Refresh Hardwood Floors for Spring

Assess the Condition of Your Floors

When spring arrives, it’s a good time to thoroughly inspect your hardwood floors and see if they need any repairs or refinishing. Here are some things I look for when assessing my floors in the spring:

• Scratches or gouges: Hardwood can get scratched and damaged over time. Inspect for any deep scratches that may need repairs.
• Cloudiness: Floors can look dull and cloudy from dirt buildup over the winter. See if a good cleaning and polishing will remove cloudiness.
• Worn finish: Does the finish look worn or flaky in high traffic areas? That’s a sign a new coat of polyurethane may be needed.
• Warping or cupping: Look for any warped or cupped boards that may have gotten damaged from moisture. These may need to be replaced.
• Discoloration: Fading from sunlight, water damage, or staining are other issues to look out for. Refinishing may help.

Thoroughly inspecting each room and making notes on problem areas will help me prioritize what needs to be done when I go to refresh my floors. Addressing any repairs first is key.

Deep Clean Floors

Now it’s time to give my floors a deep clean before refreshing the finish. Here are the steps I take:

• Sweep and vacuum to remove any loose debris and dirt. Get into corners and baseboards.
• Wash floors with a hardwood floor cleaner and microfiber mop. I like to use Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner.
• For stubborn spots, use a stiff brush and concentrated floor cleaner.
• Rinse thoroughly with a lightly damp mop to remove any residue.
• Let floors dry completely before moving on to refinishing steps. Make sure there’s no remaining moisture.

Taking the time to deeply clean hardwoods will allow the new finish to adhere better. Consulting a flooring professional on the best cleaners to use is a good idea as well.

Refinish Worn Floors

If my hardwood floors are looking worn out or are starting to show some cupping or damage, I’ll want to consider fully refinishing them. Here’s a rundown of the process:

• Sand floors with progressively finer grit sandpaper, usually starting with 60-80 grit. An orbital floor sander rental makes the job easier.
• Vacuum up all dust between sanding.
• Continue sanding up to 120-150 grit for a smooth finish.
• Apply stain if desired to change color or cover discoloration. Wipe on evenly with a rag.
• Apply 2-3 coats of polyurethane, allowing drying time between coats. Water-based is good for low-VOC.
• Lightly sand with 220 grit sandpaper between finish coats for best adherence.
• Add felt pads under furniture legs to protect floors.

Refinishing can take some work, so hiring a pro is a good option if I don’t want to DIY. But the results can make floors look brand new and last for years.

Use Polyurethane to Refresh Finish

If my hardwood floors are in good shape structurally but just need some revitalization, applying a new coat of polyurethane is an easy DIY refresh. Here are the steps:

• Lightly sand floors with 150-180 grit sandpaper to scuff up the existing finish. Vacuum dust.
• Apply 1-2 thin coats of water-based satin polyurethane with a paint pad applicator.
• Allow 2-3 hours of drying time between coats.
• Add a third coat if desired for extra protection and sheen.
• Gently sand with 220 grit sandpaper before final coat.
• Avoid heavy traffic on floors for 24 hours after final coat.
• Add felt furniture pads to protect the refreshed finish.

Polyurethane will seal and protect hardwoods while also giving them a like-new shine. It breathes new life into floors at a fraction of the cost of fully refinishing.

Maintain Floors Year-Round

To keep my hardwood floors looking their best after spring refresh, I make sure to maintain them properly year-round:

• Sweep and vacuum regularly to prevent dirt buildup.
• Wipe spills quickly to avoid stains and water damage.
• Use rugs at entryways and high-traffic areas to limit wear.
• Keep humidity and moisture controlled in the home.
• Rearrange furniture periodically to allow even wear and light exposure.
• Reapply polyurethane as needed, about every 2-3 years.
• Consider seasonal deep cleaning and polishing.

With some periodic care and attention, I can keep my hardwoods shining beautifully long after spring cleaning. A refreshed floor really brings a sense of renewal to the whole home.