Introduction
Prefinished hardwood floors are wooden planks that have been covered with one or several coats of finish prior to being installed. The finish offers resistance to scratches, stains, and moisture, which makes it easy to clean and maintain. You should clean your prefinished hardwood floors regularly to avoid unsightly scratches, dents, or other damage that can affect the overall look of the floors. In this article, we’ll discuss some tips, mistakes to avoid, and a maintenance schedule to help you clean your prefinished hardwood floors the right way.
Tips for Daily Cleaning
One of the best tips for keeping your prefinished hardwood floors looking good is by cleaning them regularly. Here are some tips for daily cleaning of your prefinished hardwood floors:
Sweep or Vacuum Floors Daily
The simplest and most effective way to keep your prefinished hardwood floors clean is daily sweeping or vacuuming. Dirt and dust particles can scratch the floor’s surface if they are left on the floor for too long. Using a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum cleaner without beater bars that can scratch the surface, sweep off dirt and debris every day, especially in high-traffic areas where more shoes and foot traffic are present.
Use a Damp Mop with a Hardwood Floor Cleaner
You will need a mop, preferably a microfiber cloth mop, to clean your prefinished hardwood floors. Avoid using a wet mop as water can damage the wood, causing it to swell and warp. Instead, use a damp mop with a hardwood floor cleaner. Spray the cleaner onto the mop, not the floor, and wipe the entire floor. Avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaners as they can damage the finish of your floor. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the cleaning product.
Use Doormats and Rugs at Entrances
Placing doormats and rugs at the entrances of your home can help minimize the amount of dirt and debris on your floors. It keeps your floors clean and reduces the scratches caused by the small stones, pebbles, and grit that come in on shoes. Keeping the mats clean is also crucial to prevent them from becoming a source of dirt and grime in your home.
Remove Spills or Stains Immediately
The best way to safeguard your prefinished hardwood floors from stains is to clean up any spills quickly. Mop up pet urine, wine spills, oil spills, and food spills as quickly as possible. Promptly clean the mess, and dry the area with a clean towel afterward. Avoid rubbing the spill, as that can push it deeper into the pores of the wood, making it tougher to remove.
Deep Cleaning
Deep cleaning helps remove dirt and stubborn stains that cannot be removed with regular cleaning. Here are some deep-cleaning tips for prefinished hardwood floors:
Use a Specialized Cleaning Solution for Deep Cleaning
For deep cleaning, you can buy specialized cleaning solutions meant explicitly for prefinished hardwood floors. These products remove dirt, scuff marks and leave the floors streak-free. They are available in both powder and liquid forms, but you should avoid using any product that promises to renew the finish of your floors. These cannot work well with prefinished hardwood floors as the surface has already been sealed and finished.
Choose the Right Cleaning Method Based on the Level of Dirt and Grime
When it comes to deep cleaning your prefinished hardwood floors, the techniques you use will depend on the extent of dirt and grime on the floors. The following methods will be useful:
- The scrub-and-recoat method: Involves prepping the floor by stripping any dirt and grime, applying a fresh coat and allowing it to cure for four hours at least.
- The one-step method: Involves scrubbing and recoating the floor simultaneously in a single step process. It is mainly used when the floor has minimal dirt and grime buildup.
- The buffing method: Involves cleaning the floors using a specialized buffing solution for polishing and bringing them back to a shine.
Use a Microfiber Mop for Best Results
Microfiber mops offer the best results when deep cleaning your prefinished hardwood floors. They are gentle on the floors and are highly absorbent while picking up any dirt and grime. Remember to rinse the mop frequently to prevent the dirt and grime from settling while cleaning.
Preventative Measures
Regular dusting and sweeping are crucial preventative measures you can take to keep your floors in excellent condition. Here are some other measures you can take to safeguard your prefinished hardwood floors:
Use Furniture Pads to Avoid Scratching the Floor
The legs of your furniture can scratch and damage your prefinished hardwood floors. Avoid such damage by using furniture pads under the legs. The pads range from felt, rubber, or combo felt/rubber, and you can choose whichever best suits your needs and preferences.
Avoid Walking on the Floors with Shoes
High heels and sports shoes can cause scratches on your prefinished hardwood floors. Encourage your family members to remove their shoes at the entrance to the house or wearer indoor slippers or flip-flops. Alternatively, purchase a basket or shoe rack near the entrance so that people can deposit their shoes upon entering the home.
Keep Pet Claws Trimmed
Pet claws and nails can easily scratch your prefinished hardwood floors. Keep them trimmed and well-groomed to minimize the risk of scratches and other forms of damage to your floors. Also, place rugs where your pets usually stay, especially when they are eating, sleeping or playing to avoid scratches and stains.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are some common mistakes you should avoid when cleaning prefinished hardwood floors:
Using Too Much Water or Harsh Chemicals
When deep cleaning your prefinished hardwood floors, avoid using too much water, as water can damage the wood over time, causing it to warp or grow mold. Also, avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the finish on your floors. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on product usage and let the floor dry completely after cleaning.
Using Abrasive Cleaning Tools
Never use rough cleaning tools such as steel wool or abrasive cleaners like bicarbonate of soda when cleaning your prefinished hardwood floors. These tools and products can scratch, damage, and dull the finish of your prefinished hardwood floors.
Not Drying the Floor after Cleaning
Ensure that all floors are dried completely after cleaning, as water left on the surface can result in water stains, among other issues. Use a clean, absorbent towel to dry the floor, or turn on a ceiling fan or air conditioning to facilitate faster drying.
Special Care for Specific Types of Stains
Some common types of stains that can occur on prefinished hardwood floors include pet stains, food stains, ink stains, and grease stains. Here’s how you can care for each type of stain:
Pet Stains
For pet stains, use a neutral pH cleaner and let it sit for several minutes before removing it gently with a soft cloth. Alternatively, use vinegar diluted with water (1:1 solution) to clean the stain gently.
Food Stains
For food stains, you can easily clean them with a damp cloth soaked in a neutral pH cleaner or baking soda mixed with water to form a paste. Alternatively, use soap or a mild cleaner and water solution.
Ink Stains
Ink stains require prompt attention as they penetrate quickly into the wood. Use a specialty ink stain remover that is safe for prefinished hardwood floors or rub alcohol to remove it gently without damaging the wood surfaces.
Grease Stains
Grease stains require a degreaser cleaner to remove them. Use warm water with vinegar, or a cleaning solution made specific for prefinished hardwood floors. Wipe away the degreaser solution with a clean, soft cloth and rinse with clean water.
Maintenance Schedule
The ideal frequency of cleaning your prefinished hardwood floors will depend on your specific household conditions, foot traffic, pets, kids, etc. Generally, however, you should perform deep cleaning at least twice a year, while daily cleaning should be done to remove dirt and debris promptly. Here’s a recommended maintenance schedule:
- Daily: Sweep or vacuum and use a damp mop with a hardwood floor cleaner.
- Weekly: Dust and mop the floors with a hardwood floor cleaner.
- Monthly: Dust and clean all the floor vents and other hard-to-reach areas.
- Every six months: Perform a deep cleaning of the floors.
Conclusion
Cleaning your prefinished hardwood floors might seem like a chore, but it’s essential to maintaining their shine and elegance. A regular cleaning schedule will not only protect your floors from damage but also keep them looking good for years. You can achieve excellent maintenance by following some tips and avoiding mistakes, such as using harsh chemicals or water on the floors. Keep your prefinished hardwood floors in good condition, and enjoy their beauty for years to come!
Final Thoughts: Cleaning prefinished hardwood floors is crucial for maintaining their shine and elegance. Regular sweeping, moping, and performing deep cleaning at least twice a year help to keep them free of dirt, stains, grime, and other forms of damage. By following the tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can keep your floors in excellent condition and enjoy their beauty for years to come.
