How to Clean Prefinished Hardwood Floors

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Introduction

Homeowners often choose prefinished hardwood floors because they are durable and look nice. But it can be hard to keep them clean and shiny. In this piece, we’ll talk about the best ways to clean and care for prefinished hardwood floors, as well as the changes between the different types of prefinished floors.

Cleaning Basics

Methods for Cleaning Prefinished Hardwood

1. Dry Cleaning: Cleaning your floors with a dry cloth mop, a broom or a vacuum will help get rid of dust and dirt. Use a hoover with a soft brush attachment to keep the surface from getting scratched.
2. Wet Cleaning: When you need to, use a well-wrung-out mop or microfibre cloth to damp-mop your floors. Don’t use too much water, because that can hurt the wood.

Tools and Supplies

• Broom or vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
• Dry microfiber mop or cloth
• Bucket
• Damp microfiber mop or cloth

Best Practices

• Clean up spills immediately
• Use furniture pads to protect your floors
• Maintain a consistent humidity level in your home
• Sweep or vacuum regularly

Types of Floors

Prefinished Solid Hardwood Floors

These floors are made of real wooden planks with a finish that was put on at the factory. They last a long time and can be rubbed down and restored more than once.

Prefinished Engineered Hardwood Floors

Engineered hardwood floors have a layer of hardwood on top and a layer of good board on the bottom. They can be put in basements and over concrete slabs because they are more resistant to water.

Bruce Prefinished Hardwood Floors

Bruce is a well-known brand of prefinished hardwood flooring that is known for its good quality and wide range of styles.

Cleaning Solutions

Homemade Solutions

1. Vinegar-Based Solution: Mix 1/4 cup of white vinegar with a gallon of warm water. Use a well-wrung-out damp mop or cloth to clean the floors.

Commercial Products

Most home improvement shops sell cleaners for prefinished hardwood floors that are made just for this type of floor. Always use something the way the maker says to.

Maintaining Shine

Restoring Shine to Prefinished Hardwood

Due to normal wear and tear, prefinished wooden floors may lose their shine over time. To get the shine back:

1. Sweep or vacuum the floor thoroughly.
2. Clean the floor with a recommended prefinished hardwood floor cleaner.
3. Apply a hardwood floor polish or restorer specifically designed for prefinished hardwood floors, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Steam Cleaning

Can You Steam Clean Prefinished Hardwood?

If you have prefinished wooden floors, you shouldn’t use steam to clean them because it can damage the wood and finish. The steam’s high temperature and wetness can make the floor buckle or peel off.

Deep Cleaning

Cleaning Heavily Soiled Hardwood Floors

If your floors are very dirty, you may need to use a cleaner for prefinished hardwood floors that is more intense. Follow the directions for how to use it and how much to dilute it. You can also gently scrub away dirt and spots with a soft-bristled brush. After that, make sure to rinse the floor with clean water and dry it well.

Cleaning Dirt in Grooves

Dirt and other things can get stuck in the grooves of wooden floors, which makes them hard to clean. To clean out the grooves:

1. Vacuum the floor using a soft brush attachment.
2. Dampen a microfiber cloth with a cleaning solution, such as a vinegar-based solution or a prefinished hardwood floor cleaner.
3. Fold the cloth over a credit card or a thin plastic scraper and gently run it along the grooves to remove the dirt.
4. Wipe the floor dry with a clean microfiber cloth.

Extra Tips for Maintaining Prefinished Hardwood Floors

In addition to the cleaning methods and solutions listed above, here are a few more things you can do to keep your prefinished hardwood floors looking good:

1. Use doormats and rugs: Put doormats at all the exits to your home to keep dirt and other things from getting on your floors. Also, use area rugs in places where people walk a lot to protect the floor from scratches and wear.
2. Be cautious with furniture: To keep the floor from getting scratched when moving furniture, use furniture pads or lift the furniture instead of pulling it. Check and clean the bottoms of furniture legs often to get rid of dirt or other things that could scratch the wood.
3. Avoid using harsh chemicals: The finish on prefinished hardwood floors can be damaged by harsh chemicals and rough cleaning tools. Use vinegar or an approved cleaner for prefinished hardwood floors to clean the floor.
4. Monitor humidity levels: When there is too much humidity, hardwood floors can grow and shrink, which can cause them to buckle or warp. Keep the humidity level in your home steady, preferably between 35% and 55%.
5. Promptly clean up spills: If you have prefinished wooden floors, you should clean up any spills right away to avoid water damage and stains.

How to Clean Prefinished Maple Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors made of maple are known for being strong and having a nice grain design. Follow the same rules for cleaning and taking care of prefinished maple hardwood floors as for other prefinished hardwood floors:

1. Use a soft brush tool on your broom or hoover to clean the floors regularly.
2. Use a vinegar-based cleaner or a prefinished wooden floor cleaner on a well-wrung-out mop or cloth to clean the floors.
3. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub floors that are hard to clean or have a lot of dirt on them.
4. Keep your home’s humidity level steady and clean up any spills right away.

If you follow these tips and rules, your prefinished maple hardwood floors will look great for years to come.

The Best Carpet for Prefinished Hardwood Floors

Choosing the right carpet to go with your prefinished hardwood floors is important not only for looks, but also to keep the floors from getting scratched or worn down. Here are some tips for choosing the best carpet for your prefinished hardwood floors:

1. Choose a non-slip rug pad: A rug pad that doesn’t slip will keep your carpet in place so it doesn’t move and scratch your hardwood floors. Also, it adds extra softness for comfort and can help make your carpet last longer.
2. Opt for a low-pile carpet: Low-pile rugs, like Berber or cut-pile, are less likely to trap dirt and other things that could scratch your wooden floors. They also make it easier to go from the couch to the hardwood floor.
3. Select a color and pattern that complements your floor: Choose a colour and design for your carpet that goes well with the colour and grain of your prefinished wood floors. For instance, a neutral-colored carpet can help balance the rich tones of a dark wooden floor, while a patterned carpet can add visual interest to a room with lighter hardwood floors.
4. Consider the room’s function: When picking a carpet, think about what the room is used for and how much foot traffic it gets. Choose a carpet that can stand up to wear and tear for places like halls and living rooms that get a lot of use. For more relaxation, you could choose a plush, high-pile carpet for beds and other low-traffic areas.By carefully choosing the right carpet to go with your prefinished hardwood floors, you can create a place that looks good and protect your investment at the same time.

Conclusion

To keep your prefinished hardwood floors looking nice and lasting for a long time, you need to clean and care for them regularly. By following the tips in this piece, you can keep your floors looking great for many years.

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