Do you know that more than half of homeowners have prefinished wooden floors? The floors around you must be treated gently in case you are one of them.
Prefinished Hardwood Floors are strong and great everywhere. They are a bit costly, so it is essential to look after them. Hardwood floors that are prefinished in the factory are shipped directly to customers.They’re convenient and odourless.
Moreover, they require no care and are very durable. Prefinished hardwood floors are liked because they are beautiful. If you want them to serve you for a long time, you should keep them clean. The good thing is that you don’t have to clean them much. There are many ways to keep Prefinished Hardwood Floors looking shiny and glossy. You will learn the best here.
Our guide on how to clean your pre-finished hardwood floors is simple. It encompasses both ordinary and deep cleaning.
Deep Cleaning of Prefinished Hardwood Floors
There comes a stage when dusting and cleaning isn’t sufficient to keep your veneered hardwood floors shining. It is wise to deep-clean the concerned areas to ensure that the tough dirt, grime, and buildup that has accumulated over some time are indeed removed. Now, follow these steps:
Clear the Area:
Take out all rugs, furniture, and other items from the floor to ensure a deep cleaning. This will guarantee that the entire surface is covered and prevent uneven cleaning results.
Sweep or Vacuum:
To begin cleaning, use a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum attachment designed for hardwood floors to sweep or vacuum the floor. This step is important to remove loose dirt, dust and debris. And creating a cleaner surface for the next cleaning process.
Choose the Right Cleaner:
Use a pH-neutral hardwood cleaner with pre-finished hardwood floors. Avoid harsh chemicals, vinegar, and oil-based cleansers, as they can damage the finish over time. Select products designed specifically for hardwood floors to ensure proper maintenance and long lifespan.
Damp Mop:
To avoid destruction, moisten a microfiber mop with the cleaning solution and squeeze out any extra liquid. Wipe the floor along the wood grain to tackle the small areas uniformly and ensure a thorough clean. Do not water excessively, as water may penetrate and damage the wood.
Rinse the Mop:
Following mopping, rinse the mop in a bucket with clean water. This results in dirt and grime from the floor not being spread back onto the surface but rather in the process of thorough cleaning.
Dry the Floor:
After mopping, get a new, dry microfiber cloth and wipe the floor. This is the phase where the remaining moisture is removed, preventing water damage and ensuring a water-free, smooth floor.
Inspect the Floor:
Check if there are any remaining stains or dirt marks on the floor. If you detect any, clean them with a damp cloth and hardwood floor cleaner for a deep cleaning.
Restore Furniture and Rugs:
When the floor has dried completely, rearrange the furniture and rugs. Place protective padding beneath the heavy items before putting them on the ground again to prevent scratches and dents. This will ensure that the floor’s clean look is maintained throughout the years.
In addition to scheduling deep cleanings for your pre-finished hardwood floors frequently or whenever needed, consider the amount of foot traffic and wear and tear your floors get. The floors’ beauty and lifespan depend on regular thorough cleaning, so they must be deep cleaned frequently.
Maintaining a Prefinished Hardwood Floor
Prefinished hardwood floors need regular care to ensure their long life and good looks. Homeowners can perform various regular maintenance practices and preventive measures to keep their prefinished hardwood floors in excellent shape throughout the years.
Sweep or Vacuum Regularly
To keep the pre-finished hardwood floor spotless, a soft bristle broom or a vacuum cleaner with a hardwood floor attachment should be used to remove dust, dirt and pet hairs. Thoroughly clean under and around the furniture as well as in the corners where the dust typically gathers. Make an effort to sweep or vacuum your floors daily, or at least every few days, so that they will remain looking clean and neat.
Use Appropriate Cleaners
When mopping your pre-finished hardwood floors, a very damp (not excessively wet) microfiber mop with a pH-neutral wood floor cleaner is recommended. Avoid chemicals, vinegar, and steam cleaners that may ruin the floor finish. Clean your floors only when required, and keep mopping within the limit of once a week to avoid excess exposure to moisture. With this treatment, your wood floors can retain their strength and be good-looking for many years.
Dry the Floor
After mopping, the final step is to dry the floor with a clean microfiber cloth. On the other hand, too much water entering the wood may cause swelling or warping. This can lead to the appearance of cracks resulting from permanent damage to your pre-finished hardwood floors.
In addition, the residual moisture can lead to mold and mildew, which represents the next challenge to be tackled and can also harm the air quality. The proper drying process can avoid these problems. This contributes to the durability and longer life of your wood flooring.
Rugs and mats can help keep your prefinished hardwood floor in good condition. They prevent dirt and water from entering. Mats can be used both inside and outside your doors to prevent dirt from getting inside. Dirt and water can damage the floors, so cleaning them frequently is essential.
Felt pads under furniture legs are another way to safeguard your floors. This makes it more difficult for them to be scratched when you move them. Some people prefer to move their furniture around every few years to maintain the new look. If you have pets, ensure they cut their nails, bathe them often, and wipe their paws clean to avoid scratches on the floor.
Also Read: Best Way to Clean Engineered Hardwood Floors Safely
Things To Avoid While Cleaning Prefinished Hardwood Floor
When cleaning your prefinished hardwood floors, you must know what to do and avoid. Some activities and products may distress the finishing and ruin the beauty of these floors. Knowing what to avoid will help homeowners keep their floors in top shape for many years.
Harsh Chemicals
Don’t apply strong chemicals to pre-finished hardwood floors. They can harm the finish and shorten the life of the floors. They may also leave a mark that is hard to remove and can give the floor a dull, discoloured appearance. It is better to use soft detergents to preserve the appearance of your flooring for as long as possible.
Vinegar
Do not use vinegar on pre-finished hardwood floors. The body is acidic in nature and removes the coating finish. Furthermore, there is a chance of it leaving a cloudy residue that is difficult to clean up. Always use safer brands of cleaning materials for your floor to maintain its shine and lustre.
Steam Cleaners
Don’t use steam cleaners on pre-finished solid wood floors. They’re too powerful and can damage and sometimes bend the floors. Follow safer ways to clean the surface of the floor.
Incorrect Cleaning Tools
Keep scrapers and brushes away from pre-finished hardwood floors. They’ll remove the protective coverings and stain the floors. These scrubbers end up leaving stains that are challenging to clean off. Stay away from steam mops as well. The sun and the wetness can warp the floor and change its colour. Additionally, it might damage the natural protective layer.
Finally, do not consider the vacuum cleaners that have a beater bar. They can create scratches or leave marks on the wood. Keep to mild methods for your floor cleaning.
Neglecting Regular Maintenance
Ensure that your clean, pre-finished hardwood floors are swept or vacuumed every day. This removes dirt and dust that can eventually scratch the floor.
Mop your floors at least once a week with a moist cloth or cleaning solution containing a low concentration of cleansers. This will extract deep dirt and dust, and your floors will continue to look shiny and beautiful.
Finally, it is essential to consider and adhere to certain practices and products that will help preserve the quality and attractiveness of the prefinished hardwood floors. By avoiding these mistakes homeowners will be able to prolong the life of their floors and enjoy their natural beauty for many years.
Also Read: Getting Stains Out of Hardwood Floors Completely
Best Cleaning Product To Clean Prefinished Hardwood Floor
Be sure not to wet prefinished hardwood floors with water. Instead, use a dry wax solution like Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner. Don’t spray the solution onto the floor; instead, apply it to a mop head and then gently wipe the planks. Always follow the instructions on the bottle to achieve the desired outcomes.
Do not use bleach, ammonia or oil-based cleaners on a prefinished hardwood floor. They may mar the finish and the wood itself. The Bona Premium Spray Mop stands out as one of the best options for soft microfiber mops.
Home Briefings For Flooring Resources In Washington
In Washington, multitudes of resources cater to all your flooring needs. From selecting the correct type of flooring to installation and maintenance, you can find all you need in your yard.
Local flooring vendors provide a variety of choices to match all designs and price points. They can be your one-stop solution for everything related to flooring.
Professional flooring companies in Washington are also easily accessible. Whether you need anything regarding flooring, you can find an experienced professional who can help you do the job right.
Communal forums and groups are a great way to connect with fellow homeowners in and around Washington who have previous experience implementing flooring projects. You can also get recommendations, advice, and local deals and discounts.
Since you will have access to many tools and materials, you can accomplish any flooring project you choose in Washington without any problems.
Also Read: Best Cleaner for Vinyl Plank Flooring | Popular Choice
