How To Clean Prefinished Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are the best, aren’t they? There’s something special about real wood floors that just brings warmth and beauty to a home. Most homeowners are a big fan of the rich look of hardwoods. But you’ll admit, when you first installed prefinished hardwoods a few years back, you probably worried about keeping them clean.

In truth, keeping prefinished hardwood floors looking good does require some regular care and maintenance. But don’t worry though; with the right techniques and products, keeping your floors clean doesn’t have to be difficult or time consuming.

In this article, you will learn the best guide on how to clean prefinished hardwood floors to help you keep them looking fantastic for years to come!. Let’s get started

Gather the Right Supplies

Before you start cleaning, make sure you have the proper supplies on hand. Having the right tools will make the job much easier. Here’s what you’ll need:

Mild Cleaner

You’ll want a specially formulated hardwood floor cleaner. Avoid using steam mops or excess water which can damage the finish. A pH-neutral cleaner is ideal. Make sure it’s designed for prefinished floors.

Microfiber Mops and Pads

Microfiber mops and pads are perfect for cleaning hardwood because they pick up dust and dirt without leaving behind lint or scratches. The microfibers grab onto all the nasty stuff you want to remove.

Soft-Bristle Broom

Use a soft-bristle broom to safely sweep up any loose debris before mopping. Stiff bristles could scratch your beautiful floors.

Vacuum

You’ll need a vacuum to pick up all the loose dirt and dust first. Make sure you use the proper hard floor attachments and turn off the beater bar if possible.

Step by Step Process on How To Clean Prefinished Hardwoods

Prefinished hardwood has a protective coating that prevents stains and damage. But that doesn’t make the floors impervious to dirt and grime. You’ll still need to clean them regularly to keep them looking pristine. Here are some key tips to clean them safely and effectively:

Dust First

Always start by dusting or vacuuming your floors. This prevents you from just pushing around dirt and debris when mopping. Remove loose particles before washing the floors.

Use a Damp Mop

Never soak or flood your prefinished floors! Always wring mops and pads out very well before mopping. The floors just need a light, damp wipe down.

Work in Sections

Mop or wipe small sections at a time, like 3×3 feet. This prevents the floors from getting too wet. Work your way gradually across the room.

Rinse the Mop Frequently

Be sure to rinse out your mop head or change pads often. You want to pick up dirt, not just spread it around. Keep your mop clean!

Let Floors Dry

Don’t walk on the floors until completely dry to prevent streaks or footprints. Stick to rugs or runners if you must walk around right after mopping.

Add Cleaner Sparingly

Don’t slosh on the floor cleaner! Just a small amount spread over the mop head or floor is sufficient. More is rarely better and can leave a residue.

By following these simple mopping rules, you’ll keep your prefinished floors spotless and prevent any damage to the coating.

How Often Should Homeowners Slean Prefinished Hardwoods?

A good mopping routine is key to keeping your floors looking fabulous. But you don’t need to (or want to) mop every single day. Here are some general guidelines for when and how often to clean hardwood floors:

Heavy Traffic Areas – Twice Weekly

High traffic spots like entryways, the kitchen, and main living spaces will need more frequent washing – aim for twice per week. These areas get grimy faster.

Light Traffic Areas – Weekly

For bedrooms and other spaces you don’t walk through as often, weekly cleanings are usually fine. Although an occasional extra mopping is a good idea if they are looking dull.

Dirtier Times – As Needed

During slushy winter months or muddy springtime, be prepared to wash hardwoods more as needed. Don’t let salt, mud or grit sit too long.

Dry Times – Every Other Week

In drier times without rain or snow, every other week is generally enough for a whole floor mopping. But still dust first and spot mop trafficked areas.

When It Looks Dirty – Don’t Wait!

No matter when you last cleaned, if the floors are looking worse for wear, go ahead and mop again. Don’t stick to a rigid schedule if they need more attention.

Pay attention to your own lifestyle, traffic patterns and weather to fine-tune the best mopping schedule for your floors. Staying on top of mopping is the key to success!

What Products Can You Use To clean Hardwood floors?

Using the right floor cleaning products is vitally important. You want to safely clean away dirt without damaging the prefinished coating.

Here’s an overview of what to use and what to steer clear of for the best results:

Okay in Moderation

Slightly soapy water (mild dish soap in water)

Small amounts of olive oil soap
Diluted isopropyl alcohol for stubborn spots

Avoid

Traditional mopping products with harsh detergents

Abrasive cleansers or scouring powders
Oil-based soap or wax products
Too much liquid or steam mops

Stick to products made specifically for prefinished hardwood or simple, gentle cleaners. And always use a very light touch! It’s better to under-do it than over-do it when mopping.

How Can You Handle Stubborn Spots and Stains on prefinished Hardwoods?

Day to day dust and dirt come up easily with regular mopping. But you’ll also inevitably get some sticky spots, spills, and stains on your floors over time. Don’t panic! Here are some tips for getting even tough spots off safely:

Blot First

Immediately soak up any spills with a clean cloth. Don’t smear wet spills around. Blot gently to lift the mess.

Use a Damp Cloth

For sticky spots, lightly dampen a soft cloth with floor cleaner to gently rub and dissolve the spot. Take care not to scratch.

Use Your Fingernail

For really small spots, you can carefully scrape with your fingernail to lift off debris. This works well for things like candle wax.

Dry Loose Powders First

If you spill something powdery like flour or ashes, dry vacuum thoroughly before lightly wiping with a damp mop. Don’t smear pastes around!

Use Alcohol Sparingly

For stubborn spots, a diluted alcohol solution on a cloth can help. But test first and always wipe gently. Don’t overdo the alcohol.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Never use mineral spirits, paint thinner, acetone or other harsh solvents. They can ruin the floor coating or seep into seams.

With extra care and gentleness, even set-in spots will come out cleanly and leave your floors looking their best!

How Can You Deep Clean Hardwoods Periodically?

For a periodic deep clean, it’s okay to use a little more elbow grease. This occasional thorough cleaning helps remove any built up grime or residue.

Here are some tips for effective deep cleaning:

Vacuum Vigorously

Really get into all the corners and crevices with your vacuum attachments. Suck up all loose debris hiding out.

Use a Stiff Nylon Brush

If you have very dirty grout or corners, a stiff nylon brush can help scrub away grime before you mop. Rinse thoroughly.

Mix Vinegar and Water

A 50/50 vinegar and water solution helps dissolve away stubborn dirt and residue. Use sparingly on a mop.

Scrub With a Pad

Using a dedicated scrubbing pad provides a little extra scrubbing power for a deep clean. Just don’t overdo the pressure.

Rinse Repeatedly

Keep rinsing your mop or pad in clean water as you clean. You want to lift dirt, not move it around.

Let Dry Completely

After a thorough floor scrubbing, allow extra time for the floors to dry before walking on them.

With occasional deep cleans, you’ll keep your floors looking freshly mopped and residue-free.

How Can You Clean Small gaps Between Prefinished Hardwoods Floors Boards?

Dust and grime can accumulate in the small gaps between the boards of hardwood floors. This leads to dark lines of gunk appearing. Here are some tips for cleaning between boards:

Vacuum Cracks

Use the hose attachment and crevice tool on your vacuum. Slowly run along baseboards to suck up debris between boards.

Dip a Toothbrush in Cleaner

For mild buildup, dip an old toothbrush in floor cleaner and gently scrub out dirty cracks. Wipe residue with a cloth.

Use Oscillating Tool

For deeper gunk, a multi-tool with a rigid brush attachment can oscillate to help dislodge dirt. Take care not to gouge! Work slowly.

Blow Out Debris

Use a rubber bulb syringe or air duster spray tool to blow air into cracks and force out lodged particles after vacuuming.

Avoid Too Much Water

It’s fine to gently clean between boards, but don’t flood the crevices. Too much water raises the grain and causes damage.

With routine attention to cracks, you can keep the spaces between boards free of grimy deposits.

Know How to Revive a Dull Coating

Over many years, even properly cared for hardwoods can start to look a little dull. The protective coating can lose its luster with wear. Here are some tips to breathe new life into a dull floor:

Deep Clean

Do a thorough deep cleaning first to ensure grime isn’t causing the dull look. Clean off any hazy residue.

Use Oil Soap Sparingly

A tiny amount of oil soap diluted in water can help replenish a floor coating. But only use occasionally – too much leaves a residue.

Buff With Pads

Use tan polishing or buffing pads under your mop to gently restore a sheen to the finish. White pads can scratch.

Recoat Small Areas

You can use polyurethane or floor finish for a small touch up in a less visible spot. But recoating requires refinishing whole floors.

Call a Pro

For a whole floor revive, it’s best to call a professional hardwood floor refinishing company. They can sand and recoat properly. So, don’t let dull floors get you down! With some diligent cleaning and care, you can bring back that shiny, fresh-mopped look.

Conclusion

While prefinished hardwood floors bring tons of warmth and beauty to a home, they do require proper maintenance like any flooring. But you now have all the key tips and tricks for cleaning them safely and effectively.

By using the right tools and techniques, cleaning your floors doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With a consistent cleaning routine and by treating spills and stains promptly, you can easily keep your hardwoods looking beautiful for years. Just be sure to always use a gentle touch and take care not to over-wet or damage the protective coating.