This has been reviewed and updated on 4/1/2021.

If the flooring in your home is no longer as vibrant as it used to be, the best way to breathe new life into it is to have it refinished. When contractors refinish hardwood floors, they can bring back the woodgrain's depth and the richness of the color and a preferable alternative to replacement. However, if you want to keep it in the same great condition, practice proper maintenance and cleaning. 

How Can You Maintain Your Wood Flooring? 

Clean Piecemeal 

Something as basic as dusting off or vacuuming every day makes such a difference in protecting a refinished hardwood floor in the long run. While the beginnings of a dust bunny may not seem like much, if neglected, they'll grow and get mixed with moisture from food spills or dirt. When that happens, you'll have a much more difficult time cleaning up.

Be Strategic

If you have a busy schedule, shift your focus to higher foot traffic areas, such as the main entryway and dining room. Other rooms can wait a day or two when there's more time to spare. 

What Wood Cleaning Products Should You Use?

When you refinish hardwood floors, they'll still need specific cleaning products to maintain the aesthetic appeal and continued functionality. Water from mops and steam cleaners aren't the best option. Too much moisture can swell the boards, discolor the finish, and create creaking sounds. While vacuums are quick and efficient, their beater bars and wheels mark, scratch, and scuff the flooring. Homeowners can maintain their floors by using a microfiber mop head. It's more efficient, easier to use, and requires little water to provide a deep clean that doesn't damage wood flooring. 

Many individuals also use cleaning products, but their chemicals are too harsh and abrasive for wood floors. Ammonia and alkaline products will dull and damage the finish, even when diluted. Instead, use wood-specific floor cleaners to ensure long-term quality and luster. 

How Does the Wood Finish Factor Into Cleaning? 

Oiled Floors 

Oil finishes soak into the absorbent wood and harden to become part of the structure. They provide a natural, bare wood look and feel. Oil finishes do need special cleaners and paste or liquid waxes to maintain. When using oil to refinish hardwood floors, consult your contractor for the appropriate products. 

Surface Sealed Floors

Most hardwood floors use a surface-sealed finish. Rather than absorb and bond to the flooring, the finish acts as a top layer, preventing water penetration and stain absorption. Surface sealed finishes are easy to maintain and clean with microfiber mops, pads, and wood-specific cleaning products. 

For anyone in the Cincinnati, OH, area in need of a reliable contractor to refinish hardwood floors, reach out to Old Reliable Floor Co. With over 70 years of experience, they always provide a detailed and efficient job at an affordable rate. If you have any questions about their services, send them a message through their website or call them directly at (513) 922-5598.