need a deeper clean. However, it’s important to be cautious when using water on newly refinished hardwood floors, as too much moisture can damage the finish or cause the wood to warp.
- Lightly Damp Mop: Use a microfiber mop slightly dampened with water or a hardwood floor cleaner. Make sure the mop is not soaking wet; too much water can seep into the wood and damage the finish.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Only use cleaning products specifically formulated for hardwood floors. Harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia can damage the finish and cause discoloration.
- Spot Clean: For spills or sticky spots, clean the affected area with a damp cloth rather than mopping the entire floor. This prevents over-wetting the surface and keeps the floor looking fresh.
4. Avoid Using Steam Cleaners
Although steam cleaners are effective for many surfaces, they can cause significant damage to newly refinished hardwood floors. The intense heat and moisture from steam can break down the finish and cause the wood to warp or buckle.
- Stick to Dry or Damp Cleaning Methods: A dry or slightly damp mop is the safest way to clean your newly refinished floors. Steam should be avoided at all costs.
Related Blog: How to Clean Old Hardwood Floors
5. Protect High-Traffic Areas
To prevent unnecessary wear and tear, it’s a good idea to protect areas of your floor that experience heavy foot traffic. Entryways, hallways, and living areas are often the most vulnerable to scratches and scuffs.
- Use Rugs and Mats: Place doormats at entryways to trap dirt and debris before it reaches your hardwood floors. Rugs in high-traffic areas, like hallways or under the kitchen table, can also provide protection. Make sure any rugs you use are non-slip and have a breathable backing to prevent trapping moisture against the floor.
- Furniture Pads: Attach felt pads to the bottoms of furniture legs to prevent scratches when moving chairs or tables. This small step goes a long way in preserving the floor’s surface.
6. Deal with Spills Immediately
Accidents happen, but when it comes to newly refinished hardwood floors, it’s crucial to act quickly. Spills, especially liquids, should be cleaned up immediately to avoid damaging the finish or causing the wood to swell.
- Blot, Don’t Wipe: For liquid spills, blot the area with a clean, dry cloth instead of wiping, which can spread the moisture over a larger area.
- Use a Mild Cleaner: If needed, you can use a hardwood floor cleaner or a little water to remove sticky or stubborn spills. Just make sure to dry the area thoroughly afterward.
7. Keep Your Floors Dry
Moisture is the enemy of hardwood, and newly refinished floors are especially vulnerable. Make it a priority to keep your floors as dry as possible to avoid warping, buckling, or damaging the finish.
- Control Humidity Levels: Keep the humidity levels in your home between 30% and 50%. Excess humidity can cause wood floors to expand, while low humidity can cause the wood to shrink and crack.
- Avoid Excessive Water: When mopping or cleaning spills, always ensure that you are using minimal water and that the floor is dried immediately afterward.
Conclusion
It might take a little more effort to clean freshly refinished hardwood floors, but the benefits are well worth it. You can keep your floors looking beautiful for many years to come by taking these easy steps: sweeping frequently, using a moist mop sparingly, staying away from steam cleaners, and shielding high-traffic areas. Your hardwood floors will remain a gorgeous feature in your house, enhancing its value and charm with a little care and love.
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