After spending hours refinishing your hardwood floors, the last thing you want is for them to get damaged. But, unfortunately, accidents happen, and it’s important to know how to protect your floors in case of an accident. In this post, we’ll walk you through some tips on how to protect newly refinished hardwood floors.
Why You Need to Protect Your Floors
There are a few reasons why you need to protect your newly refinished hardwood floors. First, the finish is still curing and can be easily damaged. Second, the floors are more susceptible to scratches and scuffs because the new finish is not as hard as the factory finish. Third, if your floors are damaged, it will be more difficult and expensive to refinish them again. Finally, protecting your floors will help them last longer.
Some Effective Ways How to Protect Newly Refinished Hardwood Floors
1. Put Mats at All Entrances to Your Home.
Put mats both inside and outside of all entrances to your home. This will help to trap dirt, sand, and other debris that can scratch your floors. To do this effectively, make sure to choose mats that are made of soft material and have a non-slip backing.
2. Place Rugs in High Traffic Areas.
In addition to mats, you should also place rugs in high-traffic areas such as hallways, living rooms, and kitchens. Rugs will help to protect your floors from scratches, scuffs, and dirt. Choose rugs that are made of a durable material and have a non-slip backing. Place them securely, so they don’t move and cause tripping accidents.
3. Use Furniture Pads.
To protect your floors from scratches, place furniture pads under all of your furniture. You can find furniture pads at most hardware stores. To do this effectively, make sure to choose pads that are made of soft material and are the right size for your furniture. Make sure to choose the right size pad for your furniture and to replace them when they start to wear down.
4. Remove Your Shoes.
One of the best ways to protect your floors is to remove your shoes when you enter your home. This will help reduce the amount of dirt and debris tracked onto your floors. If you have guests, make sure to provide a place for them to store their shoes. You can also place mats or rugs by the entrances to your home so guests can wipe their feet before entering.
5. Keep Your Floors Clean and Dust-Free.
Another way to protect your floors is to keep them clean and dust-free. This can be done by sweeping or vacuuming your floors regularly. It would help if you also mopped your floors with a mild cleaning solution to remove any dirt or debris that has been tracked onto your floors.
To do this effectively, choose the right cleaning solution for your floors and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you have any spills, make sure to clean them up immediately to prevent staining.
6. Protect Your Floors from the Sun.
The sun can damage your floors by fading the finish. To protect your floors from the sun, make sure to keep the blinds or curtains closed during the day. You can also place rugs or furniture in front of windows to help block the sun’s rays. If you have sunrooms or skylights, make sure to use UV-resistant window film to help block the sun’s rays.
7. Avoid Water Damage.
Water can damage your floors by causing the finish to peel or fade. To avoid water damage, make sure to wipe up any spills immediately. You should also avoid mopping your floors with a wet mop, as this can cause water to seep into the cracks and crevices of your floors. Finally, if you have a leak, make sure to fix it immediately to prevent further damage.
8. Avoid Spills and Tracked in Mud.
Mud can damage your floors by staining the finish. To avoid this, make sure to wipe up any spills immediately and remove your shoes before entering your home. You can also place mats or rugs at the entrances to your home so you can wipe your feet before entering. If you have pets, make sure to wipe their paws before they enter your home.
9. Keep Pets’ Nails Trimmed.
Pets’ nails can damage your floors by scratching the finish. To avoid this, make sure to keep their nails trimmed and filed regularly. You can also place mats or rugs in front of doors to help catch any dirt or debris they may track. If you have an indoor pet, make sure to provide them with a soft place to sleep, so their nails don’t damage your floors. Pets’ nails can also damage your furniture, so make sure to trim them regularly.
10. Use Door Mats.
Door mats can help to protect your floors from dirt, debris, and water. Place them securely so they don’t move and cause tripping accidents. You can also place them in front of doors to help catch any dirt or debris that may be tracked in.
11. Avoid Walking on Your Floors with Heels.
High heels can damage your floors by leaving indentations or scratches. To avoid this, make sure to take them off before walking on your floors. You can also place mats or rugs in high-traffic areas to help protect your floors. If you must wear heels, make sure to choose a softer sole, so it doesn’t damage your floors.
12. Place Furniture Coasters Under Heavy Furniture.
Heavy furniture can damage your floors by leaving indentations or scratches. To avoid this, make sure to place furniture coasters under the legs of heavy furniture. You can also use area rugs to help protect your floors from scratches. If you must move heavy furniture, make sure to lift it instead of dragging it across your floors.
How Much Does It Cost To Refinish Hardwood Floors?
The cost to refinish hardwood floors varies depending on a number of factors. These include the type of wood, the size of the room, and the condition of the floors. The average cost to refinish hardwood floors is $2,500. However, this price can range from $1,000 to $4,000, depending on the abovementioned factors.
How Often Should You Refinish Hardwood Floors?
It would be best if you refinished hardwood floors every 3-5 years to keep them looking their best. However, this may vary depending on the type of wood and the amount of traffic your floor gets. If you’re not sure how often to refinish your floors, consult a professional for advice.
Tips and Warnings on How to Protect Newly Refinished Hardwood Floors:
Tips:
1. Immediately after the refinishing process is complete, avoid walking on your floors for at least 24 hours.
2. Place rugs or mats at all entrances to your home to help protect your floors from dirt, gravel, and other outdoor debris.
3. Use furniture pads under all legs of chairs, couches, and tables to prevent scratches.
4. Keep your floors clean by sweeping, dusting, or vacuuming regularly.
5. When cleaning your floors, use a cleaner specifically designed for hardwood floors.
6. Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners that contain waxes, oils, or silicones, as these can damage your floors.
Warnings:
1. Do not place rugs or mats over your floors until they have had time to cure.
2. Avoid walking on your floors with shoes that have high heels or hard soles, as this can dent or scratch the surface.
3. Do not allow liquids to sit on your floors for extended periods of time as this can damage the finish.
4. Do not use steam cleaners or wet mops on your floors as this can also damage the finish.
5. Avoid furniture with sharp edges as this can scratch the surface of your floors.
Conclusion
This article has provided you with information on how to protect newly refinished hardwood floors. Congratulations on your new hardwood floors! Now that they’re installed, it’s important to take steps to protect them, so they stay look beautiful for years to come.
Follow our tips below, and you can be sure your floors will retain their luster for as long as possible. Have questions or need more help? Contact us today – we’d be happy to assist you further. Thanks for reading!
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