Floor Care 101: Maintenance Tips for Hardwood, LVP, Tile & More
- Katrina M.
- Jul 21
- 4 min read
Congratulations on your new floors! Whether you've recently had hardwood installed or refinished, upgraded to luxury vinyl plank (LVP), installed tile, or completed another flooring project, proper care and maintenance are essential to keeping your floors looking beautiful for years to come.
At Prestige Hardwood Flooring, LLC, we believe quality craftsmanship deserves quality care. Following these maintenance recommendations will help extend the life of your floors, protect your investment, and maintain your warranty coverage.
Caring for Newly Finished Hardwood Floors
Proper curing is one of the most important steps after your hardwood floors have been refinished.
Water-Based Finishes
Immediately After the Final Coat
Wait 4–5 hours before walking on the floor (socks only).
Wait 3 days before moving furniture back onto the floor.
During the First 3 Days
Walk in socks only.
Do not place area rugs on the floor.
Do not wet clean.
Sweep daily using a microfiber dust mop.
Keep pets off the floor whenever possible.
Do not use steam mops or industrial vacuums with wheels.
After three days, you can move furniture back!
After 7 days
Area rugs may be placed back on the floor.
Normal cleaning can begin.
Oil-Based Finishes
Immediately After the Final Coat
Wait 12 hours before walking on the floor (socks only).
Wait 7 days before returning furniture.
During the First 7 Days
Walk in socks only.
Do not place area rugs on the floor.
Do not wet clean.
Sweep daily using a microfiber dust mop.
Keep pets off the floor whenever possible.
Do not use steam mops or industrial vacuums with wheels.
After 14 Days
Area rugs may be installed.
Normal cleaning may begin.
Hardwood Floor Care
Routine maintenance is the key to preserving the beauty and longevity of your hardwood flooring.
Regular Cleaning
Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt, dust, and grit.
Use a vacuum designed for hard surface flooring or disable the rotating brush roll.
For routine mopping, spray an approved hardwood cleaner directly onto the floor and clean using a damp microfiber mop. Never soak the floor.
Approved Cleaners
We recommend:
Bona
Woodwise
Poly Glow
Products to Avoid
Avoid using:
Wax
Floor Polish
Oil soaps (including Murphy's Oil Soap)
Steam mops
Excessive water
Engineered Hardwood Flooring Care
Engineered hardwood offers outstanding durability, but it still requires proper maintenance.
We recommend:
Sweeping or vacuuming frequently.
Cleaning with a damp microfiber mop and an approved hardwood or laminate floor cleaner.
Never soaking or steam cleaning the floor.
Avoiding waxes, polishes, and oil-based cleaners.
Wiping up spills immediately.
Maintaining indoor humidity between 30% and 50%.
Using window coverings to reduce prolonged direct sunlight.
Installing felt pads beneath all furniture.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Care
Luxury vinyl plank flooring is durable and easy to maintain when cared for properly. For best results:
Sweep or vacuum frequently using the hard floor setting.
Damp mop using warm water and a neutral pH cleaner such as Bona for Vinyl or another LVP-approved cleaner.
Avoid abrasive scrub pads.
Do not use bleach, ammonia, wax, or solvent-based cleaners.
Use felt pads beneath furniture.
Never drag furniture across the floor.
Maintain indoor temperatures between 60°F and 80°F.
Tile & Grout Care
Tile flooring is extremely durable but still benefits from routine maintenance.
To keep your tile looking its best:
Sweep or vacuum regularly.
Clean using a pH-neutral tile cleaner or mild detergent.
Avoid acidic or bleach-based cleaners that may damage grout or sealers.
Mop using warm water and dry the floor afterward rather than allowing standing water.
Reseal grout and natural stone every 1–3 years, as recommended.
Use felt pads beneath furniture.
Place entry mats near exterior doors to reduce dirt and scratches.
Protect Your Floors from Furniture
Furniture and appliances are among the most common causes of flooring damage.
To prevent scratches and dents:
Install felt pads beneath furniture legs.
Replace worn felt pads regularly.
Never drag heavy furniture across the floor.
Use a dolly or air sled when moving appliances or heavy furniture.
Taking a few extra minutes during a move can prevent costly repairs later.
Maintain Proper Humidity & Temperature
Wood naturally expands and contracts with seasonal humidity changes.
To help prevent excessive movement:
Maintain indoor humidity between 30% and 40%Â during winter for solid hardwood.
Maintain 30% to 50%Â humidity for engineered hardwood.
Keep indoor temperatures above 60°F year-round for hardwood flooring.
For LVP, maintain temperatures between 60°F and 80°F.
If your home becomes especially dry during the winter, a whole-home or portable humidifier can help protect your flooring.
Watch Your Footwear
Shoes can have a bigger impact on your floors than many homeowners realize.
To minimize wear:
Avoid high heels that can dent hardwood.
Remove work boots before entering your home.
Keep rocks, gravel, and debris from being tracked across the floor.
Consider a shoes-off policy to reduce everyday wear.
We're Here to Help!
Proper maintenance is the best way to protect your flooring investment, and we're always happy to answer questions along the way.
Whether you need advice on cleaning products, want to schedule a professional maintenance coat, or are considering refinishing or replacing your floors, Prestige Hardwood Flooring, LLC is here to help.
We proudly serve homeowners and businesses throughout Northern Colorado with expert craftsmanship, honest service, and flooring solutions built to last.
Have questions? We'd love to hear from you! katrina@prestigehardwoodflooringllc.com
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