Tips & Frequently Asked Questions About Hardwood Flooring
Serving Billings, MT & surrounding areas
How Do I Care For My New Hardwood Floors?
Care of your floors starts with knowing from our crew or estimator what time you may re-enter your home or building. Enter only after that time in stocking feet and open the windows to ventilate the area, then leave the home/building immediately. If the floor is still tacky to the touch, do not enter the area, and please call us. Re-enter about 4-6 hours later. Treat newly finished floors with care, especially during the first 2-3 weeks. Wait 24 hours before entering with shoes. Wait for at least 3 days before putting heavy furniture on the floor. All furniture will need felt pads on the legs before being placed on the floor.
Rolling casters need a floor pad, as they do a lot of wear on the wood floors. Allow 3 weeks before covering floors with area rugs of any kind. Make sure to put a rubber pad specifically for area rugs under it to prevent slippage.
Never Wax A Swedish Finish Floor
Cleaning & Maintenance
Sweep with a broom, dust mop, “dry” Swiffer, or vacuum with a wide brush attachment. Do not use spray-type dusting aids. After 3 weeks, you may wash your floor with a damp sponge mop or well rung cloth, using cool water and white vinegar. Ratio: about 1/2 cup white vinegar to one-gallon water. Wipe dry with a towel, if you prefer. We also do recoating of floors that have been previously Swedish finished for a fraction of the cost and the mess of having them resanded. This extends the life of the wood floor and gives it a like-new shine. It will soften scuff marks from wear but will not correct scratches in the wood, dents, or discoloration due to contact with water. This works wonders for a floor if it has been maintained properly, which means it has never been waxed, cleaned with any soaps, or had foreign material on it such as (but not limited to): dusting aids, hair spray, painting products, or oils such as Murphy’s Oil Soap.
Floor Ventilation Information
After Soft Touch Design applies the Glitsa Swedish Finish to your hardwood floors, proper ventilation is essential to remove any lingering solvents and odors from the air.
Why Ventilation Is Important
Glitsa finishes contain solvents that evaporate into the air. Without proper airflow, these fumes can cause discomfort such as headaches, nausea, or breathing issues. Ventilating the space ensures that these fumes are replaced with fresh outdoor air, making your home or business safe to occupy again.
When to Begin Ventilating
Ventilation should begin approximately 12 hours after the finish has been applied. This may vary depending on factors like:
- Temperature
- Humidity
- How thick the finish was applied
Your flooring contractor will determine the ideal time to start ventilating. A good sign to look for is when the floor is dry to the touch, which helps prevent airborne dust from sticking to the new finish.
How to Ventilate Effectively
The best way to ventilate is to:
- Open windows and doors on opposite sides of the room or building to create a cross-breeze.
- Use box or attic fans to help push the solvent-laden air out and pull fresh air in.
- Ventilate the entire building, not just the finished area, since fumes can migrate.
Note: Some of the solvent fumes are heavier than air and will settle low to the ground unless you actively circulate air. As a rule of thumb: if you still smell solvents, keep ventilating.
When the Space Can Be Reoccupied
Most structures can be safely re-entered 24 hours after the finish is applied—provided that proper ventilation has occurred. The finish will continue to cure over the next 2–4 weeks, during which light odors may still be noticeable.
If an odor is still present during this curing period, continue ventilating. Individuals who are sensitive to chemical fumes may want to delay re-entry a bit longer to be safe.