Prefinished hardwood floors are popular for many house owners, and more than 50% have wood flooring. Hardwood flooring is an elegant choice and a great addition to your beautiful home.
Whether you have recently installed a hardwood floor or already have one, it’s better to know how to clean prefinished hardwood floors. You can preserve their shine, longevity and durability with proper cleaning and maintenance.
Hardwood floors need regular maintenance; luckily, knowing about their proper cleaning is easy. We’ve covered all the essential tips for cleaning prefinished hardwood flooring. Let’s get cleaning if you are ready to make your house shine.
Key Takeaways
- Sweep or vacuum your prefinished hardwood floors daily to prevent dirt and debris buildup.
- Choose pH-neutral hardwood floor cleaners and avoid harsh chemicals, vinegar, and steam cleaners to preserve the finish and longevity of your floors.
- Ensure thorough drying to prevent your prefinished hardwood floors from warping and mold growth.
- Address spills and stains promptly, using suitable methods based on the type of stain. Quick action prevents permanent damage to your hardwood floors.
- Place protective padding under furniture, avoid sharp objects, and use area rugs in high-traffic areas to prevent scratches.
Maintaining Prefinished Hardwood Floors
Regular maintenance of prefinished hardwood flooring increases its longevity and durability. Following are some simple tips for daily maintenance:
Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning of prefinished hardwood floors makes them last as long as possible. You can use a broom with soft bristles or a vacuum cleaner with a hardwood floor attachment to remove dirt, pet hair, debris, or dust.
Be sure to clean every corner where dust accumulates and under the furniture. It is better to clean your floor at least a few times per week, or it’s best to sweep or vacuum every day.
Use Best Cleaning Products For Prefinished Hardwood Flooring
When mopping, use a pH-neutral hardwood floor cleaner and a damp microfiber mop for thorough cleaning. It is not recommended to use vinegar, steam cleaners or harsh cleaning chemicals because these can damage the hardwood floor’s finish.
Don’t mop with excessive water; polish your flooring with a wax-free solution of good quality. To use this solution, apply it to the head of a mop and use it on the planks, avoiding direct spray onto your flooring. Always follow the instructions labeled on the solution’s bottle.
Dry the Floor
Drying the prefinished hardwood floor with microfiber cloth is essential after mopping. It can avoid damage to the floor through seeping. Otherwise, excess water can seep into the wood floor and can cause warp and swell the wood.
Mold and mildew growth can occur due to the moisture from the spilled water that can be difficult to remove. All these situations can lead to cracks in the hardwood floors, which can also cause permanent damage.
Deep Cleaning
Deep cleaning is a thorough process that removes grime, dirt, and residue that may have built up over time. Deep cleaning also ensures a healthier and more enjoyable living space. Following are some simple steps for deep cleaning of your hardwood floor:
Clear the Area: Begin by clearing the area removing furniture and rugs to access the entire floor surface.
Sweep or Vacuum: Remove loose dirt and debris to avoid scratches during the deep cleaning.
Choose the Right Cleaner: Opt for a pH-balanced, hardwood floor-friendly cleaner for effective and safe results.
Dilute Cleaning Solution: Mix the cleaner with water according to the product instructions to maintain the right concentration.
Apply Cleaning Solution: Using a mop or microfiber cloth, apply the cleaning solution evenly across the floor.
Address Stubborn Stains: Manage stubborn stains with a soft-bristle brush or an old toothbrush, gently scrubbing affected areas.
Dry Thoroughly: Ensure the floor dries entirely before placing the furniture back to prevent warping or damage.
Polish for Shine: Consider using a hardwood floor polish for an extra layer of protection and a glossy finish.
Regular Maintenance: Deep clean periodically to preserve the luster and longevity of your prefinished hardwood floors.
Dealing with Spills and Stains
Handling spills and stains on your prefinished hardwood floors can be easy with the right approach. Explore some practical tips to keep your hardwood flooring spotless to maintain its shine and beauty.
Pet Stains
For pet urine stains, blot the area with a paper towel or a dry microfiber cloth to absorb excess moisture. Then, clean the spot with a mixture of water and vinegar to neutralize odors and disinfect it.
When dealing with pet feces, gently scrape any solid residue using a plastic scraper. Then, clean the area with a hardwood floor cleaner.
Food Stains
Start by blotting the spill, like wine, juice, or sauce, with a clean microfiber cloth to absorb excess liquid. Then, scrub the stained area with a mixture of mild soap and water or a hardwood floor cleaner, ensuring the wood is not saturated.
For stubborn food stains, consider using a recommended hardwood floor cleaner. Apply the cleaner to a soft cloth and rub the stain in a circular motion. Once the stain is lifted, wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any residue.
Water Stains
Water stains on prefinished hardwood floors can be a considerable concern, but quick action can prevent damage. Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to absorb the water and wipe away moisture to avoid seeping into the wood.
Other Tough Spills
Act quickly when facing other tough spills like nail polish, paint, or ink on prefinished hardwood flooring. Dab the spill with a soft, damp cloth, and don’t scrub harshly to avoid permanent stains on the floor.
Before treating any tough spill, testing your hardwood floor cleaner is essential. Apply a small amount in an inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t harm the finish. This approach can prevent your prefinished hardwood floors from permanent damage.
Protective Measures
It’s essential to avoid scratches, stains, wear and tear to keep your hardwood floors looking great. Follow these simple tips to protect your prefinished hardwood floors and ensure they stay in top-notch condition for the long run.
Use Protective Padding
To protect your prefinished hardwood floors, you can place felt pads or rubber protectors under the legs of heavy furniture. These simple felt pads prevent scratches and dents on the hardwood floor during furniture movement.
Also, check these protective pads on a regular basis to maintain effective safeguarding. Replace the felt pads after their wear and tear to ensure continued protection.
Avoid Sharp Objects
Make sure to avoid scratching the surface of the floors; don’t use sharp objects like high heel shoes, tools, and pet claws. It’s also important to cut your pet’s nails on a regular basis and refrain from walking on the hardwood flooring with cleats or high heels.
Use Area Rugs
Consider placing area rugs to reduce wear and tear in high-traffic areas such as entryways and hallways. These rugs can protect your prefinished hardwood floors and also offer a barrier against the contact of constant foot traffic.
Make sure to choose area rugs with non-slip backs to prevent damage to the prefinished hardwood floors. Selecting the right area rugs can safeguard your prefinished hardwood from physical wear and potential harm.
Control Humidity
Maintaining a consistent humidity level is essential to keep your wood floor in its original shape and shine. Aiming for a range between 30% and 50% humidity level would be best. This can prevent your hardwood floor from problems like expansion, contraction, or warping.
Use a humidifier or dehumidifier according to your need to maintain indoor moisture. By doing this, you can protect your prefinished hardwood floor from potential damage.
What to Avoid When Maintaining Prefinished Hardwood Floors?
Preserving the beauty of prefinished hardwood floors requires your attention to detail. Avoiding common issues ensures your hardwood floors remain long and free from unnecessary wear. Here are some tips while maintaining and cleaning hardwood floors to get long-term results:
Harsh Chemicals
Avoid the use of harsh chemicals on your prefinished hardwood floors. These types of chemicals can strip away the protective finish. After that, your floor can get scratched easily, and it’ll become dull with the passage of time.
Opt for mild, pH-balanced hardwood floor cleaners to maintain the strength of your floors. A gentle approach can make prefinished hardwood flooring last longer.
Use of Vinegar
Vinegar is an ordinary household cleaner, but its acidic properties are unsuitable for prefinished hardwood floors. This can harm the shiny finish of the floor and cause long-term damage.
Using vinegar on prefinished hardwood flooring can leave cloudy or white spots on the floor. These spots can not be removed easily, and the floor will look dull and dirty from that particular area.
Steam Cleaners
The use of steam cleaners on prefinished hardwood floors is not recommended. The intense heat and moisture can harm the wood, causing warping and discoloration. It’s best to avoid using them and opt for safer cleaning methods to preserve the integrity of your hardwood floors.
Cleaning Tools
Choosing the wrong cleaning tools can harm your prefinished hardwood floors. Avoid abrasive scrubbers and brushes as they can wear away the protective finish, leading to damage.
Vacuum cleaners with beater bars or stiff bristle brushes can leave scratches on prefinished hardwood floors.
When cleaning hardwood floors, the use of excessive water is a common mistake. Water and wood are not the best companions, as too much moisture can lead to warping and swelling.
Steam mops are also not recommended when cleaning prefinished hardwood floors. Moisture and heat of the steam mops can cause the wood flooring to warp.
Neglecting Regular Maintenance
Pay attention to regular sweeping or vacuuming to remove debris, dirt and dust left on the hardwood floor. Left dust can become embedded in the floor, leading to scuffs and scratches on the floor.
Mopping every 1-2 weeks with a damp cloth can also do the work for you. It’ll help you deep clean and maintain the longevity and beauty of prefinished hardwood floors.
Additional Tips
Along with the above informational and practical steps, here are some additional tips for keeping prefinished hardwood floors clean:
- Remove shoes at the door to minimize the chances of dust or moisture getting onto the hardwood floors. Putting mats at the house’s entrance can also contribute to the maintenance of the floors.
- Check the manual guide or any other documentation about the recommended floor cleaners. If you use the wrong product, it can void the warranties and cause severe problems for you.
- You can arrange annual inspections by professionals to get advice for adapting your cleaning and maintenance techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use Swiffer Wet on prefinished hardwood floors?
Swiffer Wet is safe for prefinished hardwood floors, providing quick and effective cleaning.
Is Bona safe for prefinished hardwood floors?
Bona is a safe choice for prefinished hardwood floors and maintains their natural shine.
How do you add shine to prefinished hardwood floors?
Use water and vinegar or a good quality hardwood floor cleaner to add shine.
Final Words
Prefinished hardwood floors can be cleaned and maintained while adopting a routine of sweeping or vacuuming. Always use recommended cleaning products for long-lasting results while maintaining the hardwood floor’s durability.
Deep cleaning, promptly dealing with stains and spills, and keeping the floor dry can help you preserve your expensive wood floors. Remembering these protective measures, your shiny prefinished hardwood will add value to your living.
Avoid everything harmful when maintaining prefinished hardwood floors. You must avoid using chemicals, vinegar, excessive water use, steam cleaners and vacuum cleaners with stiff brushes.
These simple steps will help preserve your shiny prefinished hardwood floors and add value to your home.
