If you’ve chosen prefinished hardwood flooring for your home or business, you already know one of its biggest advantages: durability. Prefinished floors come with a factory-applied finish that’s tough, uniform, and designed to withstand daily wear and tear. But even the strongest surfaces need proper care to stay looking their best.

Whether your floor is made from traditional oak or wide-plank white oak, a good cleaning routine will keep it in top shape for years to come. Here’s a step-by-step guide to safely and effectively clean your prefinished hardwood floors—without dulling the finish or damaging the wood.

What You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the right tools. You don’t need anything fancy, just some basic supplies that are gentle on wood but effective against dirt and grime:

• Soft-bristle broom or microfiber dust mop
• Vacuum with a hardwood-safe floor attachment (no beater bar)
• PH-neutral hardwood floor cleaner
• Microfiber mop
• Clean, dry towels (optional)

Avoid steam mops, wax-based products, and abrasive scrubbers as they can damage or strip the finish of your prefinished flooring.

Step 1: Dry Clean First

Start by removing any dust, dirt, or debris from the surface. A soft-bristle broom or a dry microfiber dust mop is perfect for this job. If you prefer vacuuming, just make sure your vacuum has a setting for hardwood floors or a special attachment that won’t scratch.

Why this step matters:

Grit and dirt can act like sandpaper, scratching your finish every time you walk across the floor. Keeping the surface clean prevents premature wear.

Step 2: Damp Mop—The Right Way

Next, use a slightly damp microfiber mop and a hardwood floor cleaner designed specifically for prefinished surfaces. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions on how much to use, and never oversaturate the mop.

A few important tips:

• Wring out your mop well. Too much water can seep between planks and cause swelling or warping.
• Work in sections and dry any wet spots with a towel as you go.
• Avoid homemade vinegar solutions. These are too acidic and can dull your floor’s finish over time.

Step 3: Spot Clean as Needed

Sticky spills? Muddy paw prints? Use a clean cloth lightly dampened with floor cleaner to spot-clean specific areas. Just like with mopping, avoid soaking the spot. You want to clean the mess, not the subfloor.

For oil-based spills or tough stains, check with our team at City Floor Supply before trying any heavy-duty solutions.

How Often Should You Clean Prefinished Hardwood Floors?

The answer depends on your space and lifestyle. In general:

• Daily or every few days: Dry dust mop to pick up dirt and crumbs
• Weekly: Damp mop high-traffic areas
• Monthly or as needed: Full-room cleaning

Homes with pets, kids, or lots of foot traffic might need more frequent touch-ups. On the flip side, rooms that aren’t used as much (like guest bedrooms) can go longer between cleanings.

Tips for Keeping Your Floors Cleaner, Longer

• Use rugs or mats at entryways to trap dirt before it hits your floor
• Add felt pads to the bottom of furniture to prevent scratches
• Take your shoes off indoors, especially heels or cleats
• Wipe up spills as soon as they happen

These small habits go a long way in protecting the finish and maintaining the natural beauty of your hardwood.

Beautiful Hardwood Floors That Will Last

Prefinished hardwood floors are a smart choice for their durability and ease of maintenance, but like any investment, they need proper care to stay looking great. With the right cleaning routine and a little preventive effort, your floors can keep their rich color and finish for years to come.Still have questions? Feel free to reach out to us anytime for care tips specific to your brand or finish. A clean floor is a happy floor!