Wood floor sanding is much less disruptive than it used to be. Gone are the days when it created a lot of hassle and disruption to daily life. Today's services are more advanced, professionally performed, and a positive experience. However, even with innovative dust-collection equipment and quality, odourless products, wood floor sanding still involves some mess. There will always be some dust created during sanding. Professionals use powerful vacuums to remove dust, but some likely will escape the room. Here's how to deal with it.
Plan Ahead
Taking time to prepare before the wood floor sanding service begins will make the cleaning process much smoother. Cover any furniture, rugs, or valuables left in the room with lightweight sheets or tarps. Tape down the edges to secure them. Clear any breakables or items that could scratch the bare wood after sanding. Remove curtains, wall hangings, plants, and decor from the room. Place rubber or silicone seals under the doors leading to other rooms to contain the dust. You may also want to shut off forced-air heating and cooling vents to prevent dust from circulating. Designate an entry point and pathways through the home for the work crew to follow. Planning for containment and easing access will streamline the sanding service and prevent dust from spreading. With some advanced preparation, you can focus on the flooring results rather than the mess.
Vacuum Thoroughly
Vacuuming frequently and thoroughly is crucial for keeping dust under control during a wood floor sanding project. Use a powerful vacuum with strong suction to remove the fine sawdust created by sanding. Vacuum in overlapping paths across the entire floor to cover all areas. Switch to a soft brush or felt vacuum head attachment after the sanding is done to gently clean the bare wood without scratching it. Get into corners and along baseboards where dust gathers. You may need to vacuum some spots multiple times to fully get up all the fine dust. Continue vacuuming the sanded room, as well as any adjacent rooms or hallways where dust has traveled. Avoid brooms or dusters which can scatter dust into the air. The more diligent you are about vacuuming from start to finish, the cleaner your home will be post-sanding. Your efforts will pay off in a smoother finished floor.
Use Water Sparingly
It's important to avoid excessive water when cleaning a freshly sanded wood floor. Water can damage unfinished wood by causing swelling, warping, discolouration, and erosion of the surface. The grain of the wood will raise up when wet, which can impact how smoothly the new finish is applied. Standing water or moisture trapped under rugs is even more detrimental. Use a slightly damp mop only when necessary, wringing it nearly dry first. Clean only a small section at a time, immediately drying the area with a clean cloth. Never wet mop a whole room and leave it to air dry. For wiping up spills or drips from cleaning products, always use a dry cloth. Limit water to spot cleaning only. Ultimately, dry vacuuming is the safest and most effective cleaning method after sanding. The more you can limit moisture exposure, the better your sanded wood floor's condition will be for an optimal finish.
Use the Right Cleaning Products
If using a cleaning product on your sanded wood floor, be sure to choose one specifically designed for finished wood floors. Avoid multi-surface cleaners or products with harsh chemicals, acids, or abrasives that could damage the wood. Look for a cleaner made for polyurethane-coated hardwood if your floor has a urethane finish. Make sure it is non-toxic and safe for families and pets. The ideal wood floor cleaner will be pH neutral rather than acidic or alkaline, to avoid stripping the finish. Check that the product can help enhance the shine and appearance of your flooring. Using the wrong cleaner could dull or damage the finish. Test any new product on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it does not affect the colour or coating. With the right wood floor cleaning product, you can safely and easily maintain your floor's beauty.
