Now that your floors have been refinished, you need to know how to properly maintain them afterwards. This also applies to maintaining your floors for the long run. The better kept the longer they will last you.
Walking
Please wait 4-6 hours to start walking on your floors. When you walk on your floors, please wear socks because the oils on our skin can ruin the curing process of your new floors. The longer you wait to walk, the better the curing process. Depending on the type of polyurethane you use, the curing process can be long or short. Below is a break down:
Water-based: Oil-Based:
Curing: 7-14 days Curing: 30 days Drying: 4-8 hrs. Drying: 12-24 hrs
More expensive Cheaper
Furniture & Rugs
Wait 24 hours to replace your furniture. Always pick up your furniture to move them, and avoid dragging as this may cause scratches and damage the floors curing process. Keep rugs off your floors for a minimum of 1 week, preferably 2. During this process, solvents are evaporated and the strong fumes fade away.
Pets
If you have pets, try to keep them off your newly finished floors for as long as possible. A minimum of 48 to 72 hours is best. To avoid dents and scratches, try to keep your pet's nails trimmed. If your pet has an accident on the floors, quickly clean it up before any damages develop.
Cleaning
It is best to start cleaning your floors after 2 weeks because water and other liquids can ruin your floors. Avoid using products that contain soaps, oil, polish, or wax. Use a microfiber dust mop and use bona floor cleaning products. This also applies to when you clean your floors on a regular basis. Avoid wax as much as possible as this can lead to bacteria build up on your floors and create a waxy look on your floors.
Indoor Climate
Please ensure your home's temperature is set between 60 - 80 degrees. The Humidity level of your home should be 38% - 55%. Use a humidifier during winter and use a dehumidifier during the summer. When the humidity in your home exceeds 50%, it can lead to various problems with your wooden floors. The absorption of excess moisture causes the planks to expand, resulting in cupping, when the centers of the planks curve down, and the edges curve up. Conversely, high humidity can result in crowning, where the centers of the planks rise higher than the edges. In extreme cases, the floorboards may buckle, separating from the subfloor and forming a peak. Hardwood floors require a humidity level of at least 38% to prevent damage. Anything below this threshold will cause the planks to dry out and possibly crack, as well as increase gaps between them. Dry air can also lead to splits and cracks, requiring the entire flooring to be replaced.
Windows
Please ensure to close curtains and blinds during very sunny hours to prevent damage to hardwood floors. Naturally, your floor's color will fade or darken over time. The long exposure to sun can create discolor on your floors.
If you have any concerns about the curing process or the durability of your floors, don't hesitate to reach out to us for guidance. It's always better to take precautions to protect your investment and ensure the longevity of your floors. With proper care, your new floors will look beautiful and last for many years to come.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us via email at theartisticwoodfloors@gmail.com