Prefinished hardwood flooring exudes timeless elegance, enhancing any space with its charm. However, maintaining its allure requires utmost care and attention. Whether you’ve recently installed prefinished hardwood floors or have been enjoying their elegant beauty for years, regular maintenance and cleaning are essential to preserve their appeal.
In this blog, we will explore the best ways to clean prefinished hardwood floors, ensuring they retain their pristine condition.
What Is The Prefinished Hardwood Floor?
In simple words, prefinished hardwood floors have been treated or finished with coatings, stains, or sealants before they are installed. This prefinishing process is done in controlled factory conditions, where the hardwood planks are treated with protective layers such as polyurethane, oil, or wax. Each board is heated with an aluminum oxide substance to provide durability, giving it a robust acrylic finish and slant edges along the side of the board.
3 Best Ways To Clean Prefinished Hardwood Floors
1. Daily Dusting And Mopping
Regular dusting is essential to prevent dirt and debris from scratching the surface of your prefinished hardwood floors. Use a soft-bristled broom, microfiber mop, or vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment. Sweep or vacuum the floor daily or as needed to remove dirt, dust, pet hair, and other particles that can accumulate. This simple step helps maintain the floor’s appearance and prevents scratches and stains caused by abrasive materials.
2. Use Appropriate Cleaning Solutions
For routine cleaning, mix a mild hardwood floor cleaner with water as directed by the manufacturer. Avoid using excessive water, as moisture can damage wood over time. Dampen a microfiber cloth or mop with the cleaning solution (make sure it’s not soaking wet) and gently wipe the floor in small sections. This method effectively removes dirt and grime without leaving streaks or residue. Always follow up by drying the floor with a clean, dry cloth to ensure no moisture remains on the surface.
3. Spot Cleaning
When you witness any spills, it’s time you address them immediately to maintain the beauty of prefinished hardwood floors. Use a slightly damp cloth or hardwood floor cleaner specifically formulated for your floor type to spot clean spills as soon as they occur. Avoid using vinegar, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the finish and leave marks. Gently blot the affected area without rubbing to lift the spill. Once cleaned, dry the spot thoroughly to prevent water damage or staining.
Note: Make sure you avoid common mistakes while cleaning your hardwood floor, such as using the wrong vacuum attachments, overwetting the mop, and others, to avoid adverse effects on the floor.
Maintaining Tips After Prefinished Hardwood Floor Cleaning
- Use rugs & mats in high-traffic zones to avoid soiling the floor.
- Place doormats on each side of the entrance to assist in preventing the tracking of dirt, debris, and water onto your floors.
- Felt pads underneath the legs can help with your furniture to prevent scratching and staining when there is movement or rearrangement.
- Rearrange furniture periodically to avoid discoloration spots on some parts.
How Can Professional Hardwood Floor Cleaning Help?
Regular dusting, mopping, and spot cleaning are the best ways to clean prefinished hardwood floors to prevent stains and maintain the pristine appearance. However, periodic professional hardwood cleaning is also crucial to enhance their aesthetic appeal.
At Rivera’s Cleaning Solutions, we specialize in professional hardwood floor cleaning. Using advanced equipment, safe cleaning solutions, and effective methods, we ensure your hardwood floors are thoroughly cleaned without the risk of staining or damage. Our services are designed to extend the lifespan of your hardwood floors and restore their natural shine.
FAQs
Q.1 How To Clean Prefinished Hardwood Floors Easily?
⇒ You can clean prefinished hardwood floors easily with regular dusting with a soft broom or microfiber mop. Use a mild hardwood floor cleaner diluted in water for gentle mopping. Avoid excess water and harsh cleaners to maintain the floor’s finish and shine.
Q.2 What Is The Best Way To Clean Prefinished Hardwood Floors?
⇒ The best way to clean prefinished hardwood floors is to regularly dust with a soft broom or microfiber mop, and appropriate hardwood floor cleaning solution diluted in water for mopping.
Q.3 How Do I Make My Prefinished Hardwood Floors Shine?
⇒ Apart from regular dusting and mopping, you can periodically apply a hardwood floor polish specifically designed for prefinished floors to restore their shine and protect the surface.
Q.4 What Cleaner To Use On Prefinished Hardwood Floors?
⇒ Use a mild hardwood floor cleaner that is specifically formulated for prefinished hardwood floors. Ensure it is pH-balanced and designed to clean wood surfaces without leaving residue or dulling the finish. Dilute the cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
