Wood Floor Cleaning Services

 

Lacquered Wood Floor Cleaning

Lacquered wood floors are a beautiful and timeless feature in any home, providing a durable and elegant surface that can withstand the rigors of daily life. However, to maintain their pristine appearance and preserve the integrity of the finish, a specific and methodical approach to cleaning and maintenance is absolutely essential. The fundamental rule for caring for lacquered wood floors is simple: they and water do not make good homes together. Excess moisture is the number one enemy of a wooden floor, as it can cause the wood to warp, swell, and even lead to permanent damage. This comprehensive guide is designed to explain the entire process of professional wood floor cleaning, polishing, and sealing, detailing why a proactive approach is the best way to protect your investment and maintain the natural beauty of your floors for many years to come. From daily upkeep to periodic deep cleaning and restoration, we will cover every step of the journey, emphasizing the importance of using the right tools and products to achieve a flawless result.

Wood Floor Cleaning

The most important aspect of maintaining a lacquered wood floor is a consistent, daily cleaning routine. While it might seem like a simple task, the right technique is crucial for protecting the finish. The primary goal of daily wood floor cleaning is to remove dust, dirt, and grit that can act like sandpaper underfoot, causing microscopic scratches that dull the surface over time. The best way to accomplish this is with a flat mopping system or a kit like the Bona Wood Floor Spray Mop. These systems are superior to traditional mops because they are designed to be used with minimal moisture, ensuring the floor is never saturated.

For a thorough daily clean, you should first sweep or dry-mop the floor with a microfiber pad to remove all loose debris. For a more intensive clean, a damp mopping can be done using a pH-neutral cleaner specifically formulated for lacquered wood. It is critically important that the mop is only slightly damp, not wet. The cleaning solution should be sprayed directly onto the pad or a small section of the floor, not poured directly onto the wood. This method provides the perfect amount of moisture to clean without risking damage. Using a high-quality, non-residue cleaner, such as Bona Cleaner, is also vital, as a sticky film can attract more dirt and make the floor look dull. By following this daily routine, you can prevent the most common forms of damage and ensure your floors remain in top condition.

Wood Floor Polishing

When a lacquered floor starts to show signs of wear, such as fine scratches or a loss of its original luster, wood floor polishing is a highly effective way to restore its appearance. Polishing, in this context, refers to applying a water-based floor polish or refresher to the surface. This polish provides a sacrificial layer that takes the wear and tear of daily traffic, protecting the original lacquer underneath. It is a much more cost-effective and less invasive solution than a full re-sanding and re-lacquering. The professional process begins with a meticulous cleaning. All old sealers and all the residue should be fully removed before the surface could be polished. This is a crucial step that ensures the new polish will adhere correctly and provide a flawless finish.

Once the floor is impeccably clean and dry, the new polish is applied in a thin, even coat. On lacquered wooden floors the owner can use water based refreshers or water based floor polishes. This can be done with a flat mopping system and a clean applicator pad. It is important to apply just a thin layer to avoid streaks. After the first coat has dried completely, a second coat can be applied for enhanced durability and shine. This periodic application of polish is a cornerstone of professional wood floor sealing, as it replenishes the protective layer that keeps the floor looking brand new. It is a process that requires attention to detail and a methodical approach to ensure a perfect, long-lasting result.

Lacquered Floor Sealing

While a polish is a great way to maintain a floor's appearance, a full lacquered floor sealing provides a more robust and long-lasting protective layer. This is a process that is typically done by a professional once per year, or as needed, depending on the level of foot traffic. A professional sealing service goes beyond a simple mop and polish. It begins with a deep cleaning using specialized equipment, such as a floor machine and a powerful cleaner like Bona Deep Cleaning Solutions, to remove stubborn, embedded dirt and grime that daily cleaning cannot reach.

After the floor is thoroughly cleaned and prepped, a water-based floor sealer is applied. Unlike a polish, which can be applied by a homeowner, a full sealer is often a more durable product that requires a professional application to ensure a uniform and long-lasting finish. The sealer penetrates the lacquer's microscopic pores, providing a more robust barrier against spills and abrasions. Refreshed with a coat of water based floor sealer once per year, your floor will be shielded from the most common forms of damage. This proactive approach to wood floor sealing is the most effective way to protect the original finish and avoid the need for costly and invasive sanding and re-lacquering down the road. It is a critical part of a comprehensive maintenance plan that is a hallmark of professional wood floor restoration services.

Best Wood Floor Cleaners

Choosing the right cleaner is the single most important decision in daily wood floor cleaning. Using a generic cleaner, or one not specifically formulated for lacquered wood, can leave behind a sticky residue that attracts more dirt, or, even worse, contain chemicals that can dull or damage the lacquer. The best wood floor cleaners are pH-neutral and designed to be non-streaking and non-residue. We recommend using a professional-grade product to ensure the best results.

Some of the top cleaners on the market are:

• Bona Cleaner and Bona Deep Cleaning Solutions: Bona is a well-known brand in the wood floor industry. Their daily cleaner is a standard for professional use, while their deep cleaning solution is used with specialized equipment to prepare a floor for a professional polishing or sealing job.

• Tover Pullito: This is a professional-grade cleaner known for its effectiveness in breaking down dirt without harming the finish.

• Chimiver Velurex Star and Chimiver Velurex Sport: These products from Chimiver, a renowned manufacturer, are designed for high-traffic environments. Velurex Sport is specifically formulated for areas like sports halls, highlighting its superior cleaning power and durability.

The correct way to use these cleaners is in conjunction with a flat mopping system, which ensures the floor is cleaned with the correct amount of moisture. By using these high-quality, professional products, you can maintain a clean and beautiful floor without the risk of causing damage.

Best Wood Floor Polishes

The right polish can transform a dull and worn-out floor into a brilliant, beautiful surface. Just like with cleaners, choosing the correct polish is vital for achieving a professional finish. All of the best polishes are water-based and formulated to work specifically with lacquered wood floors. We recommend the following professional-grade polishes:

• Bona Wood Floor Polish: This is a standard in the industry for a reason. It is easy to apply and provides a durable shine that revitalizes a tired-looking floor.

• Cleanfast Floor Polish 25%: This is a high-solids, professional-grade polish that provides a superior shine and a more robust protective layer. The "25%" refers to its high concentration of polishing agents, which results in a harder, longer-lasting finish.

• Chimiver Re-Pair Matt and Chimiver Re-Lack Gloss: These are specialized polishes designed for different types of finishes. Re-Pair Matt is used to restore a matte finish, while Re-Lack Gloss is used to restore a glossy finish. These products are staples in professional wood floor polishing and restoration services, as they allow a professional to perfectly match the floor’s original appearance.

Applying 1-2 coats of floor polish in conjunction with a flat mopping system is the best way to ensure an even, beautiful finish. By using these professional products, you can achieve a superior result that protects your floors and keeps them looking their best.

FAQ

Q: What is the biggest mistake people make with lacquered wood floors? A: The biggest mistake is using too much water. People often use a soaking wet mop, which can cause the wood to warp and swell. The key to safe wood floor cleaning is to always use a flat mopping system with a slightly damp pad.

Q: Do I need to remove old polish before applying a new coat? A: Yes, it is absolutely essential to remove all old sealers and all the residue. If you apply a new coat of polish over an old, dirty, or damaged one, the finish will be cloudy and uneven. A professional wood floor restoration services company has the right products and machines to do this correctly.

Q: Can I use a regular mop on my wood floor? A: No, you should not use a traditional mop on a wood floor. A traditional mop holds too much water and can damage the wood. A flat mopping system with a spray-on cleaner is the only safe and effective method for cleaning.

Q: How often should I polish my wood floors? A: All wooden floors should be washed daily with a dry mop. For a deeper clean, a damp mop with a proper cleaner should be used regularly. For polishing, it is recommended to apply a coat of water based floor sealer once per year, or as needed, depending on the level of foot traffic.

Q: Why should I hire a professional contractor? A: We recommend the hiring of the professional contractors as the best solution for wood floor polishing and sealing. Professionals have the correct tools, such as floor machines for deep cleaning, and access to commercial-grade products like Cleanfast Floor Polish 25% that can provide a superior, longer-lasting finish. They can also perform a full lacquered floor sealing and a proper wood floor restoration services that cannot be done with consumer products.