Unlike traditional wood floors, prefinished flooring is completed in a factory and shipped directly to your home. They can be installed without worrying about sanding, staining, or sealing. Floors finished in a factory under strict environmental controls produce a superior product to that applied on-site.
In this blog, we will provide golden tips and helpful steps on how to clean prefinished wood floors. Let’s dig in!
Why Learning How to Clean Prefinished Wood Floors Matters
It is essential to learn how to clean prefinished wood floors, not only for aesthetic reasons but also to extend the floors’ lifespans. Scratches and dullness can be caused by improper or insufficient cleaning, which diminishes the natural beauty of the floor and may cause damage that is difficult and expensive to repair. Additionally, dirt and debris that have accumulated can become abrasive and cause unnecessary wear and tear during transportation.
Required Cleaning Tools and Solutions
Microfiber Mop and Mop Pads
Cleaning prefinished wood floors requires a special tool, specifically a microfiber mop. Microfiber’s superior cleaning power is thanks to its ability to attract and trap dust, dirt, and even bacteria. In addition, the soft mop pads won’t leave any scratches. When mopping prefinished wood floors, a microfiber mop is a must-have tool that ensures a thorough cleaning.
Natural Bristle Brush and Soft Bristle Brush
These brushes can be used to sweep up debris and dirt from hard surfaces without damaging them. Sweeping up loose debris is best done with a natural bristle brush, while a soft bristle brush works well for more embedded dirt. Take care not to cause any harm when using these brushes.
Brush Attachment
Cleaning can be much easier with the help of a vacuum cleaner that comes with a brush attachment. That’s why it is ideal for cleaning dust and pet hair from nooks and crannies to keep them from scratching the floor.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Clean Prefinished Wood Floors
Step 1: Remove Dirt and Debris
To get things started, use a vacuum with a brush attachment to pick up any loose dirt or debris that has settled on the floor. Dust tends to accumulate in crevices and under furniture, so give those areas extra attention.nPet hair can be a real problem. A vacuum cleaner is great for picking up the bulk of the pet hair, but a microfiber mop collects hard to reach follicles more thoroughly.
Step 2: Wet Mopping
Wet mopping is recommended for maintaining the luster and cleanliness of your prefinished wood floors.
It’s important to use a damp cloth rather than a drenched mop when wet mopping. If there is too much water, it can ruin the wood. An ideal cleaning tool is a microfiber mop, which is soft on floors but tough on grime.
Step 3: Apply Cleaning Solution
For best results, choose a cleaner that is made specifically for prefinished wood floors. With this cleaner, you can be sure that your wood floor will be spotless and won’t get scratched. Hard chemicals and home remedies that use vinegar or lemon oils can hurt the finish of the floor.
Spray the cleaner on the microfiber pad instead of the floor. Since the solution won’t pool, it won’t harm your floor. Next, carefully mop the floor while following the natural grain pattern of the wood.
Step 4: Wipe with a Microfiber Cloth
Utilizing a microfiber towel is the best way to remove any leftover dirt and moisture after mopping. Your floors will look clean and shiny because they are made of ultra-fine fibers. In addition, it’s eco-friendly and can be recovered.
The sturdiness and adaptability of microfiber make it useful for cleaning many things. Avoid using laundry softeners and bleach because they will damage the fabric.
Step 5: Use a Vacuum Cleaner
Vacuum cleaners are useful tools, but the beater bar can get scratched if not handled carefully. The beater bar should be clean and free of anything stuck in it before each use. For better results, choose a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar that can be loosened or taken off.
Meticulously prep your home to keep your woods in prime condition. Hardwood floors require protection from pads under furniture, shortening the nails of your pets, and never wearing shoes with rubber or plastic soles. Regularly sweeping and mopping your floor will keep grit from building up and scratching it.
Overall, cleaning prefinished wood floors involves removing dirt and debris and damp mopping. Then, use a damp cloth to clean the floor with a suitable solution. It’s easy to maintain prefinished wood floors. Use the right tools and cleaning solutions to keep your floors looking new by following these steps. Regular cleaning, including water disposal and scratch prevention, will keep your floors looking great for years.
