People love wood floors because they’re familiar with its transformative power. Hardwood can bestow elegance and a homely feeling upon any space. However, floor refinishing in Los Angeles is a necessary service homeowners need to restore and maintain the glow of hardwood.
Refinishing is the process of restoring the appearance of the material and extending its lifespan through a series of steps. These steps include sanding, repairing, and re-coating the surface. Refinishing is highly effective against dents, scratches, stains, and signs of wear and tear.
Caring for Refinished Floors
Refinishing takes time and money, but the real struggle begins after. The process will make the floor look as good as new, but what do you need to do to keep it that way?
- The Role of Temperature
Once you’re done with floor refinishing in Los Angeles, you must keep the room at the right temperature, at least for the first week. Try to keep it between 68-75 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range is perfect for the finish to cure and set properly, ensuring floor resilience and longevity.
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Place the Rugs Later
After refinishing the floor, give it time before covering it up. Wait at least a fortnight to eighteen days before replacing rugs or mats. During this time, the finish will harden and stick to the wood. The pause ensures the protective layer forms correctly to safeguard the surface against wear and tear. A bit of patience goes a long way in extending the life and beauty of the floors.
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Proper Ventilation
Proper ventilation is crucial immediately after refinishing. After the floor refinishing contractors in Los Angeles apply the last coat, wait six hours, and then crack open the windows to facilitate cross-ventilation. In doing so, the finish dries evenly, and all lingering odors from the refinishing products vanish. Ensure airflow for fifteen to thirty minutes to create a safe and comfortable indoor environment.
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Avoid Mopping
Don’t let the temptation of mopping the floor overwhelm you. The refinished surface needs a break from all forms of wet cleaning. The floor requires time to cure. If you introduce moisture or cleaning agents, you’ll compromise the seal and durability of the finish. Use dry methods of floor cleaning, such as sweeping or vacuuming with a soft brush broom to get rid of the dust and debris.
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Furniture Shuffling
By now, you’ve probably noticed that patience is mandatory for the whole process. So, wait at least a day after the final application of the finish before you start moving your furniture back in. Also, remember to lift the pieces instead of dragging them across the floor to avoid scratches and dents. For heavy furniture, consider using felt pads, plywood over blankets, or any other method to distribute the weight to avoid direct contact with the floor.
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Tread Lightly
Keep all heeled shoes and hard-sole footwear away from the floor for a while. This helps prevent scratches or dents. Wear soft slippers or socks when walking on the finished surface. It’ll make a significant difference in keeping the floors pristine. Encourage all members of the household, as well as guests, to stick to the rule.
Final Words
Well, there you have it – a six-step guide on maintaining refinished hardwood floors. After the process of floor refinishing in Los Angeles concludes, just follow the guidelines above to avoid compromising the beauty and integrity of the wood.