Protecting Your Investment for Decades to Come
Congratulations on your beautiful hardwood floors! Whether newly installed or freshly refinished, your hardwood floors represent a significant investment in your home's beauty and value. With proper care and maintenance, they can remain beautiful for generations to come.
At Dean's Floor Service, we've been installing and refinishing hardwood floors for over 35 years. During that time, we've learned exactly what it takes to keep hardwood floors looking their best. This comprehensive care guide shares our professional knowledge to help you maintain your floors' beauty for decades.
Understanding Your Hardwood Floor Finish
Before discussing specific care techniques, it's important to understand your floor's finish. The finish—not the wood itself—is what you walk on, and it serves as the protective barrier for your hardwood.
- Clear appearance without amber tones
- Typically requires 7 days to fully cure
- Lower odor during application
- Most modern hardwood floors use water-based finishes
Daily and Weekly Maintenance
- Sweep or vacuum regularly with a soft-bristle broom or hardwood floor attachment
- Dust mop with a microfiber mop to pick up fine particles
- Remove shoes at the door to prevent tracking in dirt and grit
- Clean spills immediately with a slightly damp cloth, then dry thoroughly
Protecting Your Floors from Damage
- Use felt protectors under all furniture legs
- Replace felt pads regularly as they collect dirt and wear down
- Never drag furniture across your hardwood floor
- Use protective mats under rolling chairs or replace the wheels with soft rubber versions
Seasonal Care
- Maintain consistent indoor humidity levels (35-55% ideal)
- Use a humidifier during winter months to prevent gaps between boards
- Run air conditioning in summer to prevent excessive humidity
- Consider installing a whole-house humidifier on your furnace
Addressing Common Issues
- Minor surface scratches can often be addressed with touch-up kits specific to your finish
- Deeper scratches may require professional attention
- Preventative measures are always better than repairs
When to Consider Refinishing
Your hardwood floors may need refinishing when:
- The finish has worn through to bare wood in areas
- Scratches and damage have accumulated beyond simple repairs
- Cleaning no longer restores the floor's appearance
- You desire a color change or updated look
Refinishing Options
A maintenance refinishing that addresses the floor's surface:
- Abrades the current finish without removing it completely
- Applies a fresh coat of finish
- Best for floors with surface wear only
- Can be completed in as little as one day
- Should be done every 3-5 years depending on traffic
Professional Maintenance Services
Dean's Floor Service offers professional maintenance services to extend the life of your hardwood floors:
- Professional cleaning to remove built-up residue
- Screen and recoat services to refresh your finish
- Repair services for damaged areas
- Consultation on proper care techniques
Products We Recommend
While we can't endorse specific brand names here, we recommend:
- Microfiber mops for daily cleaning
- Hardwood-specific vacuum attachments to prevent scratching
- Professional-grade hardwood floor cleaners (available upon request)
- Humidifiers for winter months
- Felt furniture pads
Common Questions About Hardwood Floor Care
Light cleaning (dust mopping) should be done several times weekly, with more thorough cleaning as needed, typically weekly.
Whether you are looking to restore an existing floor or install a new hardwood floor, we'll give you an honest, straight forward estimate.
Need Professional Help with Your Hardwood Floors?
Dean's Floor Service has been caring for hardwood floors in Chicago's southwest suburbs for over 35 years. If you have questions about maintaining your floors or need professional services, we're here to help.
Contact Us Today or call us at 708-424-3011 to speak with one of our hardwood floor experts.
Quality you can stand on since 1988