Floor After care & How-To Guide
Important: First Steps After Your Floor Has Been Restored
Your floor finish needs time to dry and cure before normal use. Specific instructions should have been provided at the end of the job. If there is any doubt or you are unsure, call Dave on 01422 530088.
Lacquered Floors
- Light foot traffic (socks only): after 3–4 hours
- Fully cured: after 48 hours
- Rugs / any cleaning: after 7 days
Oiled Floors
- Foot traffic: keep to a minimum during curing
- Fully cured: up to 2 weeks
- Rugs and mats should be avoided during this time
Following these timings is crucial to protect your finish and avoid damage.
Congratulations on your newly restored floors. This page shows you exactly how to look after them—what to use, what to avoid, and when to call us back in. Follow the steps below to keep your floors looking great for years.
DAB Floor Care — Revive. Restore. Protect. | 01422 530088 | Dave@DABCleaning.co.uk
Quick Start: Do This, Not That
- Daily: Dry sweep or vacuum on hard-floor setting (no beater bar).
- Weekly: Light damp mop with the right cleaner for your finish.
- Always: Use entrance mats and fit felt pads on furniture.
- Never: Use steam mops, bleach, vinegar, or saturate with water.
Oiled Wood Floors (e.g. Rubio Monocoat, Osmo)
Routine Cleaning
- Dry clean first: microfibre mop or soft brush to remove grit.
- Prepare solution: use a pH-neutral soap made for oiled floors as directed.
- Damp mop: wring well; the floor should dry within 1–2 minutes.
Periodic Care (6–12 months)
Refresh high-traffic areas with a maintenance oil to restore lustre and protection.
Recommended:
Tip: Test any product in a discreet corner first.
Lacquered Wood Floors (Matt/Satin/Gloss)
Routine Cleaning
- Vacuum on hard-floor setting (no rotating brush).
- Spray and mop: use a lacquer-safe wood floor cleaner.
Periodic Care (2–4 years, use-dependent)
Consider a professional recoat to extend life without full sanding.
Recommended:
Parquet & Patterned Floors
Follow the steps for your finish (oiled or lacquered). Avoid dragging furniture across blocks and fit felt pads to chair legs. Professional sanding/finishing is recommended for parquet to preserve pattern alignment and crisp edges.
Stone & Tile Floors
Routine Cleaning
- Dust mop or vacuum to remove grit.
- Dilute a neutral stone/tile cleaner per label and damp mop.
Sealing & Stain Resistance
Most natural stone benefits from sealing. If your floor darkens with water or marks easily, a fresh seal may be due.
Recommended:
- Neutral Stone Cleaner available direct from DAB Floor Care
- Grout Brush
- See our Stone Floor Cleaning service
Carpets & Rugs
Routine Cleaning
- Vacuum high-traffic areas 2–3 times per week.
- Treat spots promptly with a wool-safe, residue-free spotter, available direct from DAB Floor Care.
See our Carpet Cleaning service · Rug Cleaning (collection & return)
Protection & Prevention
- Entrance mats: one outside, one inside to trap grit and moisture.
- Felt pads: fit to chairs/tables; replace when worn.
- Indoor humidity: aim for 40–60% to minimise movement in wood.
- Plant pots: use saucers and check for trapped moisture.
Recommended:
Our Recommended Products
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FAQs
Can I use a steam mop on wood floors?
No. Steam forces moisture into the timber and can damage the finish and joints.
What’s the best cleaner for my floor?
Use a product matched to your finish: oiled floor soap for oiled floors, lacquer-safe cleaner for lacquered finishes, neutral cleaner for stone/tile.
How often should I re-oil or re-coat?
Light domestic: oiled floors 12–24 months; lacquered floors 2–4 years. Busy homes/commercial spaces may need more frequent care.
When should I call a professional?
Grey patches where finish has worn through, deep scratches, heavy staining, or if DIY cleaning leaves a sticky film.
Need Professional Help?
If your floor needs a deeper clean, re-oil, or a protective re-coat, we can help. We offer virtually dust-free sanding, specialist stone cleaning and sealing, and low-moisture carpet cleaning.
Request a quote | Wood Floor Sanding | Stone Floor Cleaning | Carpet Cleaning
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Last updated: 21 August 2025
