Tips To Care For Your Newly Refinished Hardwood Floors
With proper care and maintenance, the hardwood floors in your home will last a lifetime and beyond. One of the most important aspects of maintaining hardwood flooring is having the flooring professionally refinished every few years. Caring for your newly refinished hardwood floors properly will prevent unnecessary damage by ensuring the products used to refinish the flooring have time to cure. Here are a few tips to help you take care of your newly refinished hardwood floors.
Stay Off the Flooring
After the floors are refinished, there will be an odor and you will need to allow the flooring time to cure. Staying off the floor as much as possible will allow the floors to dry evenly. For example, try not to walk on the floor for several hours after it is refinished. Do not put your furniture back on the flooring or lay down any area rugs for several hours or days, as well.
Do not allow your dogs to lay down and run on the floors for several days, as well. If it is difficult for you to stay off the floors, there are specialized protective paper sheets that can be laid on the floors. These sheets will protect the floor while it cures and dries. Additionally, keeping the room at a steady temperature and humidity will also help the floors cure evenly and more quickly.
Protect Your Newly Refinished Floors
After several days, you will be able to walk on the floors and replace the furniture. Place the furniture carefully on the floor to prevent chips and cracks to the finish. Place small rugs in front of any exterior doors and encourage people to take off their shoes before walking on your newly refinished floors.
Keep direct sunlight off the flooring for several days after the flooring is refinished. Keep the drapes closed or cover any windows with sheets or blankets to prevent sunlight from flooding the flooring with natural light.
Cleaning Your Newly Refinished Floors
Ask the refinishing company when it is safe to clean the flooring. This could be anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. When you can clean the flooring, use a soft-bristled broom to get rid of any dirt or debris. Wash the floors with a mop and a product that is designed for use on hardwood floors. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when mopping the floors.
Protecting your newly refinished hardwood floors will give the flooring time to cure and will prevent unnecessary chips, scratches, and damage.
For more information, contact a hardwood floor refinishing service in your area.