So you’ve taken the wise step to refinish your hardwood floors.
Now comes an important period in your floor’s life. You’ve got to follow some key practices so you don’t mess up your new floors.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- How to enhance the lifespan, maintain aesthetic appeal, and preserve your investment in hardwood floors.
- A step-by-step guide on protecting your floors post-refinishing, what to avoid, and detailed maintenance tips to keep your floors stunning and durable.
Jump to a Section
Understanding Refinished Hardwood Floors
Refinishing hardwood floors involves sanding down the uppermost layer of the floor and applying fresh stain and lacquer over the existing wood. This process enhances the floor’s beauty and leaves a good impression while also improving its safety.
Benefits of Refinishing Hardwood Floors
Refinishing your hardwood floors comes with several benefits, including leaving a positive impression on guests, enhancing the overall beauty of your home, and improving safety by addressing any damaged areas.
When to Consider Refinishing
Hardwood floors can generally be refinished every 7-10 years, depending on wear and tear, to keep them in top condition.
The Importance of Protecting Your Newly Refinished Floor
Protecting your newly refinished hardwood floor is essential to ensure its longevity, maintain its aesthetic appeal, and preserve your investment.
Enhancing the Lifespan of the Floor
To extend the life of your refinished hardwood floor, implement a regular deep cleaning routine, use floor sealants, and be proactive about restoration efforts.
Maintaining the Aesthetic Appeal
Keeping your hardwood floor clean and well-maintained helps preserve its beauty, showcasing its natural charm and elegance.
Preserving Your Investment
Refinishing hardwood floors is a significant investment, and protecting them will ensure that your investment lasts for many years to come.
Step-by-Step Guide to Protect Your Refinished Hardwood Floors
- How long do you have to stay off newly refinished wood floors? Allow a minimum of 24 hours before walking on the floors, and ideally, wait 48 hours for the best results. Start by wearing socks only, and keep pets off the floors for a few days.
- Allow Adequate Time for Curing Avoid placing furniture on the newly refinished floor for at least 24 hours to allow the finishing to cure properly.
- Implement a Regular Cleaning Routine
- Daily wiping of all surfaces
- Weekly emptying of the bin
- Weekly cleaning of the bath and shower
- Twice-weekly cleaning of the toilet
- Weekly mopping of the floor
- Use Protective Pads and Rugs Place rugs on the floor with proper air circulation beneath them to reduce dust, allergens, and mold buildup.
- Utilize Floor Protectors on Furniture Place cup-shaped protectors under heavy furniture to distribute weight and minimize the risk of damage to the floor.
- Control Sunlight Exposure Block harmful UV rays by using curtains and blinds to prevent sun-bleached hardwood floors.
What to Avoid on Your Newly Refinished Hardwood Floors
- Harsh Chemical Cleaners Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners, as they can damage the finish and pose health risks.
- High Heels and Pet Claws Protect your floor from scratches by strategically placing area rugs and keeping your pets’ nails trimmed.
- Dragging Heavy Furniture Prevent floor damage by learning proper furniture-moving techniques to avoid unnecessary scratches and dents.
- Spills and Stains Refrain from using cleaners or water on the floor for at least 2 to 3 weeks after refinishing. Keep the room temperature around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and ensure the floor remains dry and well-ventilated.
Maintenance Tips for Preserving Your Refinished Hardwood Floors
- Regular Dusting and Sweeping Keep your hardwood floors allergen-free by daily dusting and sweeping, and use a vacuum weekly to get rid of dirt and debris.
- Proper Cleaning Techniques When mopping, make sure the mop is damp, not wet, to avoid excess moisture on the floor.
- Polishing and Re-coating Periodically polish and re-coat your hardwood floor to maintain its shine and protect the existing finish.
- Spot Repairing Scratches and Dents For deeper scratches, use furniture-patching wax sticks to fill the scratches and restore the floor’s appearance.
By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure that your newly refinished hardwood floors remain stunning and well-protected, adding warmth and charm to your home for years to come.
If you plop a rug down on the floor before it’s fully dried and hardened, it locks in moisture. This trapped moisture prevents the new finish from hardening fully, which could lead to some issues.
Until those floors have fully cured – it’s a no-go zone for vacuums. We just want to keep any extra action off of the floor to let that finish really settle in and harden up so it can do its job of protecting your flooring. It’s a bit like leaving a freshly painted wall alone; let it dry fully before introducing anything else to it.
Hold your horses and give it about two weeks. It might seem like a long time but think of it like this- it’s just like waiting for a good cheddar to mature. It takes time but the result is something worth waiting for
It’s recommended that you stay off the floors—like, no touching—for at least 24 hours after the final coat of finish is applied. But after that, if you must get across the room, it’s socks only for the first 48 hours. No shoes, and no bare feet either. Think of it as a fun chance to wear those silly socks your aunt got you last Christmas!
