How to Maintain Your Hardwood Floors

Investing in hardwood flooring is expensive, therefore proper care and maintenance is required. Taking care of your hardwood floors not only keeps them looking good but also ensures they last a lifetime. Whether they’re made from oak, Oregon pine or teak, all hardwood floors require finishing in some or other way.

Taking care of your hardwood floors not only keeps them looking good but also ensures they last a lifetime.

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Finishing previously varnished hardwood flooring 

Varnish is the most common finish for a hardwood floor, and while it protects the flooring, it doesn't last forever. Sooner or later the finish becomes scuffed and scratched, and even wears away. When this occurs, you’ll need to sand back the floors to their original finish before recoating. For lasting results, use a product that offers longer protection.

1. Use a hand sander to lightly sand the entire floor with a 100- or 120-grit sandpaper. The most cost effective way to do this is with an orbital sander that allows you to use regular sanding paper as opposed to velcro pads. The Bosch PSS 200 AC is ideal for this type of sanding. 

2. Wipe away any dust or residue with rags and mineral turpentine.

Use a hand sander to lightly sand the entire floor with a 100- or 120-grit sandpaper. The most cost effective way to do this is with an orbital sander that allows you to use regular sanding paper as opposed to velcro pads.

3. Recoat with either one or two coats of Prominent 2-Pack Polyurethane Floor Coating or Prominent Wood Pro Polyurethane Varnish. 

How to determine the finish on wood floors 

Polyurethane and varnish are among the most popular treatments for hardwood floors. These finishes not only protect hardwood floors but they also make them more durable and water-resistant, extending the lifespan of the floor. 

If you’re unsure about what kind of finish has been applied to wood floors, use fine steel wool and mineral turpentine on an out-of-the-way spot. Steel wool and mineral turpentine will dissolve waxy polish or oils, and will not remove varnish.

Many older homes have original hardwood floors that were sealed with wax. Using a wax coating after staining provides a barrier against wear and tear, and gives the floor a beautiful satin sheen. However, this finish requires regular maintenance and wax application.

Try not to wear heeled shoes in the house. This will reduce the possibility of scuffs and scratching. Alternatively, put down natural fibre rugs in high traffic areas.

How to protect hardwood floors

1. Try not to wear heeled shoes in the house. This will reduce the possibility of scuffs and scratching. Alternatively, put down natural fibre rugs in high traffic areas. 

2. Vacuum wood floors at least once a week with a vacuum attachment for wood floors (soft brushes). Regular cleaning helps remove dust particles that can scratch and dull the polished surface. If you’re using a sweeping brush, use one with soft, synthetic bristles. 

3. Do not use chemical cleaning products on hardwood floors. Clean them with a mild soap (dishwashing soap) and water. A mop with a soft, microfiber pad is preferable to a cotton mop. The pad should be slightly moist to prevent dulling or discolouring the finish. 

4. If the floor gets wet, use some kitchen napkins to soak up the moisture immediately. 

5. Avoid over waxing unfinished wood floors to restore lustre. If a waxed floor has become dull, try buffing the surface with a polishing machine, and do not apply wax to a polyurethane finish. 

6. Where the protective finish has worn away, do not apply water-based or liquid cleansers. These will penetrate, stain or warp the wood. Rather use a soft-bristled brush or vacuum.