Hardwood floors are timeless emblems of classic beauty and enduring durability. They add a touch of elegance to any living space. Investing in refinishing these floors is a commitment to aesthetics and a pledge to their longevity. After refinishing, maintaining the newly restored surface requires proper care.
Be mindful of temperature changes and rug use, as extreme heat or moisture can damage the finish. Proper cleaning and ventilation are crucial to prevent dirt and dust buildup, which can scratch the surface. Carefully consider furniture placement to avoid dragging or scratching the floor.
Here, we’ll explain 7 key considerations for maintaining newly refinished hardwood floors. From daily maintenance to deep cleaning, this guide will walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to care for your hardwood floors.
How to Care For Newly Refinished Hardwood Floors: Things to Consider
Newly refinished hardwood floors are like a blank canvas, providing the opportunity to create stunning surfaces. But to preserve its luster and beauty, proper care is necessary. Here are some key considerations for caring for your newly refinished hardwood floors:
- Proper room Temperature and rug placement
- Cleaning and ventilation
- Moving heavy furniture carefully
- Mopping and cleaning spills
- Footwear and traffic management
- Limiting sunlight exposure
- Avoiding damaging products
No 01: Proper Room Temperature and Rug Placement
After your hardwood floor refinishing is complete, keeping the room temperature within this range is important to allow the finish to cure properly.
Maintain a consistent room temperature between 68 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit for at least a week to properly care for your newly refinished hardwood floors. This is because temperature fluctuations can affect the drying process and the overall quality of the finish.
Also, it’s advisable to avoid placing area rugs on the floor during the first 14 to 18 days. This ensures the finish has enough time to harden and fully bond with the wooden floor. Except in construction cases, it is best to wait until the finish has fully cured before introducing rugs.
No 02: Cleaning and Ventilation
To care for your newly refinished hardwood floors, you should prioritize cleaning and ventilation during the first few weeks.
Resist the temptation to use any cleaners, including water, as it may interfere with the drying process of the finish. Instead, focus on proper ventilation to aid in drying and eliminate any residual odors.
Open windows and use fans to promote airflow in the room. This will help expedite the drying time and ensure the finish sets properly.
Regular dust removal is crucial to maintaining cleanliness without compromising the freshly applied finish. Use a soft broom or a gentle vacuum cleaner to remove any dust or debris from the floor’s surface.
No 03: Moving Heavy Furniture Carefully
After waiting at least 24 hours for the finish to dry, exercise caution when moving heavy items to prevent scratching or denting the new finish.
Avoid dragging furniture across the floor, as this can also cause damage. Instead, lift and carry furniture when possible. Using furniture pads or felt protectors on the bottom of the chair and table legs is advisable to prevent scratches.
Don’t place furniture directly on the floor without any protection. Rugs or furniture coasters can help distribute weight and reduce the risk of indentations.
No 04: Mopping and Cleaning Spills
To care for your newly refinished hardwood floors properly, avoid mopping and promptly clean spills with a damp cloth. It’s important to avoid mopping for at least a month after a hardwood floor sanding and refinishing service to prevent damage to the finish and slow down curing.
Instead, tackle spills as soon as possible to prevent any liquid from seeping into the wood and causing long-term damage. Using a damp cloth, gently blot the spill to absorb the liquid. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing, as this can further spread the spill and potentially damage the finish.
For stubborn stains, you may use a mild hardwood floor cleaner specifically designed for refinished floors, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
No 05: Footwear and Traffic Management
During the critical curing period, managing foot traffic and footwear is essential to maintain the pristine condition of your newly refinished hardwood floors.
Limiting street shoe traffic on the floors is imperative to minimize the risk of dirt and potential scratches. Provide alternative options such as socks, inside shoes, or booties so that household members and guests can remove their shoes upon entering the house.
It’s also advisable to place doormats at entrances to trap dirt and prevent it from being tracked onto the floor.
No 06: Limiting Sunlight Exposure
Sunlight, especially when direct and prolonged, can cause the wood to fade and lose its natural color. Maintaining the original appearance and preventing discoloration and premature aging of newly refinished hardwood floors requires protecting them from sunlight.
To minimize the damaging effects of sunlight, consider implementing window treatments such as blinds, curtains, or shades. These can regulate the amount of sunlight that enters the room and protect the floor from excessive exposure.
Also, applying window tinting film can help filter out harmful UV rays and reduce the risk of discoloration.
It’s important to note that even with preventive measures, some sunlight exposure is inevitable. Therefore, it’s advisable to periodically rearrange furniture and rugs to ensure even fading and aging of the wood.
No 07: Avoiding Damaging Products
To care for your newly refinished hardwood floors, avoid using products that can compromise the finish, such as oil soaps, wax, acrylic polish, or carnauba shine restoring products. These products can leave behind residues that are difficult to remove and can negatively affect the appearance of your floors.
As an example, oil soaps can dull the wood’s surface, while wax can build up and make the floor slippery. In the future, the wax may gum up when sanding the floor finish due to the presence of silicone in some waxes.
Also, acrylic polish and carnauba shine restoring products can leave a sticky residue that attracts dirt and dust, making your newly refinished floors look dirty.
Take Care of Your Newly Refinished Hardwood Floors
As you care for your newly refinished hardwood floors, remember they’re delicate like a butterfly’s wings. Treat them with gentle care, avoiding harsh chemicals and abrasive materials.
Regularly sweep and damp mop to keep them clean and free from dirt and debris. By following these technical and detailed steps, you’ll ensure the longevity and beauty of your newly refinished hardwood floors.
If you need more information and services about hardwood floors, you can consult a reputable company, such as PG Hardwood Floor Refinishing Service. Our location is 424 West 22nd Street, Lorain, OH 44052, USA. You can call us during our open hours 24/7 at (440) 506-9220.