Tips on How to Clean Prefinished Hardwood Floors

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Taking care of your prefinished hardwood floors doesn’t have to be hard. With a few simple tricks, you can keep them looking great for a long time. Wondering, “how to clean prefinished hardwood floors?” 

Here’s a sneak peek: Sweep or dust mop every day, vacuum weekly, and mop monthly with a hardwood floor cleaner. Avoid steam mops and harsh cleaners. Also, use doormats and pads under furniture and clean up spills quickly. 

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the best ways to clean prefinished hardwood floors and share some useful tips for taking care of them.

What Are Prefinished Hardwood Floors?

Prefinished hardwood floors get a special coating at the factory, unlike regular hardwood floors that get sealed after being installed. Cleaning prefinished and regular hardwood floors is quite similar. However, many prefinished hardwood floors have a strong, water-resistant urethane coating, which makes them tougher and longer-lasting.

Prefinished hardwood flooring pros and cons: Prefinished hardwood offers convenience, durability, and a consistent finish. On the other hand, limited customization, the potential for wear over time, and higher upfront costs are the cons compared to unfinished options.

Effective Tips on How to Clean Prefinished Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors last a long time and are a good investment. They make homes look nice and are simpler to clean than carpets. If you have prefinished hardwood floors at home, make sure to clean them properly to prevent warping and keep the color beautiful.

So, how do you clean prefinished hardwood floors? Let’s get into the expert tips and tricks for cleaning prefinished hardwood floors, ensuring they stand the test of time.

Dusting 

Dusting prefinished hardwood floors is crucial to maintaining cleanliness. Brett Miller, from the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), recommends using a broom or a dry, soft microfiber (or similar) dust mop daily. Gentle microfiber mops effectively trap particles in their fibers, minimizing the risk of dragging grit across the prefinished floor surface, which could potentially scratch the protective coating.

Vacuuming 

Vacuuming prefinished hardwood floors is important. After dust mopping to get rid of dust without scratching, Brett Miller suggests using a vacuum on the bare floor setting once a week or when needed. This helps remove any swirling or embedded dirt that the microfiber mop might miss.

Mopping 

Cleaning prefinished hardwood floors sometimes requires more than just a dry mop or vacuum. According to Brett Miller, using a professional wood flooring cleaner once a month is good, but it’s crucial to choose the right cleaning solution and avoid using too much water, as it can cause permanent damage. 

Regular mops with lots of water or steam mops should be avoided, as steam can go deep into the wood and harm it. Instead, use a slightly damp mop with a specific hardwood floor cleaner. Most hardwood floor cleaners work for standard prefinished hardwood with a polyurethane coating, but always check the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid using abrasive baking soda, bleach, or vinegar on hardwood floors.

Polishing and Protecting 

Keeping the shine on prefinished hardwood floors is easy with the right cleaner, as mentioned earlier. According to Miller, avoid using products claiming to restore shine, as they leave a temporary, non-protective film that can affect future maintenance. 

Only use professional wood floor cleaning products recommended by experts. To prevent scratches, put protective pads under furniture legs, and consider using rugs in busy areas. If your floor loses its shine over time, it might need recoating. 

The NFWA suggests applying a new finish every three to five years and a “full sand and refinish” every few decades for hardwood flooring.

Cleaning Stains

It’s better to prevent stains than to deal with them later. That’s why if something spills on your prefinished hardwood floor, clean it up right away with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Even though the coatings make the floor water-repellent, if liquids get through, removing stains can be tricky. 

The NFWA suggests using touch-up markers for small stains. But for big, noticeable stains, sanding and refinishing the damaged area might be the best solution.

Additional Tips

So, how to care for prefinished hardwood floors? Here are some extra tips to keep your prefinished hardwood floors in great shape:

• Place mats at doors and take off shoes to reduce dirt and moisture on the floors.
• Sweep or vacuum every week with a soft brush to get rid of loose dirt and dust. This easy step stops dirt from piling up and causing scratches.
• Check the manufacturer’s website or any paperwork that came with the floor for cleaning advice. Using the wrong products might cancel warranties.
• Think about having a professional check your floors each year. They can give you tips on adjusting your cleaning methods and let you know when it’s time for expert help like recoating or refinishing.

Besides, visit our insightful blog to learn how to clean the laminate floors without leaving a film.

Refurbishing Your Floor

So, can you refinish prefinished hardwood floors? It depends. Though it’s technically possible, it’s often not a good idea due to the thin protective layer. Refinishing r prefinished hardwood floors might end up being more expensive than just replacing some planks. To get the best advice, talk to a flooring professional.

Prefinished vs. Unfinished Hardwood Floors

Picking the right kind: Prefinished floors are easier to take care of, but unfinished ones let you customize more. Think about your lifestyle and what you like when you’re choosing.

Besides, are you looking for tips to clean your window sills? Is your window sill all messy? Don’t stress; just read our helpful blog to discover the right trick.

Keeping Your Hardwood Safe

Preserve your home’s humidity between 30% and 50% to stop the wood from warping or cracking. Plus, save your floors from direct sunlight because it can make them fade and change color.

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Wrapping Up

In the end, learning how to clean prefinished hardwood floors is crucial for keeping them looking timeless and beautiful. By regularly taking care of them, using preventive methods, and quickly dealing with spills, you can make sure your hardwood floors stay in great shape. Following these important tips not only keeps your space clean and inviting but also helps maintain the lasting charm of your prefinished hardwood floors.

FAQs

What is the best way to clean prefinished hardwood floors?

To keep your floors in top shape, sweep or dry-mop daily, focusing on corners and crannies. For prefinished hardwood, use a soft-bristle broom or microfiber mop to prevent scratches.

What is Prefinished Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

Prefinished engineered hardwood flooring is a type of wood flooring that comes with a factory-applied finish. Unlike traditional hardwood, it doesn’t require on-site finishing after installation.

Do I need to dilute the floor cleaner liquid?

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions; some require dilution, while others are ready to use.

Do floor cleaning machines work on carpets?

Not all; choose a machine designed for both hard floors and carpets if needed.

How do I choose the right commercial floor cleaning service for my business?

Consider reputation, experience, services offered, and whether they specialize in your specific floor type.

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