After the Sand

Floor Care Guide

A freshly sanded and polished timber floor is an investment. Here is how to keep it looking its best for years to come. These tips apply to floors finished with Bona Traffic HD and other water-based polyurethane finishes.

The First 48 Hours

Your new finish needs time to fully cure. Follow these rules for the first two days after completion.

Walk in socks only for the first 24 hours. No shoes, no bare feet (natural oils can mark the finish).
No furniture for at least 48 hours. The finish is touch-dry but not fully cured.
No rugs or mats for 7 days. The finish needs airflow to cure properly.
Keep pets off for 48 hours where possible. Claws can dent the uncured surface.
Ventilate the room — open windows to help the curing process.

Daily & Weekly Care

Sweep or vacuum regularly with a soft-bristle attachment. Grit is the number one enemy of timber floor finishes — it acts like sandpaper underfoot.
Damp mop only — never wet mop. Use a well-wrung microfibre mop with clean water or a pH-neutral timber floor cleaner. Bona Floor Cleaner is specifically designed for water-based finishes.
Wipe up spills immediately. Standing water is the enemy of timber.
Use felt pads under all furniture legs. Replace them every 6-12 months as they collect grit.
Use door mats at all entry points to catch grit and moisture before it reaches the timber.

What to Avoid

Steam mops — the heat and moisture will damage the finish and can warp boards.
Vinegar, bleach, or ammonia-based cleaners — these strip the finish over time.
Oil-based polish or wax on a polyurethane finish — they create a sticky residue that dulls the surface.
Dragging furniture — always lift and place. Even felt pads cannot protect against dragging on grit.
Stiletto heels — the pressure per square centimetre can dent even the hardest timbers.
Direct sunlight without protection — UV will yellow and fade timber over time. Use curtains or UV-protective window film in sun-exposed rooms.

Maintenance Schedule

Timeframe	Action
Daily	Sweep or vacuum with soft attachment
Weekly	Damp mop with pH-neutral cleaner or Bona Floor Cleaner
Every 6 months	Check and replace felt pads under furniture
Every 1-2 years	Consider a Bona maintenance coat (buff and recoat) in high-traffic areas
Every 10-15 years	Full sand and recoat — call Wayno

Want to learn more about your timber?

Timber Species Guide Our Sanding Process Read the Blog

Floor Care Guide

The First 48 Hours

Daily & Weekly Care

What to Avoid

Maintenance Schedule

Floors due for a refresh?